FC Cincinnati bolstered their squad ahead of the 2021 MLS season with three new players and a resource for adding another. In the span of two days, the Orange and Blue acquired Costa Rica international Ronald Matarrita from New York City FC and signed both winger Ben Mines and goalkeeper Cody Cropper. Additionally, FCC acquired a 2021 international roster spot from Nashville SC in exchange for $175,000 in General Allocation Money.
Matarrita, 26, comes to FC Cincinnati following five seasons in Major League Soccer with New York City FC (2016-20). The pacey outside back has made 106 appearances, including 89 starts, scoring four goals and adding 13 assists in MLS regular-season matches. In addition, he has made eight career MLS Cup Playoffs appearances, including seven starts.
Cropper, 27, joins FC Cincinnati following five years in Major League Soccer including stints with the New England Revolution (2016-19) and Houston Dynamo FC (2020). Cropper has made 36 starts, including 10 shutout performances, in his MLS career.
Mines, 20, was chosen with the first selection of the 2020 End-of-Year Waivers Draft on Wednesday, Dec. 16. The Red Bull Academy product has made a combined 57 appearances, including 20 starts, while scoring five goals and adding six assists for the New York Red Bulls and New York Red Bulls II since 2016.
For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.
Information about seating options at the club’s state-of-the-art West End Stadium – which will open in Spring 2021 – is now available at westendstadium.com. For more information about 2021 season memberships, visit westendstadium.com or the stadium’s social properties on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at @WestEndStadium, or by calling the team’s sales and service staff at 513-977-5425.
