Established
2018
City
Cincinnati
League History
2019 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2019 – Present / FC Cincinnati
Nickname
FC Cincinnati – FC Cincinnati is one of the newest Major League Soccer teams, and its nickname has an interesting backstory. The team was founded in 2015 as part of the United Soccer League (USL) and had a name-the-team contest to determine its moniker. After receiving over 5,000 submissions from fans worldwide, FC Cincinnati emerged as a clear favorite among supporters.
The name “FC” stands for Football Club – which is how soccer teams are referred to internationally – while “Cincinnati” was chosen to honor the city it plays in and its passionate fan base. The club also wanted something unique that could be easily recognized across all levels of soccer fandom; hence why they chose such an iconic nickname like FC Cincinnati!
As far back as 2017, when they became part of MLS, FC Cincinnati has been working hard to create a strong identity within their home city by engaging with local charities and hosting various events each season. This grassroots approach has helped them become one of America's most famous clubs, with average attendance topping 25k per game! They have even earned nicknames like "The Orange & Blue" or "FCC."
Overall, it's safe to say that no matter what you call them - whether it be 'Orange & Blue' or 'FCC' - there will always be plenty of reasons why fans love this team: from their exciting style on a pitch play right through off-field activities too!
Championship
MLS Cups 0
Stadium
2019 – Present / Nippert Stadium
Owner
2019 - Present / Carl Lindner III, Chris Lindner, David L. Thompson, Jeff Berding, Scott Farmer, Steve Hightower, George Joseph, Mike Mossel, Jack Wyant, Meg Whitman, Griff Harsh
2018 / Carl Lindner III, Chris Lindner, David L. Thompson, Jeff Berding, Scott Farmer, Steve Hightower, George Joseph, Mike Mossel, Jack Wyant
- 2018
- 2019
- 2019
- 2020
- 2022
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FC Cincinnati Team Formation
The owners of the USL club began negotiations with Major League Soccer over a potential expansion franchise in early 2016, and Cincinnati was announced as one of ten cities that had expressed interest in the slots for teams 25 to 28. MLS Commissioner Don Garber visited Cincinnati in December 2016 to tour Nippert Stadium and meet with city and club ... -
FC Cincinnati plays its first MLS match
On March 2, 2019: FC Cincinnati plays its first MLS match, losing 4–1 to Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field. -
Cincinnati hires Ron Jans as its new head coach
On August 18, 2019: FC Cincinnati hires Ron Jans as its new head coach after he previously coached in the Netherlands and Belgium -
FC Cincinnati finishes its second MLS season with a record of 4 wins
On November 8, 2020: FC Cincinnati finishes its second MLS season with a record of 4 wins, 4 draws and 15 losses, placing last in the Eastern Conference and the league overall again -
FC Cincinnati opens the 2022 season
On April 9, 2022: FC Cincinnati opens the 2022 season with a thrilling 5–4 win over New York City FC at TQL Stadium.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati is a soccer team that plays in the Major League Soccer (MLS). The team was founded in 2015 and began playing in 2019. FC Cincinnati has enjoyed success since its inception, making it to the playoffs twice during its first three seasons.
The club's name pays homage to its home city, Cincinnati, Ohio. It also serves as an acknowledgment of the long-standing history of professional soccer teams from this area dating back to 1882 when they were known as Queen City Football Club. Since then, there have been several other teams representing different levels and divisions within US Soccer, including ASL Pro Select League side Cincy Flames (1998–99), USL Premier Developmental League side Cincy Kings (2000–02), USL First Division sides Cincinnati Riverhawks (2003) and Dayton Dutch Lions FC(2009-12).
FC Cincinnati has quickly become one of MLS’s most beloved franchises due mainly to their passionate fan base, often referred to as “Die Innenstadt” or “the inner circle." Their supporters are some of the most loyal fans you will ever find at any sporting event, with chants being sung throughout every matchday experience regardless if they win or lose! This enthusiasm for a relatively new franchise speaks volumes about how much this city loves its local sports teams, making them unique amongst all other clubs across North America. From winning awards such as "Best Expansion Team" by Sports Illustrated Magazine after just two years into existence - it is clear that FC Cincinnati is here to stay!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history