The last time my mailbag was scheduled to publish before FCC’s home opener, MLS suspended the season because of the pandemic. (No, that’s not going to happen between now and Friday night’s game.)
It’s been 11 months since FC Cincinnati last played at Nippert Stadium, so let’s celebrate that they’re back, hope the team’s current momentum continues and see if that can lead to a win.
As always, thank you for the questions and the feedback! Feel free to submit more here.
Ronak99222: How will we use our new signing with the talent we already have in the midfield?
Good question, and I think the competition to make the starting XI as a defensive midfielder just got a lot harder. We’ve seen Caleb Stanko, Frankie Amaya, Haris Medunjanin and even Allan Cruz in that role. Add Kamohelo Mokotjo into the mix, and I can see someone else losing a starting spot. The competition is good, though. It’s good to have depth, but quality depth makes a huge difference.
Diego123Thompson: How have the team adapted to Jaap Stam’s tactical approach
So far, so good.
FCC using the 5-3-2 well shows the team knows its strengths and embraces them. That takes a lot of trust and communication from both the coaches and players alike.
What shouldn’t be forgotten is that FCC looked really dangerous when they reverted to the 4-3-3 in the final minutes against the Portland Timbers. That the team can switch so easily is promising and shows there’s respect in the team’s tactics.
Iamkatlehomahlalela: In which country and in which league is the team playing? FROM: South Africa
Molo(!) and FC Cincinnati play in MLS in the United States and Canada. I need to wear my Bloemfontein Celtic jersey I got back in 2010 in Johannesburg. I loved South Africa when I visited and I hope some South Africans are able to see our awesome city, Cincinnati!
Thewhitersx: We want to see Rey Ortiz play.
Same! He’s had a promising start for the Charlotte Independence and I hope that continues. This is a wild season to be a rookie in any sport.
Krjsku: What do I need to do to go watch a training
Being honest: There’s not much anyone can do. Trainings are not open to the public, or to anyone for that matter. Because of the pandemic and an MLS tiering system, I haven’t seen any of our players (and most of my coworkers) since March 12.
Colefn15: Will the first team ever get to meet the academy teams?
It might be awhile before that meeting is in person, but players from the youth teams and first team met on Zoom to discuss different topics back in April. I think it was a great idea between assistant coach (former interim head coach) Yoann Damet and Larry Sunderland, the director of player development. Here’s what players from both teams said.
Nolimitcousins: What do the players think about their new stadium being built
I think everyone’s excited. While 2021 is a long way away for players, everyone on the roster – and head coach Jaap Stam – joined FC Cincinnati to be part of a “project.” That project centers around West End Stadium opening up. Everyone loves Nippert Stadium, but I think there’s a lot of excitement about what comes next.
Tanner_holmes7: Any chance FCC could create a partnership with a broadcaster? (i.e. FS Ohio) similar to the Reds?
FCC has a partnership with WSTR Star 64 to show local matches on television. Additionally, there’s a simulcast, so fans can also listen to FCC on WDJO on AM and FM radio!
