For three seasons, FC Cincinnati were the worst team in Major League Soccer. They had the wooden spoon to prove it. 2023, though, has been an altogether different story with Pat Noonan’s side crowned Supporters’ Shield winners. Cincy have been the dominant force at the top of the Eastern Conference.
As number one seeds, FC Cincinnati are the favourites to go all the way in the playoffs. In Lucho Acosta, they boast the league’s MVP with the Argentine MLS’s most potent attacking threat in terms of his combined goals and assists (17 goals and 10 assists) this year. He has the ability to decide a match all on his own.
In Matt Miazga, Cincy also have one of the league’s most dominant central defenders with Obinna Nwobodo also one of the best defensive midfielders. Noonan’s team caught the eye for their attacking verve, but their success has been built on sound defensive foundations. They are difficult to play against.
Historically, though, being Supporters’ Shield winners doesn’t guarantee success in the post-season. Los Angeles FC bucked the trend by winning MLS Cup last year, but they are the only Supporters’ Shield winners to have completed the double in the last five seasons. Playoff soccer is a different discipline from regular season soccer.
Cincy’s form dipped towards the end of the regular season. They won just three of their final six fixtures with injuries to a number of players a factor. Noonan needed to find a way to revive his team ahead of the playoffs, and after a resounding 3-0 against the New York Red Bulls, it appears he may have done so.
In an electric atmosphere at TQL Stadium, Àlvaro Barreal netted two wonderful goals – one an excellent bit of team play instigated by the winger, while his second was a searing practice-field volley he set up for himself off the cross from Acosta in the 89th minute. Acosta had a goal of his own, having lofted one in from distance in the 35th minute that sent fans into a frenzy. If Sunday’s match was any indication that FC Cincinnati have rediscovered their early season form, they will be difficult to topple.
In Noonan’s eyes, FC Cincinnati might have already achieved their primary objective for the season by winning the Supporters’ Shield – a trophy he considers to be above MLS Cup in the American soccer pecking order. He values consistency over the full year over getting hot in the post-season.
“It’s a big achievement and maybe that conversation is different years back. But for me, it’s the consistency of a team over the course of a season,” said Noonan. “For me now, even my own opinion of this has changed.
“I think [the Shield] has now surpassed MLS Cup in terms of relevance. That’s not to take away the desire for our team to hold the MLS Cup trophy. But for that group to be the top team over the course of the season, I think it’s very meaningful. The hope is we can find a way to achieve both, but that’s how I feel about the Supporters’ Shield.”
Competition will be stiff in the playoffs. The Seattle Sounders look to have peaked at the right time, but Cincy can’t face Brian Schmetzer’s team until the MLS Cup final. Orlando City have the potential to make a run and boast a natural born finisher in the shape of Duncan McGuire. If he can keep scoring, Orlando will be a formidable opponent.
Wilfried Nancy has done an exceptional job in his first season at the Columbus Crew with his team known for their attractive possession approach. LAFC can’t be discounted either, especially with Denis Bouanga finishing the regular season as the league’s top scorer. The defending champions could keep their crown.
However, the field is more open than it has been in recent seasons. Last year, for example, the Philadelphia Union and LAFC were dominant over the regular season and swept all opponents aside on their way to a meeting in the MLS Cup final. This season’s post-season will almost certainly be less predictable.
Next year, Inter Miami will have a full season of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in their team. Luis Suarez is also expected to complete a transfer to the South Florida club and so Inter Miami could be even more dangerous. 2024 could be the year it all comes together for Tata Martino’s team.
Atlanta United have struggled for consistency under Gonzalo Pineda this season, but they have the potential to be a more rounded team in 2024. Keeping Giorgos Giakoumakis and Thiago Almada, however, will be a challenge with both players reportedly on the radar of a number of big European clubs. For now, though, FC Cincinnati have a better chance than anyone to win MLS Cup.
