CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati have signed defender Alvas Powell to a contract through the 2022 season, with a club option for 2023, the club announced today.
A member of the Orange and Blue’s inaugural 2019 MLS Squad, Powell brings nine years of MLS experience to the squad, including an MLS Cup triumph with Portland Timbers FC in 2015. He arrived in Cincinnati prior to the 2019 season, where he made his home debut in a 3-0 victory over his former club.
“We’re excited to bring Alvas to Cincinnati,” FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright said. “His defensive mentality, physicality, and experience in winning cultures will be a valuable addition to our group.”
Powell has made 157 MLS regular season and playoff appearances since he arrived in the league in 2013, with Portland Timbers FC, FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami CF, and the Philadelphia Union. The Jamaican international has made 57 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, appearing in three CONCACAF Gold Cups, two World Cup Qualifying cycles, and two Caribbean Cups. He played all but eight minutes for the 2014 Jamaica squad which lifted the Caribbean Cup that year.
“Having worked with Alvas last season, his work ethic and his team-first mentality were apparent from day one,” FC Cincinnati Head Coach Pat Noonan said. “He understands the clear expectations we have and will be a great fit for how we want to play.”
After six seasons in Portland, including that MLS Cup-winning campaign in 2015, Powell joined FC Cincinnati’s inaugural MLS roster. He made 13 appearances for the Orange and Blue before he was selected by Inter Miami CF in the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft. He spent 2020 in Miami, and then in 2021 he joined the Philadelphia Union, making five appearances in the regular season and starting the first two matches of the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Powell joins Alec Kann as the first two signings of the 2022 Free Agency Period. Here is what FC Cincinnati’s roster looks like at this time:
GOALKEEPER: Alec Kann, Beckham Sunderland, Kenneth Vermeer
DEFENDER: Zico Bailey, Tyler Blackett, Geoff Cameron, Ronald Matarrita, Alvas Powell, Gustavo Vallecilla
MIDFIELDER: Luciano Acosta, Allan Cruz, Calvin Harris, Yuya Kubo, Ben Mines, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Arquimides “Quimi” Ordonez, Kyle Scott
FORWARD: Isaac Atanga, Álvaro Barreal, Brenner, Brandon Vazquez
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati sign defender Alvas Powell to a contract through 2022, with a club option for 2023, on December 17, 2021.
ALVAS POWELL
Position: Defender
Height: 6’ 0”
Birthdate: July 18, 1994 (27)
Birthplace: St. Thomas, Jamaica
Nationality: Jamaican
How Acquired: Via free agency signing on December 17, 2021
Check out FC Cincinnati's 2022 schedule HERE. 2022's home schedule begins at TQL Stadium when the club hosts D.C. United in the home opener on March 5. Tickets are currently available through Season Ticket Memberships. Fans can get the best tickets at the best price to the best matches all season long, including the home opener, by purchasing season tickets at fccincinnati.com/tickets or by calling 513-977-KICK, that’s 513-977-5425.
Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase half-season ticket packages beginning on Monday, December 20. Half-season ticket packages start at just $170. The “Orange” pack contains nine matches, including the Hell is Real match vs. the Columbus Crew. The “Blue” pack contains eight matches, including the home opener vs. D.C. United. To receive more information on half-season ticket packages, fill out the interest form at fccincinnati.com/tickets/2022-ticket-interest.
FC Cincinnati begin their fourth season of MLS competition in 2022, and their second playing at TQL Stadium. For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.
