MLS is Back: Group E Preview
By Alex Miller
FC Cincinnati
2019 Record: 12th in the Eastern Conference
2020 Results: 3-2 loss vs. NYRB; 2-1 loss vs. Atlanta United
Head Coach: Jaap Stam
Projected Starters: Spencer Richey; Greg Garza, Kendall Waston, Maikel van der Werff, Mathieu Deplagne; Haris Medunjanin, Allan Cruz, Frankie Amaya, Yuya Kubo, Adrien Regattin; Brandon Vazquez
Notable Absentees: Jurgen Locadia — A thigh injury that should last a couple of weeks
There was a tangible excitement around FC Cincinnati at the start of the 2020 season and during lockdown. Jaap Stam stepped down at Feyenoord and took the MLS job seven months later, and he was eager to make the most of the added attacking talent that the club acquired in the offseason. Brandon Vazquez signed from Nashville SC, winger Yuya Kubo came over from Belgian side Gent, while fellow Dutchmen Jurgen Locadia and Siem de Jong are set to play key roles, too.
However, Cincinnati’s reliance on older defenders like Greg Garza and Kendall Waston could counteract any offensive creativity — which the team still lacks at the elite level. Locadia looks to be unavailable for the early stages of the MLS is Back Tournament and the remaining attackers have not proven themselves yet. Even a despondent Atlanta United strolled past Cincinnati in March.