It's been a long and cold winter here in Minnesota, but the Loons are finally back in town for the home opener against FC Cincinnati. The Loons and Lions have only met six times since Cincy joined MLS and Minnesota United is 3-1-2 (W-D-L) against them all time, including a 7–1 drubbing of the Lions in 2019. But the Orange & Blue have changed a lot since they joined they league and are now one of the top clubs in the Eastern Conference. To get a little more insight on the Knifey Lions we spoke with Geoff Tebbetts from our pals over at Cincinnati Soccer Talk.
Ashle Paige: After struggling the first three seasons in MLS, Cincy has massively turned it around to become one of the league's best clubs. What has the club done the past five seasons to make the change but maintain it as well?
Geoff Tebbetts: Changes at the top have generated a ripple effect that has reached all aspects of the squad. General manager Chris Albright and head coach Pat Noonan hit the ground running in 2022 and made wise decisions to fortify the team and build with blocks that fit. The previous general manager installed talent like Brenner, Yuya Kubo, and Lucho Acosta beforehand, but Albright and Noonan used their knowledge of MLS functions to employ them properly.
AP: Cincinnati has brought in a number of players over the offseason. Out of the “new kids on the block” so to speak, who would you say is the player to watch?
GT: I would argue that the players to watch came after the 2025 summer transfer window. Ender Echenique has brought life to the right wingback role with his speed, while Samuel Gidi has demonstrated an ability to play both a progressive and defensive midfield role. Ayoub Jabbari is a bit of a gamble, but he has height and dexterity to fit beside Denkey atop the formation.
However, Bryan Ramirez, the new left wingback, is my X-factor for this season. FCC exhibited their best offense back in 2023 when Alvaro Barreal was able to patrol the left and become a second midfield threat alongside Lucho Acosta. While Luca Orellano was a good replacement on offense, defense was not the forte of either player. My hope is that Ramirez can exhibit ball control and offensive attack without sacrificing too much on defense. Considering Ramirez has played a fair bit in all spots on the left for LDU Quito, he should be able to handle the role.
AP: Saturday is the Orange & Blue’s third match in 7 days. How much of an impact will the midweek CCC match have on fitness & recovery? Do you believe playing that extra match gives the Loons or Lions the edge?
GT: FCC had the luxury of playing an O&M FC team that was out of its depth. Noonan unleashed his designated players for the first leg and pulled them early. While Vancouver and the Galaxy needed to start first-team players to advance, Cincinnati treated the matches as extra preseason bouts.
It’s a difficult read, considering the matches were out of hand so early, but Noonan spread his reserves out well. Gilberto Flores and Alvas Powell showed they can play admirable defense when called, and defending midfielder Obi Nwobodo looks like he is back to form. The youth got tons of play—Kenji Mboma Dem, Stiven Jimenez, and Ademar Chavez scored their first goals for the club, while draft pick Ayoub Lahjar showed promise from the edge.
If anything, I think Cincinnati did well to treat the CCC matches as training exercises. Even with Evander and Matt Miazga missing time early in the season, the squad looks both hungry and deep. With Miles Robinson looking like an instant defender-of-the-year candidate and solid play from the edges, the team looked comfortable against Atlanta United. If Minnesota assumes Cincinnati is worn from the short week, they could be letting their guard down.
