2023 FC Cincinnati season
| 2023 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| General manager | Chris Albright | ||
| Head coach | Pat Noonan | ||
| Stadium | TQL Stadium | ||
| MLS | Conference: 1st Overall: 1st | ||
| MLS Cup Playoffs | Conference Finals | ||
| U.S. Open Cup | Semifinals | ||
| Leagues Cup | Round of 32 | ||
| Top goalscorer | League: Luciano Acosta (17) All: Acosta (21) | ||
| Highest home attendance | League/All: 25,513 (17 times) | ||
| Lowest home attendance | League: 23,461 (5/17 v. CFM) All: 10,062 (4/26 v. LOU, USOC) | ||
| Average home league attendance | 25,367[1] | ||
| Biggest win | CIN 3–0 (5 times) | ||
| Biggest defeat | STL 5–1 CIN (4/15) | ||
| | |||
The 2023 FC Cincinnati season was the club's fifth season in MLS, and the eighth season overall for the team including their first three years in the lower-division USL Championship. The club entered 2023 on a high note, having notched their first playoff appearance and first playoff win in 2022 after languishing at the bottom of the standings for their first three seasons in MLS. On September 30, FC Cincinnati clinched the Supporters' Shield, the award given to the team that finishes with the most points in the regular season.[2]
FC Cincinnati home matches were played at TQL Stadium. 2023 was the second season with the club for general manager Chris Albright and head coach Pat Noonan.
Summary[edit]
 | This article may need to be rewritten to comply with Wikipedia's quality standards, as section. (July 2023) |
The Orange and Blue started the regular season with 5 wins, 2 draws, and no losses. They reached 1st place on the Supporters' Shield standings on Matchday 7, and were the last remaining undefeated team in the Eastern Conference until their loss at St. Louis City SC on Matchday 8.[3] After a 3–0 victory on Matchday 12 at TQL Stadium against CF Montreal, the club became only the 4th team since 2000 to start the MLS season with seven straight wins (7–0–0) at home.[4]
FC Cincinnati won the first Hell is Real match of 2023 on May 20, with a scoreline of 3–2; it was the first win against rival Columbus Crew since October 2020. The result also extended the club's home winning streak to eight matches in league play and ten overall.[5] By the end of the month, FC Cincinnati had set the record for most points (36) through the first 15 games of a season in MLS history, excluding the shootout era.[6] The home winning streak was extended to ten MLS matches in June, tying a record set in 2002 by the San Jose Earthquakes.[7]
With a 1–0 victory over Chicago Fire FC, FC Cincinnati made history and became the first club to reach 39 points in their first 16 matches of a season (excluding shootout era).[8] After a 3–0 victory over Toronto FC, FC Cincinnati became the fourth team in MLS history to win 10 consecutive home matches, tying the 2002 San Jose Earthquakes for longest single-season home winning streak.[9] After a 2–1 win on the road at New York Red Bulls, the club became just the third team in MLS history to win 11 of their first 22 matches by a one-goal margin – excluding the shootout era. With a 3–1 win at home against Nashville SC, the club tied Los Angeles FC (2019 and 2022) for the fastest team in MLS history to reach 50 points in a season, doing so in just 23 matches.[10] With a 3–0 win against New York City FC, the club reached 37 points in their first 13 regular season games at TQL Stadium, tying the 2002 San Jose Earthquakes for the best home start to a season in league history through the first 13 games.[11]
After a come from behind 2–1 victory at Atlanta United FC, FC Cincinnati became the first team to clinch a 2023 playoff berth. They also became the second fastest club in MLS history to secure their playoff position in only 26 matches.[12]
MLS All-Stars[edit]
Three players were named to the 2023 MLS All-Star roster, Luciano Acosta was selected for the 2nd time, and Álvaro Barreal and Matt Miazga both with their first selection. The game was played on July 19, 2023, against Arsenal FC of the English Premier League at Audi Field, home of D.C. United.[13] Acosta was also chosen by an online fan vote to serve as team captain for the MLS All-Stars[14] and was included as part of the All-Star Skills Challenge.[15] All 3 players played 45 minutes, with Acosta and Barreal (yellow card – 18') named to the starting lineup and subbing off at halftime. Miazga was inserted into the lineup at the start of the second half, playing the remainder of the match.[16]
Club[edit]
Roster[edit]
- As of 13 July 2023[17]
Player movement[edit]
In[edit]
| Date | No. | Pos | Player | Transferred from | Fee/notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 7, 2022 | 37 | MF |  Stiven Jimenez | FC Cincinnati Academy | Homegrown rights acquired from D.C. United[a] | [18] |
| December 21, 2022 | 8 | MF |  Marco Angulo | Independiente del Valle | $3,000,000 | [19] |
| January 5, 2023 | 33 | DF | Isaiah Foster | Colorado Springs Switchbacks | Waivers[b] | [21] |
| January 6, 2023 | 26 | MF | Malik Pinto | FC Cincinnati Academy | Free transfer | [22] |
| February 9, 2023 | 13 | DF |  Santiago Arias |  Granada CF | Free transfer | [23] |
| May 25, 2023 | 58 | MF | Gerardo Valenzuela | FC Cincinnati Academy | Homegrown player | [24] |
| June 7, 2023 | 34 | DF | London Aghedo | Air Force Falcons | 2023 MLS SuperDraft | [25] |
| June 21, 2023 | 42 | DF | Bret Halsey | FC Cincinnati 2 | Short-term contract | [26] |
| July 1, 2023 | First team contract | [27] | ||||
| July 5, 2023 | 9 | FW |  Aaron Boupendza |  Al Shabab FC (Riyadh) | Designated player | [28] |
| July 8, 2023 | 44 | FW | Ben Stitz | FC Cincinnati 2 | Short-term contract | [29] |
| Aug 4, 2023 | [30] |
- ^ Homegrown rights for $50,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money (GAM) as well as $200,000 in conditional GAM if Jimenez signs a second MLS contract with FC Cincinnati and an additional $300,000 GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met. D.C. United would also retain a percentage of GAM should Jimenez be traded within MLS.
- ^ FC Cincinnati traded $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to D.C. United in exchange for the top spot in the MLS waiver order.
Out[edit]
| Date | No. | Pos | Player | Transferred to | Fee/notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 24, 2022 | 8 | MF |  Allan Cruz | Option declined | [31][32] | |
| November 11, 2022 | 3 | DF | John Nelson | St. Louis City SC | Selected in the 2022 MLS Expansion Draft | [33] |
| November 15, 2022 | 24 | DF |  Tyler Blackett | Rotherham United | Option declined | [32][34] |
| November 15, 2022 | 16 | DF | Zico Bailey | San Antonio FC | Option declined | [32] |
| November 15, 2022 | 20 | DF | Geoff Cameron | Option declined, retired | [32][35] | |
| November 15, 2022 | 22 | DF | Rónald Matarrita |  SC Dnipro-1 | Option declined | [32][36] |
| November 15, 2022 | 33 | FW | Nick Markanich | Charleston Battery | Option declined | [32][37] |
| November 15, 2022 | 17 | MF | Ben Mines | Miami FC | Option declined | [32][38] |
| November 15, 2022 | 30 | GK | Beckham Sunderland | Option declined | [32] | |
| December 21, 2022 | 12 | FW | Calvin Harris | Colorado Rapids | $375,000 in GAM | [39] |
| March 9, 2023 | 25 | GK |  Kenneth Vermeer | PEC Zwolle | Buyout of a Guaranteed Contract | [40] |
| March 31, 2023 | 23 | MF |  Isaac Atanga |  Aalesunds FK | Transferred for an undisclosed fee | [41] |
| July 2, 2023 | 9 | FW |  Brenner |  Udinese | Transfer | [42] |
Loans in[edit]
| No. | Pos | Player | Loaned from | Loan start date | Loan end date | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | DF | Yerson Mosquera | Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. | February 2, 2023 | End of 2023 season | [43][44] |
Loans out[edit]
| No. | Pos | Player | Loaned to | Loan start date | Loan end date | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | MF | Isaac Atanga |  Göztepe S.K. | August 7, 2022 | March 31, 2023 | [45] |
| 35 | MF | Harrison Robledo | Indy Eleven | February 8, 2023 | End of season | [46] |
2023 MLS SuperDraft picks[edit]
| Round | Pick # | Player | Pos | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Joey Akpunonu | DF | Bowling Green | |
| 2 | 51 | Hunter Morse | GK | Western Michigan | |
| 3 | 80 | London Aghedo | DF | Air Force |
Competitions[edit]
Win Draw Loss
Preseason[edit]
On January 9, FC Cincinnati announced a slate of five preseason games to be played during their 26-day preseason camp in Clearwater, Florida.[47]
| January 27 Preseason | FC Cincinnati | 3–2 | Austin FC | Clearwater, Florida |
| 12:00 pm | Hagglund  20'Brenner 31'Badji 91' | Report | Rodríguez 9' Zardes 83' | Stadium: Walter Campbell Sports Park Attendance: 0 |
| Note: Played in four 30-minute periods for a total of 120 minutes. | ||||
| February 1 Preseason | South Florida Bulls | 0–3 | FC Cincinnati | Clearwater, Florida |
| Report | Barreal 49' Ordóñez 77'Jimenez 85' | Stadium: Walter Campbell Sports Park Attendance: 0 |
| February 10 Preseason | FC Cincinnati | 1–3 | Philadelphia Union | Clearwater, Florida |
| Vazquez 56' (pen.) | Report | Torres 10' Carranza 49'Gazdag 61' (pen.) | Stadium: Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex |
| February 14 Preseason | FC Cincinnati | 4–0 | New England Revolution | Clearwater, Florida |
| Jimenez Ordóñez 37', 55'Badji 41' | Report | Stadium: Walter Campbell Sports Park Attendance: 0 |
| February 17 Preseason | FC Cincinnati | 3–3 | Nashville SC | St. Petersburg, Florida |
| Santos 34', 49' Acosta 64' (pen.) | Report | Stadium: Al Lang Stadium Attendance: 0 |
Major League Soccer[edit]
League tables[edit]
Eastern Conference[edit]
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FC Cincinnati | 34 | 20 | 5 | 9 | 57 | 39 | +18 | 69 | Qualification for Round One and the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One |
| 2 | Orlando City SC | 34 | 18 | 7 | 9 | 55 | 39 | +16 | 63 | Qualification for Round One |
| 3 | Columbus Crew | 34 | 16 | 9 | 9 | 67 | 46 | +21 | 57 | |
| 4 | Philadelphia Union | 34 | 15 | 9 | 10 | 57 | 41 | +16 | 55 | |
| 5 | New England Revolution | 34 | 15 | 9 | 10 | 58 | 46 | +12 | 55 |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
Overall[edit]
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FC Cincinnati (S) | 34 | 20 | 5 | 9 | 57 | 39 | +18 | 69 | Qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One[a] |
| 2 | Orlando City SC | 34 | 18 | 7 | 9 | 55 | 39 | +16 | 63 | Qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One[b] |
| 3 | Columbus Crew (C) | 34 | 16 | 9 | 9 | 67 | 46 | +21 | 57 | Qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16[c] |
| 4 | St. Louis City SC | 34 | 17 | 12 | 5 | 62 | 45 | +17 | 56 | Qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One[d] |
| 5 | Philadelphia Union | 34 | 15 | 9 | 10 | 57 | 41 | +16 | 55 | Qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One[e] |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) fewer disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goals differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
(C) MLS Cup champion; (S) Supporters' Shield winner
Notes:
- ^ As 2023 MLS Supporters' Shield champions
- ^ As highest-ranked club in 2023 MLS Supporters' Shield not already qualified
- ^ As 2023 MLS Cup champions
- ^ As 2023 Western Conference regular season champions
- ^ As 2023 Leagues Cup third place
Results[edit]
| February 25 1 | FC Cincinnati | 2–1 | Houston Dynamo | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Santos 19' Nwobodo 48' Barreal  84' | Report | Artur 10' Schmitt 45+2', 81' | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Chris Penso |
| March 4 2 | Orlando City | 0–0 | FC Cincinnati | Orlando, Florida |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Cartagena 28' | Report | Santos 90+1' | Stadium: Exploria Stadium Attendance: 18,062 Referee: Ismail Elfath |
| March 11 3 | FC Cincinnati | 1–0 | Seattle Sounders FC | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Barreal 24' Acosta 39' Brenner 63' Hagglund  83' | Report | João Paulo 57' Gómez 90+2' | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Joseph Dickerson |
| March 18 4 | Chicago Fire FC | 3–3 | FC Cincinnati | Chicago, Illinois |
| 8:30 p.m. EDT | 13' Terán 32', 90+2' Przybyłko 45' (pen.) Czichos 46' Mueller 58' Giménez 65' M. Navarro 90' Pineda | Report | Moreno 8', 87' Vazquez 58'Santos 84' | Stadium: Soldier Field Attendance: 7,815 Referee: Fotis Bazakos |
| March 25 5 | Nashville SC | 0–1 | FC Cincinnati | Nashville, Tennessee |
| 8:30 p.m. EDT | Moore 56' Bunbury 72' | Report | Nwobodo 21' Pinto 45' Vazquez 48'Miazga 72' Barreal 80' | Stadium: Geodis Park Attendance: 28,453 Referee: Ismir Pekmic |
| April 1 6 | FC Cincinnati | 1–0 | Inter Miami CF | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Angulo 27' Mosquera 45+5'Acosta 51'Brenner 72' | Report | Pizarro 13' Duke 45+4' | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,082 Referee: Nima Saghafi |
| April 8 7 | FC Cincinnati | 1–0 | Philadelphia Union | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Mosquera 48' Acosta 69' (pen.) | Report | Mbaizo 21' Blake 69' | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Ted Unkel |
| April 15 8 | St. Louis City SC | 5–1 | FC Cincinnati | St. Louis, Missouri |
| 8:30 p.m. EDT | Stroud 3', 80' Löwen 39' Hiebert 45+2' Gioacchini 53' Celentano 57' (og) Ostrák 76' | Report | Nwobodo 27' Santos 43', 62' | Stadium: CityPark Attendance: 22,423 Referee: Lukasz Szpala |
| April 22 9 | FC Cincinnati | 2–1 | Portland Timbers | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Nwobodo 32' Santos 34' Vazquez 58' Mosquera 84' Angulo 90+7' | Report | Mabiala 20' Asprilla 30', 60' Chara 72' McGraw 90+1' | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Allen Chapman |
| April 29 10 | New England Revolution | 1–1 | FC Cincinnati | Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | 45+3' Boateng 89' Wood | Report | Miazga 12' Mosquera 31' Barreal 33' Santos 45+9' | Stadium: Gillette Stadium Attendance: 30,080 Referee: Alex Chilowicz |
| May 6 11 | FC Cincinnati | 2–1 | D.C. United | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Acosta 39' 59' Mosquera 70' Barreal 73' Kubo 90+5' Brenner 90+5' Celentano 90+7' | Report | 21' Greene 60' Benteke 90' Fountas 90+9' O'Brien | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Guido Gonzalez |
| May 17 12 | FC Cincinnati | 3–0 | CF Montréal | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 23,461 Referee: Mark Allatin |
| May 20 13 – Hell Is Real Derby | FC Cincinnati | 3–2 | Columbus Crew | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Nima Saghafi |
| May 27 14 | Colorado Rapids | 0–1 | FC Cincinnati | Commerce City, Colorado |
| 9:30 p.m. EDT | 62' Cabral | Report | Stadium: Dick's Sporting Goods Park Attendance: 15,438 Referee: Marcos de Oliveira |
| May 31 15 | New York City FC | 1–3 | FC Cincinnati | New York, New York |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: Yankee Stadium Attendance: 14,806 Referee: Armando Villarreal |
| June 3 16 | FC Cincinnati | 1–0 | Chicago Fire FC | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report |
| Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Chris Penso |
| June 10 17 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 1–1 | FC Cincinnati | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| 10:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: BC Place Attendance: 16,086 Referee: Ismir Pekmic |
| June 21 18 | FC Cincinnati | 3–0 | Toronto FC | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report |
| Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Mark Allatin |
| June 24 19 | D.C. United | 3–0 | FC Cincinnati | Washington, D.C. |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report |
| Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 18,864 Referee: Sergii Boiko |
| July 1 20 | FC Cincinnati | 2–2 | New England Revolution | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Jon Freemon |
| July 8 21 | Charlotte FC | 2–2 | FC Cincinnati | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: Bank of America Stadium Attendance: 43,613 Referee: Ted Unkel |
| July 12 22 | New York Red Bulls | 1–2 | FC Cincinnati | Harrison, New Jersey |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 13,439 Referee: Lukasz Szpala |
| July 15 23 | FC Cincinnati | 3–1 | Nashville SC | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report |
| Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Ramy Touchan |
| August 20 24 – Hell Is Real Derby | Columbus Crew | 3–0 | FC Cincinnati | Columbus, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT |
| Report | Stadium: Lower.com Field Attendance: 20,730 Referee: Ted Unkel |
| August 26 25 | FC Cincinnati | 3–0 | New York City FC | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Chris Penso |
| August 30 26 | Atlanta United FC | 1–2 | FC Cincinnati | Atlanta, Georgia |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Attendance: 42,568 Referee: Armando Villarreal |
| September 2 27 | FC Cincinnati | 0–1 | Orlando City SC | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Drew Fischer |
| September 16 28 | Philadelphia Union | 2–2 | FC Cincinnati | Chester, Pennsylvania |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: Subaru Park Attendance: 19,365 Referee: Ismail Elfath |
| September 20 29 | CF Montréal | 1–1 | FC Cincinnati | Montreal, Quebec |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: Saputo Stadium Attendance: 13,603 Referee: Jon Freemon |
| September 23 30 | FC Cincinnati | 3–0 | Charlotte FC | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Jair Marrufo |
| September 30 31 | Toronto FC | 2–3 | FC Cincinnati | Toronto, Ontario |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT |
| Report | Stadium: BMO Field Attendance: 24,658 Referee: Alex Chilowicz |
| October 4 32 | FC Cincinnati | 1–2 | New York Red Bulls | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Chris Penso |
| October 7 33 | Inter Miami CF | 0–1 | FC Cincinnati | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| 7:30 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: DRV PNK Stadium Attendance: 20,344 Referee: Rubiel Vazquez |
| October 21 34 | FC Cincinnati | 2–2 | Atlanta United FC | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 6:00 p.m. EDT | Report |
| Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Joseph Dickerson |
MLS Cup Playoffs[edit]
| October 29 Round One | FC Cincinnati | 3–0 | New York Red Bulls | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 8:00 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 24,022 Referee: Rubiel Vazquez |
| November 4 Round One | New York Red Bulls | 1–1 (7–8 p) | FC Cincinnati | Harrison, New Jersey |
| 7:00 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 16,074 Referee: Victor Rivas | ||
| Penalties | ||||
| Note: FC Cincinnati won series 2–0. | ||||
| November 25 Conference semifinals | FC Cincinnati | 1–0 | Philadelphia Union | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 8:00 pm ET | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Ismail Elfath |
| December 2 Conference finals | FC Cincinnati | 2–3 (a.e.t.) | Columbus Crew | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 6:00 pm EST | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Allen Chapman |
U.S. Open Cup[edit]
As a Major League Soccer club, FC Cincinnati enters the U.S. Open Cup in the third round. The third round pairings were announced on April 6.[49]
FC Cincinnati was regionally placed into group 5 with New York City FC, Columbus Crew SC and Loudoun United for the draw in the Round of 32. On April 27, FC Cincinnati was drawn to host New York City FC.
After defeating NYCFC 1–0 at TQL Stadium on May 10, FC Cincinnati was placed in the Northeast Group for the round of 16 draw, which will be held on May 11, 2023. The other three clubs in the group are MLS clubs Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls, and USL Championship team Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. FC Cincinnati was drawn to visit the New York Red Bulls.
After defeating the New York Red Bulls on penalties, FC Cincinnati hosted their quarterfinals matchup with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on June 6, winning 3–1.
FC Cincinnati hosted Inter Miami CF in the semifinals on August 23 and after a 3–3 tie a.e.t, fell 4–5 in penalty kicks to end their Cup run.[50]
| April 26 Third Round | FC Cincinnati (MLS)  | 1–0 |  Louisville City FC (USLC) | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:00 p.m. EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 10,062 Referee: Calin Radosav |
| May 10 Round of 32 | FC Cincinnati (MLS) | 1–0 |  New York City FC (MLS) | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:00 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 7,196 Referee: Timothy Ford |
| May 23 Round of 16 | New York Red Bulls (MLS)  | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (3–5 p) | FC Cincinnati (MLS) | Harrison, New Jersey |
| 7:30 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 4,131 Referee: Fotis Bazakos | ||
| Penalties | ||||
| June 6 Quarterfinals | FC Cincinnati (MLS) | 3–1 |  Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USLC) | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:00 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 16,613 Referee: Elvis Osmanovic |
| August 23 Semifinals | FC Cincinnati (MLS) | 3–3 (a.e.t.) (4–5 p) |  Inter Miami CF (MLS) | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 7:00 PM EDT | Report | Stadium: TQL Stadium Attendance: 25,513 Referee: Joseph Dickerson | ||
| Penalties | ||||
Leagues Cup[edit]
Both knockout stage games were hosted by FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Led by Brandon Vazquez with 4 goals, the club advanced to the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup after securing a penalty shootout win against Sporting Kansas City [51] and a two-day victory against Club Deportivo Guadalajara. The Chivas game was initially played on Thursday, July 28, but was halted in the 60th minute for a lengthy severe weather delay. When the game finally resumed 18.5 hours later, the calendar read Friday, July 29. The final wrinkle was that it was decided to finish the final 30 minutes "behind closed doors" as a safety precaution for staff, players and fans.[52]
The Orange and Blue hosted Nashville SC in their Round of 32 matchup at TQL Stadium on August 4, 2023. The game ended tied 1–1 after 90 minutes with goals from Anibal Godoy of Nashville SC and Brandon Vazquez via penalty kick, his 5th in Leagues Cup play, of FC Cincinnati. Nashville advanced to the Round of 16 via penalty kicks (5–4).[53]
Group stage: Central 3[edit]
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FC Cincinnati | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 5 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 | Sporting Kansas City | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 4 | |
| 3 |  Guadalajara | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0 |