FC Cincinnati: Building a Soccer Legacy in Ohio

FC Cincinnati: Building a Soccer Legacy in Ohio

FC Cincinnati is one of Major League Soccer’s most ambitious expansion franchises, officially joining the league in 2019. The club’s creation was rooted in a city-wide passion for soccer, initially ignited by a successful lower-division team of the same name that competed in the United Soccer League (USL) from 2016 to 2018. That USL team consistently drew massive crowds—sometimes over 30,000 fans per game—setting attendance records and proving that Cincinnati could sustain top-level professional soccer. MLS took notice, and the league awarded the city an expansion franchise, marking a major milestone for Ohio soccer.

FC Cincinnati was founded with the mission of establishing a professional soccer identity in the Midwest. The club’s colors—blue and orange—were chosen to reflect the vibrancy of the city and its community spirit, while the lion crest symbolizes courage, strength, and the city’s historical ambition. The club’s nickname, “The Orange and Blue,” quickly became synonymous with the passionate fanbase that turned Nippert Stadium into one of the loudest venues in MLS during the team’s early years.

The inaugural MLS season in 2019 was challenging. Despite their lower-division success, the club faced the steep learning curve that often accompanies the jump to the top tier. Nevertheless, the team showed flashes of promise, with young players like Yuya Kubo and veteran signings making an impact. FC Cincinnati demonstrated a resilience emblematic of the city itself—a determination to compete against established clubs while rapidly building its identity.

Culture and community have always been central to FC Cincinnati. Supporters’ groups like The Pride, Die Innenstadt, and Skyline Crew have created a raucous matchday environment, complete with chants, banners, and coordinated tifos. The club has quickly become a civic symbol, attracting fans from all corners of the Cincinnati metro area and creating a shared sense of pride and belonging.

Trivia: FC Cincinnati’s USL team set a single-game attendance record of 37,978 in 2017, an impressive feat that helped convince MLS of the city’s viability for top-tier soccer.

Rivalries

Rivalries are essential for FC Cincinnati’s identity, and several have developed rapidly since the club’s MLS debut. The most intense is with Columbus Crew, a natural geographic and historical rivalry known as the “Hell is Real Derby.” Named after a billboard along I-71 between Columbus and Cincinnati, the rivalry is fierce and deeply rooted in regional pride. Matches often feature intense fan displays, emotional exchanges, and a high-stakes competitive edge. Wins in this derby are celebrated across the city, while losses are felt for weeks.

Another emerging rivalry is with Louisville City FC, though this is more relevant in USL history and community connections than MLS play. As both teams grow in prominence, regional bragging rights remain important to supporters.

FC Cincinnati has also built competitive narratives with Chicago Fire FC, Nashville SC, and Inter Miami CF, particularly in matches with playoff implications or dramatic results. These rivalries are often fueled by player transfers, tactical battles, and historic moments on the field.

Trivia: The “Hell is Real Derby” is one of the most colorful and visually striking rivalries in MLS, with fans often traveling hundreds of miles to support their team in both Cincinnati and Columbus.

FC Cincinnati: Ownership

FC Cincinnati is owned by Carl H. Lindner III, a Cincinnati-based businessman, and his family’s investment group, which played a pivotal role in the USL team’s success and the MLS expansion bid. The ownership group emphasizes long-term growth, community engagement, and competitive excellence.

Under Lindner and the front office, the club has focused on sustainable development, investing in player scouting, analytics, youth programs, and modern facilities. The leadership has balanced immediate competitiveness with the need to create a solid foundation for long-term success, including plans for a soccer-specific stadium and community outreach programs.

Trivia: Carl Lindner III’s leadership has been compared to David Tepper’s approach with Charlotte FC—combining local business influence with a commitment to building a sustainable soccer culture.

Watch FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati plays at TQL Stadium, a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific venue that opened in 2021. Located in the West End of Cincinnati, the stadium seats over 26,000 fans, making it one of the largest soccer-specific venues in MLS. Designed for both player performance and fan engagement, TQL Stadium features premium seating, supporter sections, modern amenities, and excellent sightlines for every seat.

Supporters’ sections, including The Pride and Die Innenstadt, occupy areas behind the goal, creating a wall of sound and visual displays. On match days, TQL Stadium becomes a cauldron of noise, with fans waving flags, drumming, and chanting for the full 90 minutes. The stadium’s location also allows easy access for fans across the city and region, reinforcing FC Cincinnati’s status as a civic institution.

Trivia: TQL Stadium hosted an MLS match with a sellout crowd of 26,100 during its inaugural season, immediately establishing a reputation as one of the league’s most intimidating venues for visiting teams.

FC Cincinnati: This Season

The 2025 season sees FC Cincinnati in a competitive phase, building on its early MLS experiences. The roster combines domestic talent, international signings, and young players from the club’s academy. Key players include goal-scoring forwards, creative midfielders, and defenders capable of blending physicality with tactical awareness.

Head coach Pat Noonan emphasizes a fast-paced, attacking style designed to exploit the strengths of the squad. The team focuses on high pressing, possession-based transitions, and quick counterattacks, aiming to dominate games while maintaining defensive discipline. Injuries and squad rotation remain challenges, but the depth of talent—enhanced by youth promotions—helps the team sustain competitiveness.

Fans are particularly focused on the club’s Eastern Conference performance, playoff chances, and results against key rivals like Columbus Crew, Nashville SC, and Chicago Fire FC. Every match is an opportunity to reinforce the club’s identity and showcase its rapid growth as a competitive MLS franchise.

Trivia: FC Cincinnati’s first MLS goal was scored by Fanendo Adi, a memorable moment still celebrated by supporters as the team’s historic debut on the league stage.

FC Cincinnati: What to Follow

Several storylines will define FC Cincinnati’s future. First, the growth of its youth academy is pivotal. Producing homegrown talent capable of competing at MLS and international levels is central to the club’s sustainability.

Second, fan engagement remains a top priority. Supporters’ groups like The Pride and Die Innenstadt continue to innovate with chants, tifos, and community involvement, creating a unique stadium atmosphere.

Third, competitive success is essential. FC Cincinnati aims to transition from expansion struggles to a consistent playoff contender. The “Hell is Real Derby” against Columbus Crew will continue to define the team’s identity, while regional and national rivalries contribute to its growing MLS profile.

Finally, player development and strategic acquisitions will shape the club’s long-term trajectory. Balancing international talent with academy graduates, while maintaining tactical flexibility, will determine whether FC Cincinnati can establish itself as a dominant force in the league.

Trivia: FC Cincinnati holds the distinction of being one of the fastest-growing MLS franchises, with record-breaking attendance for an expansion team and a devoted fanbase that helped justify MLS’s investment in Cincinnati.