3 Takeaways from FC Cincinnati Preseason Training Camp

Aaron Boupendza is ready to go

Boupendza or Boup, as he is known in Cincinnati is ready to put his past behind him. At the end of the 2023 season with FCC, he was disciplined by the club for returning late from an international break for his country Gabon. Also, Boupendza is in legal trouble in his home country as it is alleged he is being blackmailed over a sex tape that was stolen from his phone. Suffice it to say, he has had an eventful off-season.

With the departure of Brandon Vazquez, Boup is being looked to as the natural replacement. Last season Boup scored 6 goals and assisted one in 14 appearances including the playoffs. 2023 was not necessarily the most prolific season, but this preseason, Boupendza has started strong. In the 4 games this preseason he has 6 goals and has been combining well with 2023 MLS MVP Lucho Acosta.

Going forward FC Cincinnati will not have to worry about punishing Boupendza for arriving late from Gabon as he was dismissed from the team in 2023. So for 2024, Boup looks ready to go and if the preseason is any indication, he should be ready for a great regular season.

2024 MLS Cup is the only goal

2023 for FC Cincinnati by all accounts was an excellent season. Winning the 2023 Supporters Shield brought the first silverware to the club that was founded in 2015. But everyone at the club is still wanting more. Losing to rival Columbus Crew in the semi-finals left a nasty taste in the mouths of all Cincinnatians. Then watching the Crew go on to win the MLS Cup right after made it even worse. Some players have come in and some have left the club, but the goal remains the same, FCC is working to win the MLS Cup 2024. Anything less is not acceptable.