Justin Hoyte is FC Cincinnati personified.
As the club grew from USL into an MLS expansion franchise, Hoyte’s career resurged and saw the English defender climb first through divisions, then through the depth chart.
So, when FCC hosted Orlando City SC this past Sunday night in the 2019 home finale, Hoyte made sure to thank supporters who’ve not only followed the club this season, but followed his career as well.
Before kickoff, he sent sentimental social media posts highlighting one more match at Nippert Stadium.
After the final whistle, he walked around the field, thanking supporters for their passion and patience. Along the way, he clapped, high-fived fans and even gave his cleats to one fan on the east sideline – the sideline he patrolled for three seasons as a right back.
“Knowing it’d be my last home game at the stadium, (the social media post and his post-match actions) were just a thank you for the memories I’ve had,” Hoyte said after the game. “Just the support they’ve showed me and everyone at the club … they’ve shown nothing but love for the team. For me, it’s just to say thank you to everyone and show appreciation not only from me, but from past players.
“That’s the message,” Hoyte added. “It’s just nice to be loved by fans and give that love back."
It’s unknown what Hoyte’s current contract situation is. Whether the defender’s post about “last home game” had to do with 2019 or in general, it was a thoughtful gesture for a player who’s seen a career revival while playing for the Orange and Blue.
Back in 2017, Hoyte was a free agent and tired of playing lower-division soccer in England. He’d recently gone on trial for an Irish team, but when that didn’t work, he needed to decide between his two options: continue playing or retiring?
Hoyte got a call that FC Cincinnati wanted another outside back. Hoyte wanted to play in the U.S.
The match was perfect.
“A lot of teams said no, and Cincinnati was the one that chose me to give me the opportunity,” he said. “When I got the opportunity to come on trial, it was on me to make sure I took the opportunity and made the most of it so I could stay as long as I could.”
In three seasons, his 69 competitive appearances rank fifth among the club’s all-time appearance list.
In what started as a trial to play for a second-tier club has become an extended stay, and, ultimately, a return to a country’s top level with 17 MLS appearances this season.
“It’s been a really good time, from coming on trial to playing in MLS, which is where I wanted to play and wanted to be,” Hoyte said. “I’ve loved every minute of it. I just thank everyone for that.”
