CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati announced on Thursday it had re-signed 2016 USL Goalkeeper of the Year Mitch Hildebrandt to a new contract. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

“When we spoke to Mitch prior to signing him last year, he wanted an opportunity to prove himself and I believe he did that,” said FC Cincinnati Head Coach John Harkes. “There is a reason why he was the USL Goalkeeper of the Year. He worked on his skills constantly and also incorporated a disciplined regimen in regards to his conditioning, fitness and nutrition. We are excited to have him back because he is someone who will work tirelessly to help FCC win a USL Cup Final.”

Hildebrandt helped lead Cincinnati to a remarkably successful inaugural season in the USL, as he posted a 0.86 goals-against average and .742 save percentage while starting every game of the regular season. A former PDL Goalkeeper of the Year for the Michigan Bucks in 2011, Hildebrandt produced numerous highlight-reel moments throughout the season, including a double-save against Toronto FC II that earned the No. 3 position on SportsCenter's Top Ten.

Hildebrandt joins a large contingent of players set to return to FCC for the club’s second season in the USL, with fellow USL All-League First Team selection Harrison Delbridge joined by team assist leaders Corben Bone and Omar Cummings in the players set to feature for the club next year.

“I couldn’t be happier about staying in Cincinnati,” said Hildebrandt. “I’m very excited about 2017 and the team that we are bringing back. The off-season will be a more relaxed one now that we’ve finalized things. With regards to training, there are things I have on the list to work on but for now, I will take the time to rest and rejuvenate so I can come back in February ready to help the team build off of 2016.”

Hildebrandt was a fan favorite last season with supporters chanting “Mitch Says No!” following each save by the goalie.

“Mitch has been a fantastic player for us on the pitch and he has also been a great ambassador for the franchise, forming a strong bond with not only our Bailey supporters but also with our younger fans,” said President and General Manager, Jeff Berding. “Because we value the connection our fans have to our players, it was important to bring Mitch back and maintain a level of continuity in our roster to allow those connections to grow stronger.”