First Impressions

Three takeaways from FC Cincinnati's first two matches in 2025

Photo by Niccolò Casagrande on Unsplash

All data courtesy of FBref unless otherwise noted

Our sample size for FC Cincinnati’s 2025 campaign is roughly 180 minutes larger than it was at this time last week. Though it’s way too early to draw any sweeping conclusions, we got some answers to questions and have plenty to monitor this week and beyond as the Orange and Blue play more competitive games.

1. Solid Debuts

Kévin Denkey and Evander, FCC’s two highest profile additions from the offseason, both got off to good starts in Orange and Blue.

In his first two starts, Denkey looked exactly how you’d like a former record transfer into Major League Soccer to look. Against NYRB, Denkey took three shots totaling 0.5 expected goals and scored a goal - numbers you’d expect from a good striker let alone one making his league debut in less than ideal conditions against a very good defensive opponent.

The goal he didn’t score in second half stoppage time is a hopeful indication of what’s to come, too. Though much of the credit should rightfully go to Lukas Engel for beating his defender on the dribble to get to the cutback zone, Denkey was able to find a pocket of space to receive the ball near the six-yard box. Though he couldn’t keep his shot on frame, Denkey’s ability to find space to receive the pass from Engel is promising. An understanding of space and where to find it in the box is one of the most important aspects of being an effective striker and Denkey seems to possess it.

He impressed in other facets of the game, too. He’s already demonstrated an ability to hold the ball up in the opposing half and find teammates with passes. Denkey’s ability on the ball allows him to beat defenders in tight spaces to take shots or to find teammates in better situations. On Saturday, in addition to his 0.5 xG, Denkey’s passes produced 0.2 expected assisted goals.

Basically, in early returns, Denkey looks like the real deal.

Evander flashed as well. Though he couldn’t replicate his immediate impact against Motagua in CONCACAF Champions Cup action on Saturday against NYRB in his first start for the club, he too looks like he’ll hit the ground running. He was effective moving the ball into the final third and picked out a couple penalty area entries as well. As Luca Orellano returns to full fitness, the Orange and Blue’s front three looks primed to be dangerous unit.

2. Build Up

Coming into last week, I was curious to see how the Orange and Blue would look to move the ball up the field. Today, we have a couple of data points for what the general plan might look like this year. The answer isn’t exactly revolutionary but it makes sense for the team’s personnel. More importantly - it seems to be working.

The basic setup seems to consist of a line of FCC’s three centerbacks at the in a line followed by a midfield line, with either two or three players. The final line is either four or five players lined up across the defense’s last line. Lukas Engel and DeAndre Yedlin stay wide, stretching opponents horizontally while Denkey stays central. Another forward occupies space centrally, either next to Denkey or, if Bucha and Nwobodo are on their own line, two players sit in the half-space.

Something like these two variations.

In the first two games, FCC’s players’ spacing in build up has been good. Centerbacks, specifically Miles Robinson, have been able to bypass the first line and complete passes directly to Denkey, operating centrally, or another teammate sitting in the half-space. These structures combined with discipline in space provide multiple passing options to the player on the ball.

The Orange and Blue were able to move back to front quickly without looking to play over opposing defenses. Which brings us to the last thing that stuck with me about the first two games of the season: the play of FCC’s wingbacks.

3. Wingbacks Thrive

DeAndre Yedlin and Lukas Engel provided a consistent threat against NYRB on Saturday. As noted above, they stretched the field horizontally, providing wide options and demanding at least some attention from opposing defenders.

Even if the pair weren’t the first options in build up, they provided their biggest impact came after pressure was broken.

A passage of play in the 11th minute provides an example. Miles Robinson split NYRB’s initial line of pressure with a pass to Denkey. After controlling it, Denkey laid the ball off to an onrushing Bucha who then played a simple pass out wide to Engel, still occupying space on the sideline.

Engel took a couple uncontested touches forward before whipping a cross through the box. Unfortunately for FCC, he couldn’t connect with a teammate but FCC’s build up play created an advantageous transition opportunity in just a few seconds.

Yedlin role in this passage of play is worth noting, too. Though Carlos Coronel secured Engel’s cross without much trouble, Yedlin made an aggressive run to the back post. He nearly scored on a similar run later in the game, as well, putting his shot just wide of the post.

Though Engel nearly scored after cutting inside later in the game, he mostly provided a consistent outlet on the left wing, balancing FCC’s attack and stretching NYRB. He didn’t look out of place defensively, either.

The stats back up the eye test. Engel and Yedlin combined for 1.1 xAG and 13 progressive pass receptions,¹ demonstrating their efficacy in the final third - both creating chances for teammates but also providing options as the Orange and Blue progressed the ball up the field. Both wingbacks found themselves in position to look for cutbacks across goal - something that Denkey should thrive on as the season progresses.

Looking Ahead

FCC host Motagua on Wednesday in the West End with a three goal lead on aggregate plus four away goals. That scoreline should be plenty to ensure a date with Tigres in the next round.

How Pat Noonan chooses to rotate his starting lineup will be worth watching as key pieces are still developing on-field chemistry. A longer run out for Stefan Chirila as well as another start for Gilberto Flores would be nice to see, too. Perhaps a 2025 debut for Orellano, as well.

Notice anything else? Drop ‘em in the comments!

1. though Fbref’s progressive pass definition almost certainly inflates numbers for wingers and wingbacks relative to how dangerous a progressive pass actually is.