Since FC Cincinnati were launched in 2015 and play started in 2016, the club’s founders envisioned MLS night games at Nippert Stadium.
In 2019, those dreams became reality.
Sunday marks the final home match in FCC’s inaugural MLS season, and while it’s an opportunity to earn three points and for supporters to see their favorite players, it’s also a chance for the Orange and Blue to thank their fans for their continued support.
Despite the current league standings, Cincinnati has the third-best average attendance across the league, averaging 27,442 per match at Nippert Stadium.
“I’ve never seen fans being so positive,” Head Coach Ron Jans said. “When you meet them in the streets, but also at the games, I’ve never experienced a crowd that is so positive like ours. We want to give that back.
“They give a lot to us and it was one of the reasons why I like it here,” Jans added.
Before becoming the team’s fourth coach in club history, the Dutchman visited Cincinnati in early July and attended a match. It was days after the 7-1 loss at Minnesota United FC, and yet 26,276 fans came to watch the Orange and Blue beat the Houston Dynamo 3-2 on July 6.
For Jans, he knew he could be part of something special.
For players like Cincinnati native Nick Hagglund, the support the team has received has been breathtaking and incredible.
“I was telling a fan the other day, I wish I could stay after the game and sign everyone’s autographs for hours after the game,” Hagglund said. “The support is amazing and it makes me proud to be from Cincinnati and see them.
“I’ve been part of losing seasons, and in my rookie year in Toronto, we were booed off the field. There has not been one second when anyone has thought to do that here,” Hagglund said. “The support is incredible, and I can tell you that the club will be successful and honor everything the fans have done. We’re just really proud to play for you.”
