Thursday marks two months since FC Cincinnati’s scheduled 2020 home opener at Nippert Stadium. That match never happened, of course, but we’re getting closer to soccer resuming once again.
Players returned to the Mercy Health Training Center for individual exercise sessions, and there are rumblings of play resuming in the Citrus Capital.
We’ll see.
Just like always, there are plenty of questions. I hope this mailbag is a source for some answers. Questions can be submitted here or at by tweeting at me. Thanks!
Dave: If the season opens up without fans, is there any reason they couldn’t use the Mercy Health Practice Field to play those matches without fans on?
My reasoning are, it would be cheaper than renting out Nippert. The pitch would be on grass, much better match playing on grass, than on the turf of Nippert. I would think it would be easier for the policing (keeping fans out) of Mercy Health than open campus UC.Mercy Health is a much smaller venue, it wouldn’t look as bad via TV than what big old Nippert would. Honestly, I can’t think of one good reason why FC Cincinnati would want to play at Nippert, than on their own grass practice field, nor can I think of a reason the MLS wouldn’t allow it to happen.
Thanks for the question, Dave, and I think it’s a decent idea. If teams are playing in their respective markets, playing matches at MHTC – assuming the proper broadcasting equipment was installed – makes sense. I like the idea of games on grass, too.
However, the rumor of the week is that MLS is discussing teams transplant to Orlando. MLB has suggested a similar idea. I don’t know if that’d happen, but I do think all the teams in one location limits transportation/possible COVD-19 transmission, while also allowing games to occur with shorter intervals.
But yes, if games came to Cincinnati behind closed doors, MHTC could be a good idea. But we also don’t know what specifications the league is asking for in venues potentially being considered.
Wucas: Will teams be playing in their own stadium when mls returns or will it be based on in.
Nothing’s set, but there seems to be rumor that teams will be centralized. Like the previous answer, criss-crossing the country is less practical and safe.
Luke: Might Locadias loan and buyout be restructured? Could you give an example of a loan extension?
Nothing’s been confirmed. Jürgen Locadia’s initial loan expiration date July 5 was set based on the assumption that the Dutchman had already made 15 or so appearances for Cincinnati. That gave enough time to see if FCC wanted to sign Locadia permanently.
Locadia saying he wants to stay in Cincinnati helps the Orange and Blue. That said, how much does the team want to spend on someone who’s played 116 minutes? That’s a risk whenever, let alone during the current global economic situation – while the club is paying $250 million to complete West End Stadium.
There’s a lot at stake for the player and both clubs. There’s no rush to finalize anything with so much uncertainty in MLS and the English Premier League. The rush is restarting league play.
Has COVID-19 helped you get better at skills you don’t always practice in training?
I wouldn’t say skills have changed much given limited access to players on fields. That said, a positive from this is players recovering from injury.
Jimmy McLaughlin will be physically stronger and closer to a full ACL recovery than he was in preseason. He said as much, and the same goes for Kekuta Manneh and his shoulder.
These might sound like little things, but they help a player’s psyche and confidence. Once players get their touch back, there’s a chance both are better players then than when preseason started in January.
Custohair: Tupac or biggie
Biggie. (East Coast > West Coast, and “The Low End Theory” by A Tribe Called Quest is my favorite hip hop album.)
