The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between FC Cincinnati and New York Red Bulls at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, February 22. This clash features two teams with high expectations and star-studded lineups.
FC Cincinnati
- 2024 Record: 18-11-5, 3rd in Eastern Conference, reached the playoffs but lost in the Eastern Conference Round One
- Key Players: Pat Noonan (Head Coach), Kévin Denkey, Evander, Osvaldo Alonso, Miguel Gallardo, Bradley Wright-Phillips
- Strengths: FC Cincinnati had a strong season in 2024, finishing 3rd in the Eastern Conference. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: FC Cincinnati struggled defensively at times, conceding three or more goals in six MLS affairs. They will need to address these defensive issues to maintain their competitive edge.
New York Red Bulls
- 2024 Record: 13-10-6, 4th in Eastern Conference, reached the playoffs but lost in the MLS Cup final
- Key Players: Sandro Schwarz (Head Coach), Lewis Morgan, Emil Forsberg, Patryk Klimala, Sean Nealis
- Strengths: New York Red Bulls had a strong playoff run in 2024, reaching the MLS Cup final. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: New York Red Bulls struggled on the road, winning only one of their last nine MLS away fixtures not counting the playoffs. They will need to improve their away form to be successful this season.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Team News and Lineups
- FC Cincinnati: The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners have turned to Pat Noonan to guide the team to an MLS Cup. They have added Kévin Denkey and Evander ahead of this season and also brought in goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong from South Korean top-flight side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC. Their biggest departure was Luciano Acosta, who was traded to FC Dallas.
- New York Red Bulls: After a poor start to the 2024 season, New York Red Bulls hired Sandro Schwarz to maximize the team’s high-priced talent. They have lost key players like Rafael Czichos and Gastón Giménez, but have added Lewis Morgan and Emil Forsberg to bolster their squad.
Key Matchups
- Kévin Denkey vs. New York Red Bulls Defense: Denkey’s presence on the field will be a major factor for FC Cincinnati. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish them will test New York Red Bulls’ defensive capabilities.
- New York Red Bulls’ Front Line vs. FC Cincinnati’s Defense: New York Red Bulls’ attacking trio will look to exploit any weaknesses in FC Cincinnati’s defense and create scoring chances.
