Written by: Ethan Herzog
Cover Image via FC Cincinnati
The 2023 Supporters Shield-winning FC Cincinnati open their 2024 CONCACAF Campaign on Thursday, February 22nd at 9:00 p.m. EST against Jamaican Premier League’s Cavalier S.C in the opening round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The Orange and Blue came off a historic season, winning their first 15 home matches (best at the time in MLS), having players Alvaro Barreal and Lucho Acosta being named to the MLS Best XII, and Acosta, General Manager Chris Albright and Head Coach Pat Noonan winning League MVP, Manager and Coach of the year respectively. Cincinnati ended the season with a heartbreaking 3-2 extra-time loss to the MLS Cup-winning Columbus Crew back in the Eastern Conference Final in December, has made many key roster signings in leu of the start of the 2024 season, including Forward Corey Biard, who was signed from Houston Dynamo, and Atlanta United Defender and USMNT member Miles Robinson. The key depth was added after losing Forward Brandon Vazquez, who signed a four-million-dollar deal with C.F. Monterrey; and defenders Ray Gadis, and Santiago Arias. Biard, a key forward in over 2,000 minutes played with Houston (starting 28 games), scored 8 goals and had 6 assists last season.
Cavalier, who currently sits at the top of the JPL table (13-4-2) with 43 points, winning four of their last 5 contests, look to make an opening statement in game one of the Champions Cup, which will follow with a home match for the Orange and Blue at TQL Stadium on February 28th, 2024.
Coverage of round one will be available via FOX Sports, with kick-off being at 9:00 p.m. EST at Independence Park.