FC Cincinnati decided to do something a little off the beaten path: bringing in Tah Brian Anunga, a quietly effective midfield workhorse. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t grab the headlines but is essential for keeping everything ticking along. And, honestly? This could turn out to be a brilliant move. Anunga’s the type of player you only fully appreciate when he’s not on the field. And for a team like Cincinnati, looking to cement its spot among the league’s heavyweights, he might just be exactly what they need.
The truth is, Cincinnati isn’t just taking a shot on a random name. The team finished third in the Eastern Conference last season, showing that their project is definitely moving in the right direction. They made it to the playoffs, but got knocked out early, which revealed one key thing: they needed more balance in the middle of the field.
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Enter Anunga. He’s coming in to fill that gap. Of course, he’s not going to solve every problem by himself, but he’s the kind of piece that can bring stability to the most unpredictable part of any team: the midfield.
Plus, signing someone like Anunga through free agency? That’s the kind of move that shows some real financial smarts. While a lot of teams are out there throwing money at high-risk gambles, Cincinnati’s playing it safe. His contract runs through 2025, with an option for 2026, definitely a sign that they’re thinking long-term.
If there’s one word to sum up Anunga, it’s dependable. During his five years with Nashville SC, he played in 109 games. Even though he only started about half of them, he was always there when the coach needed someone to step up and steady the ship. He’s the kind of guy who can read the game, win tackles at just the right moment, and distribute the ball without breaking a sweat. Sure, he’s not going to land on any season highlight reels with a stunning goal, and that’s totally fine!
The fact that Anunga is leaving Nashville after the 2024 season doesn’t signal a drop in form; it’s just a team going in a different direction. For Cincinnati, though, it’s the perfect chance to snag what could be the peak of his career, he’s 28, after all.
And let’s talk about the timing here. Cincinnati’s 2025 schedule is about to get real busy. They’ll kick things off in the Concacaf Champions Cup against FC Motagua, a tough Honduran side that won’t make things easy. Then, the MLS regular season starts right after, with a tough game against the New York Red Bulls.