FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati is a professional soccer club in Cincinnati, Ohio, that competes in Major League SoccerMLSMajor League Soccer (MLS) is a top-flight professional soccer league comprising clubs in the United States and Canada. Play began in 1996, and the league has 30 clubs divided between Eastern and Western Conferences in 2026.Open the full entry and plays at TQL Stadium.
Contents10 sections
Key facts
2015–2017Beginning in the USL
FC Cincinnati was announced on August 12, 2015, with USL play beginning in 2016 at the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. In 2017, it reached the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, losing 3–2 in extra time to the New York Red BullsRed Bull New YorkRed Bull New York (RBNY) are a Major League Soccer club based at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The club has competed in MLS since 1996, previously as the MetroStars, and is owned by Red Bull.Open the full entry after leading 2–0.[1]
May 2018–2019Securing an MLS Place
MLS awarded Cincinnati an expansion place on May 29, 2018. Led by managing owner Carl H. Lindner III, the club retained the FC Cincinnati name and began MLS competition in 2019, using Nippert Stadium until its new venue was ready.[2]
The club lost its MLS debut 4–1 at Seattle SoundersSeattle Sounders FCSeattle Sounders FC is an MLS professional soccer club in Seattle, Washington, with Lumen Field as its regular home venue.Open the full entry on March 2, 2019, then won its first MLS home match 3–0 against Portland TimbersPortland TimbersPortland Timbers is a professional soccer club in Portland, Oregon. Awarded an MLS franchise in 2009, it began league play in 2011 and plays at Providence Park.Open the full entry on March 17.[1]
2021TQL Stadium Opens
In 2021, the club named Total Quality Logistics as naming-rights partner for its new TQL Stadium. The announcement set May 1 as the opening date and May 16 against Inter Miami as its inaugural home match.[3]
October 2022First MLS Playoff Berth
On October 9, 2022, Cincinnati beat D.C. UnitedD.C. UnitedD.C. United is a professional soccer club in Washington, D.C., competing in MLS at Audi Field. An original member of the league in 1996, it won MLS Cup in 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004.Open the full entry 5–2 away on the final day of the regular season to clinch its first MLS playoff berth, finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference.[4]
September 2023Winning the Supporters’ Shield
A 3–2 victory at Toronto FCToronto FCToronto FC is an MLS professional soccer club in Toronto, Ontario. It began play in 2007, plays at BMO Field and won its first MLS Cup in 2017.Open the full entry on September 30, 2023, secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield and the overall top playoff seed. Aaron Boupendza scored the winner in the 72nd minute.[5]
December 2023Eastern Conference Final Defeat
In the Eastern Conference Final at TQL Stadium on December 2, 2023, Cincinnati led Columbus CrewColumbus CrewColumbus Crew is an MLS club in Columbus, Ohio, operated by Haslam Sports Group and the Edwards family. Its home is ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.Open the full entry 2–0 but lost 3–2 after extra time. Christian Ramírez scored the decisive goal in the 115th minute.[6]
November 2025Exit in the Eastern Semifinals
Cincinnati’s 2025 MLS Cup playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 4–0 home loss to Inter Miami at TQL Stadium on November 23.[7]
May 2026Noonan Reaches 75 League Wins
Cincinnati defeated Orlando CityOrlando CityOrlando City SC is a Major League Soccer club based in Orlando, Florida. Awarded an expansion franchise in 2013, it began MLS play in 2015. Its home stadium is Inter.co Stadium.Open the full entry 6–2 before the league’s World Cup break in May 2026. Head coach Pat Noonan reached 75 MLS wins in 151 games, matching Brian Schmetzer’s record pace at the time.[8]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
FC Cincinnati: Official website: https://www.fccincinnati.com/ (opens in a new window).[9]
Sources
- The FCC timeline: 8/12/2015 to now | FC Cincinnati (opens in a new window)
- Major League Soccer Awards Expansion Team to Cincinnati | MLSSoccer.com (opens in a new window)
- Introducing TQL Stadium: The New Home of FC Cincinnati | FC Cincinnati (opens in a new window)
- RECAP | FC Cincinnati earn first MLS Cup Playoff berth in dominant display against D.C. United | FC Cincinnati (opens in a new window)
- RECAP | FC Cincinnati defeat Toronto FC 3-2, capture Supporters’ Shield | FC Cincinnati (opens in a new window)
- RECAP | FC Cincinnati fall 3-2 to Columbus Crew in Eastern Conference Final | FC Cincinnati (opens in a new window)
- RECAP | FC Cincinnati 0, Inter Miami CF 4 | FC Cincinnati (opens in a new window)
- FC Cincinnati players success to Head Coach Pat Noonan: “We’re in the right direction because of him.” | FC Cincinnati (opens in a new window)
- FC Cincinnati - Official Site (opens in a new window)