Note: This story originally ran in February, but it’s been updated ahead of FC Cincinnati’s participation in the MLS is Back Tournament. Today’s edition highlights the forwards.
Previous breakdowns:
Goalkeeper | Defenders | Midfielders | Wingers
Entering 2020, no position group needed as much of an upgrade as the forwards.
FC Cincinnati finished 2019 with a league-fewest 31 goals – five or which were scored by strikers.
Expect that to change this season, not just because of the quality at the No. 9 spot, but the quality surrounding the position to create goal-scoring opportunities.
While there’s still a wait-and-see period ahead, the future looks bright.
Jürgen Locadia
No. 10
Age: 26
Locadia was FCC’s biggest offseason signing: a 26-year-old forward who was playing in the German Bundesliga only one month ago.
The Dutch forward has pace, strong footwork and clinical finishing ability, making him one of the league’s marquee signings this past offseason. Joining Cincinnati as he enters the prime of his career is even more of a coup.
If there was one player profile this roster desperately needed entering this year, it was a proven goal scorer. Locadia’s past suggests he can be that. Now, he just needs the time to show it during his MLS debut season.
Update: The questions regarding Locadia’s future can subside for now. After scoring minutes into his MLS debut, the Dutchman’s loan initially expired July 5, 2020. Now, it ends June 30, 2021 – and FCC can still make the move permanent.
Locadia has MVP-caliber quality on a team that struggled to score in 2019. Last season, the striker position was probably the least consistent one all campaign. If Locadia can consistently produce meaningful performances, the Orange and Blue might have one of the top forwards in the league.
Brandon Vazquez
No. 19
Age: 21
In the leadup to the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, GM Gerard Nijkamp said the draft is difficult to find prospects who are pro-ready and can make an instant impact on a team.
What he was suggesting was that it’s hard to find a player like Vazquez.
While he’s only 21, he’s entering his fourth season as a professional and already has three years of postseason experience (and an MLS Cup).
FCC acquired Vazquez through a trade with Nashville SC on 2019 MLS Expansion Draft day, and in turn, added a player who can help in both the short and long-term plans.
Update: Vazquez produced an assist in the season opener, which was a great start to his time in Cincinnati. Now with a second “season opener” in the MLS is Back Tournament, we’ll see how head coach Jaap Stam wants to use the young, but experienced, striker.
If Vazquez can score and set up teammates, this offseason signing might be one of the small coups from the previous transfer window.
Rashawn Dally
No. 81
Age: 23
Dally is the only forward on FCC’s roster returning from last season, and he’s the only active MLS player in the league from the third or fourth round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
That speaks to his resiliency, but also his growth.
Dally was thrown into difficult circumstances last season. Originally on loan with Memphis 901 FC, he was eventually Cincinnati’s starting forward while the two players ahead of him – a Designated Player and the first pick in the 2018 Expansion Draft – missed time.
Thrown into a baptism of fire, he finished with one goal. Entering 2020, he has players ahead of him in the depth chart, but he’s in a place where he can grow and develop. In truth, that’s a luxury compared to 2019.
Update: On Thursday, FCC announced Dally has been loaned to Las Vegas Lights FC in the USL Championship. It’s worth noting there’s a clause in the deal that could allow Dally to return at some point in 2020. If you recall Dally’s start to 2019, he went on loan to Memphis 901 FC before being recalled in the summer.
