FC Cincinnati Squad 2025

FC Cincinnati Squad 2025

The 2025 FC Cincinnati squad represents a culmination of strategic planning, shrewd acquisitions, and a commitment to building a competitive team capable of challenging for Major League Soccer (MLS) glory. Over the past few years, the club has transformed from an expansion side into a formidable force, blending experienced veterans with emerging talents. This year’s roster is a testament to the club’s ambition, featuring players from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and qualities to the team. Below, we delve into the squad, breaking it down by position and providing an in-depth analysis of each player’s profile, career trajectory, and contributions to the team.

Goalkeepers

1. Roman Celentano

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: Indiana University (NCAA)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Homegrown signing)

Roman Celentano has established himself as one of the most promising goalkeepers in MLS. A product of FC Cincinnati’s youth system, Celentano joined the first team in 2022 after an impressive collegiate career at Indiana University. Standing at 6’3”, he combines excellent reflexes with commanding aerial presence, making him a reliable last line of defense. In 2025, Celentano has continued to impress, boasting a save percentage of 74% and keeping 10 clean sheets in 25 appearances. His distribution has also improved, with an 85% pass accuracy rate, highlighting his ability to initiate attacks from the back.

2. Alec Kann

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: Atlanta United, Chicago Fire
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)

A veteran presence in the squad, Alec Kann provides invaluable experience and leadership. Having previously played for Atlanta United and Chicago Fire, Kann joined FC Cincinnati in 2022 as a free agent. While primarily serving as a backup to Celentano, Kann’s professionalism and readiness have been crucial in cup competitions and during injury spells. In 2025, he has made five appearances, maintaining a 70% save percentage and contributing to the team’s defensive solidity.

3. Ben Lundt

  • Nationality: German
  • Former Clubs: Louisville City FC (USL), Phoenix Rising FC
  • Transfer Fee: $50,000 (2021)

Ben Lundt, a towering German goalkeeper, offers depth and competition in the goalkeeping department. Acquired from Phoenix Rising FC in 2021 for a modest fee, Lundt has spent time on loan in the USL Championship, honing his skills. In 2025, he has been a reliable third-choice keeper, featuring in two MLS matches and showcasing his shot-stopping abilities. Lundt’s 6’6” frame makes him a formidable presence in one-on-one situations, and his potential remains high.

Defenders

1. Matt Miazga

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: Chelsea, Reading, Anderlecht
  • Transfer Fee: $3 million (2023)

Matt Miazga is the cornerstone of FC Cincinnati’s defense. A former Chelsea academy product, Miazga joined the club in 2023 for a $3 million fee, bringing European experience and leadership. In 2025, he has been a rock at the back, winning 68% of his aerial duels and maintaining a 90% tackle success rate. His ability to read the game and organize the backline has been instrumental in the team’s defensive improvements.

2. Yerson Mosquera

  • Nationality: Colombian
  • Former Clubs: Wolverhampton Wanderers, FC Cincinnati (loan)
  • Transfer Fee: $4 million (2024)

Yerson Mosquera, a Colombian center-back, made his loan move permanent in 2024 after an impressive spell with the club. Known for his physicality and composure, Mosquera has formed a formidable partnership with Miazga. In 2025, he has made 28 appearances, contributing three goals and two assists. His ability to play out from the back, with an 88% pass accuracy, has been a key asset in FC Cincinnati’s build-up play.

3. Alvas Powell

  • Nationality: Jamaican
  • Former Clubs: Portland Timbers, Inter Miami CF
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)

Alvas Powell, a Jamaican international, brings pace and versatility to the defensive unit. Capable of playing as a right-back or wing-back, Powell joined FC Cincinnati in 2023 on a free transfer. In 2025, he has been a consistent performer, providing width in attack and solidity in defense. His four assists and 2.5 tackles per game highlight his dual-threat capabilities.

4. Ray Gaddis

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: Philadelphia Union
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)

Ray Gaddis, a seasoned MLS veteran, joined FC Cincinnati in 2022 after a long stint with the Philadelphia Union. Known for his defensive discipline and work rate, Gaddis has been a reliable option at left-back. In 2025, he has made 20 appearances, maintaining a 91% tackle success rate and providing leadership both on and off the pitch.

5. Ian Murphy

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: Duke University (NCAA)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (SuperDraft pick)

Ian Murphy, a young American defender, has continued to develop in 2025. Drafted from Duke University, Murphy has shown promise with his ability to play as a center-back or left-back. His 75% aerial duel success rate and 87% pass accuracy indicate his growing influence in the squad.

Midfielders

1. Luciano Acosta

  • Nationality: Argentine
  • Former Clubs: Boca Juniors, D.C. United, Atlas
  • Transfer Fee: $2.5 million (2021)

Luciano Acosta remains the creative heartbeat of FC Cincinnati. The Argentine playmaker joined the club in 2021 and has since been a fan favorite. In 2025, Acosta has been in scintillating form, contributing 12 goals and 15 assists in 30 appearances. His vision, dribbling, and set-piece delivery make him one of the most feared midfielders in MLS.

2. Obinna Nwobodo

  • Nationality: Nigerian
  • Former Clubs: Göztepe, FC Cincinnati
  • Transfer Fee: $2 million (2022)

Obinna Nwobodo, a Nigerian defensive midfielder, has been a revelation since joining in 2022. Known for his tireless work rate and ball-winning abilities, Nwobodo has averaged 4.2 tackles and 2.1 interceptions per game in 2025. His ability to break up play and initiate counterattacks has been crucial to the team’s success.

3. Junior Moreno

  • Nationality: Venezuelan
  • Former Clubs: Zulia, D.C. United
  • Transfer Fee: $1 million (2023)

Junior Moreno, a Venezuelan international, provides stability and experience in midfield. Acquired from D.C. United in 2023, Moreno has been a consistent performer, averaging 89% pass accuracy and 1.8 key passes per game. His ability to control the tempo and link defense with attack has been invaluable.

4. Yuya Kubo

  • Nationality: Japanese
  • Former Clubs: Young Boys, Gent
  • Transfer Fee: $1.5 million (2020)

Yuya Kubo, a versatile Japanese midfielder, has been a key contributor in 2025. Capable of playing in multiple positions, Kubo has scored six goals and provided seven assists this season. His technical ability and movement off the ball make him a constant threat to opposition defenses.

5. Malik Pinto

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: Princeton University (NCAA)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Homegrown signing)

Malik Pinto, a young American midfielder, has emerged as a promising talent in 2025. A homegrown signing, Pinto has shown maturity beyond his years, averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.5 key passes per game. His energy and tenacity have earned him a regular spot in the matchday squad.

Forwards

1. Brandon Vazquez

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: Atlanta United, Tijuana
  • Transfer Fee: $450,000 (2020)

Brandon Vazquez has been FC Cincinnati’s talismanic striker since joining in 2020. In 2025, he has continued to deliver, scoring 18 goals in 28 appearances. His physicality, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing make him one of the most complete forwards in MLS.

2. Sergio Santos

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Former Clubs: Philadelphia Union, Austin FC
  • Transfer Fee: $1 million (2024)

Sergio Santos, a Brazilian forward, joined FC Cincinnati in 2024 and has been a dynamic presence in attack. Known for his pace and dribbling, Santos has contributed 10 goals and six assists in 2025. His ability to stretch defenses and create space for teammates has been a key asset.

3. Dominique Badji

  • Nationality: Senegalese
  • Former Clubs: Colorado Rapids, Nashville SC
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)

Dominique Badji, a Senegalese forward, provides depth and experience in the attacking department. In 2025, he has scored five goals and provided four assists, often making an impact as a substitute. His versatility and work rate make him a valuable squad player.

4. Arquimides Ordóñez

  • Nationality: Guatemalan
  • Former Clubs: FC Cincinnati Academy
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Homegrown signing)

Arquimides Ordóñez, a young Guatemalan forward, has shown glimpses of his potential in 2025. A product of the FC Cincinnati academy, Ordóñez has scored three goals in limited appearances, showcasing his composure and finishing ability.

Conclusion

The 2025 FC Cincinnati squad is a blend of youth and experience, with each player contributing to the team’s success. From the commanding presence of Roman Celentano in goal to the attacking flair of Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vazquez, this team is built to compete at the highest level. With a mix of homegrown talents and shrewd signings, FC Cincinnati has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in MLS. As the season progresses, the club’s ambition to lift silverware remains within reach, driven by the collective effort and individual brilliance of its players.