FC Cincinnati arrived in the USL with a bang, as record attendances at Nippert Stadium cheered on a high-powered team that finished with the best record of any expansion side in the 2016 USL regular season. An upset defeat at the hands of the Charleston Battery in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the USL Cup Playoffs put a slight damper on the club’s success in its inaugural season, and since then there has been a change in Head Coach and the departure of 2016 USL Most Valuable Player Sean Okoli to New York City FC. The club’s offseason additions should be more than adequate replacements, though, with new Head Coach Alan Koch also bringing with him a run to the Western Conference Final of last season’s postseason.

Head Coach: Alan Koch
Stadium: Nippert Stadium
2016 results: 16-6-8, 56pts
2016 postseason: L 2-1 vs. Charleston Battery

Goalkeeper: Mitch Hildebrandt’s first season as a full-time starter saw the former Michigan Bucks standout become a hero to The Bailey at Nippert Stadium, and earn USL Goalkeeper of the Year and All-League First Team honors. The 28-year-old’s re-signing this offseason ensured continuity in goal, and he will have familiar company with Dan Williams and Dallas Jaye both back with the side for its second season.

Defense: FCC center back Harrison Delbridge joined Hildebrandt in earning individual silverware as he was awarded team Defender of the Year after appearing in all but one of the club’s games. The Australian leads a good returning group, with local standout Austin Berry, Pat McMahon and Tyler Polak all back for another season. The addition of 2014 USL Cup Finalist Matt Bahner should prove a positive move as well. FCC has also been using Paul Nicholson as cover at center back, giving the side depth in the center.

Midfield: Two of FC Cincinnati’s biggest offseason moves included two players from its River Cities Cup rival Louisville City FC, with midfielder Aodhan Quinn making his way north to take what will likely be a key role in FCC’s midfield this season. Quinn’s presence alongside veterans Kenney Walker and the attacking flair provided by the likes of Jimmy McLaughlin and Eric Stevenson should give FCC’s midfield balance, and Quinn’s ability to deliver from set pieces could make the side even more dangerous in the attacking third.

Forward: Okoli signing with New York City FC to return to MLS this offseason left the club with some big shoes to fill, but FCC appears to be deeper at forward this year than it was a season ago with the additions of Kadeem Dacres from Louisville City FC, Senegal veteran Djiby Fall and last season’s No. 1 selection in the USL 20 Under 20, Victor Mansaray, on loan from Seattle Sounders FC. Add in the likes of Andy Craven and Daryl Fordyce, and the returning Andrew Wiedeman and Omar Cummings, and FCC has not only depth, but also the opportunity for tactical flexibility.

Strengths: On paper, FC Cincinnati should be one of the favorites to claim the USL Cup in November, with a strong returning core supplemented by some excellent talent from around the rest of the USL and elsewhere. Cincinnati finished tied for third-fewest goals conceded in the regular season a year ago, and with a strong group of attackers being supplied by the likes of Stevenson, Quinn and Dacres, the side should challenge for the most goals scored in the regular season.

Weaknesses: The biggest challenge for new Head Coach Alan Koch may be keeping things on the right path as the battle for consistent playing time among his players looms ahead. After everything he achieved with Vancouver last season, you would expect Koch is up to the challenge, but making sure everyone remains on the same page, and is ready to step up when called upon, will likely be key to the team’s success.

Key number: 17,926 – FC Cincinnati’s average attendance in its inaugural season set a USL record, and with more than 11,000 season ticket members for the new season – almost double its total a year ago – Nippert Stadium could be an even tougher place to visit in 2017.

Noteworthy matchups: A season-opening visit to the Charleston Battery gives FCC an early chance at revenge for its playoff elimination last season, and its opening three games at home against Saint Louis FC (April 15), USL newcomers the Tampa Bay Rowdies (April 19) and Louisville City FC (April 22) should all be must-see contests. A trip to Louisville on July 15, which will see former City players Kadeem Dacres and Aodhan Quinn return as members of FCC, should add more heat to the River Cities Cup clash.

Coach’s view: “I think we’re going to have a very, very competitive group. I love to coach an attacking style of soccer, and I think you can already see that. We’re encouraging the guys to get forward and get forward as quickly as you can. … It’s going to take time for us to get comfortable and get on the same page, but I have a lot of confidence in this group already and I’m excited to work with them.” – FC Cincinnati Head Coach Alan Koch

Current roster (updated: March 15, 2017):
Goalkeepers: Mitch Hildebrandt, Dan Williams, Dallas Jaye
Defenders: Matt Bahner, Tyler Polak, Harrison Delbridge, Pat McMahon, Austin Berry, Derek Luke, Mélé Temguia
Midfielders: Aodhan Quinn, Kenney Walker, Paul Nicholson, Eric Stevenson, Aaron Walker, Francisco Narbon, Corben Bone, Jimmy McLaughlin, Marco Dominguez
Forwards: Kadeem Dacres, Djiby Fall, Casey Townsend, Omar Cummings, Daryl Fordyce, Andrew Wiedeman, Victor Mansaray, Andy Craven