As the 2024 Major League Soccer season unfolds, FC Cincinnati finds itself in a period of transition and challenges. The latest development in their roller coaster season is that goalkeeper Alec Kann will be out for the rest of the year. Kann recently underwent successful surgery to address a torn muscle in his hip. In the meantime, Roman Celentano will step up as the club’s primary goalkeeper.
Photo Cred: MLS
Adding to the team’s roster adjustments, is singing center back Teenage Hadebe to a contract extending through 2025. It has an option to extend for the 2026 season. The move was a part of a trade with LA Galaxy. FC Cincinnati agreed to send a first-round pick in the 2025 Draft and a conditional $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), to LA Galaxy. Hadebe’s addition aims to fortify the defense as the team seeks to solidify its backline.
FC Cincinnati has secured forward Nicholas ‘Niko’ Gioacchini on loan from Italian Serie A club Como 1907. Gioacchini is a 24-year-old Designated Player. He joins FC Cincinnati on loan through the end of the season. Gioacchini’s recent stint was with Como. He made nine appearances towards the end of the 2023/24 season. Last year he showed impressive skills with St. Louis CITY SC. He scored 10 goals in 32 appearances. Gioacchini’s arrival is expected to provide a boost to the team’s attacking options.
Photo Cred: MLS
In a surprising twist, Major League Soccer announced the immediate termination of forward Aaron Boupendza’s contract with FC Cincinnati. Boupendza’s season has been plagued with difficulties. In May during an alleged altercation at a bar he broke his jaw. The decision to terminate his contract brings an abrupt end to what has been a tumultuous period for the 28-year-old forward.
As FC Cincinnati navigates the changes, the focus now shifts to integrating the new players to the system. The team will need to address both their defensive and attacking needs while managing injuries, and team chemistry through the remainder of the season. The coming months will be crucial for FC Cincinnati as they aim to stabilize their roster and make a strong finish to the 2024 campaign.
