If Spencer Richey has proven anything with FC Cincinnati, it’s his ability to deliver in difficult circumstances.
Last season, Richey started as the backup goalkeeper behind Evan Newton and waited until late April to make his debut. By July, Richey became the first-choice keeper and earned an MLS contract with Cincinnati. He was on loan last season from Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Fast forward to Sunday night, when Richey started against Atlanta United FC in a 1-1 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With Prezemysław Tytoń out with a nagging hamstring tendonitis issue that he dealt with throughout preseason, he was given time off to recover for a healthy 2019 season. Richey, who was injured entering preseason, recovered and delivered a strong performance against the reigning MLS Cup champions in the league’s toughest environment.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Head Coach Alan Koch said of Richey’s performance. “Spencer’s played in many, many big games for me both in Vancouver and in Cincinnati. He never ceases to amaze me. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s not awed by the occasion.
“Thankfully, he didn’t have too much to do tonight. But when he did have to step up to the plate, he did step up to the plate.”
Richey made three saves. His only blemish was Josef Martinez’s fifth-minute goal, which was hardly his fault. Atlanta played a pass in around the left side of FCC’s backline and Martínez showed why he was the 2018 MLS MVP by smashing the ball to the near post.
In the next 85 minutes, Richey didn’t have much action — a testament to Cincinnati’s defending. His biggest save came in the 57th minute when he denied Martínez a second goal from point-blank range.
“It was awesome,” Richey said of the match. “Obviously Titi is having a little hamstring thing going on and I found out later in the week that they were going to give him some time to rest and go with me this weekend. So, it’s an honor to get my first start with the club in MLS and even bigger that we got a point at Atlanta’s house. We’ll take it.”
The MLS start was Richey’s first since March 17, 2017. Then, he played with Vancouver. While in British Columbia, he became a proven goalkeeper with Whitecaps 2 — Koch’s last team — and eventually a loan deal worked to bring him to Cincinnati.
Now that he’s here, the 26-year-old goalkeeper is showing why he belongs.
Initially, Koch said Tytoń would miss 7-10 days with an injury at the beginning of last week. That puts him in contention to play the home opener against Portland Timbers on Sunday night at Nippert Stadium.
Koch said there isn’t a position battle for the No. 1 spot yet, but Richey showed in Atlanta he can step up in big occasions when needed.
