The offseason for FC Cincinnati has been exciting to say the least. From trades to training camp no-shows, the coaching staff and front office has had to deal with a lot so far. FC Cincinnati rose from the depths of hell in MLS to MLS Cup contender in just a few years. The expectation is now there for FC Cincinnati to be towards the top of the Eastern Conference. Just like in every sport, there is roster turnover but as long as there is a consistent core, the team could once again compete for the Supporters Shield and even MLS Cup. With the 2025 season upon us, there are some key players for FC Cincinnati that will be crucial for the success of the team.

Kevin Denkey – transfermarkt.com

Kevin Denkey (ST)

The new striker for FC Cincinnati was at the time, a MLS record signing. Kevin Denkey, arrived from Cercle Brugge for $16.2M. Denkey scored 66 goals in 152 appearances for the Belgian side. Denkey will now be expected to do the same for the Orange and Blue. The potential is there for Denkey to be the most prolific striker in club history and if it plays out, FC Cincinnati will see a lot of success in 2025. With Lucho Acosta most likely destined to be leaving the club, Denkey will have a lot more responsibility placed on him to score goals.

Luca Orellano (FWD)

Luca Orellano had an impressive loan spell with FC Cincinnati in 2024. So impressive, the club triggered the purchase option, making him a full time FC Cincinnati player. The long range assassin, Orellano has scored some impressive goals, including one, a free kick, from almost 80 yards out. That goal was ultimately named the MLS Goal of the Year. In 42 matches last season, he contributed 12 goals to the campaign. Like Denkey, Orellano will need to be a key part of the offense for FC Cincinnati to succeed. Orellano is a weapon that can play many positions. Last season, he saw the majority of his time at wing back, which was an advantage offensively. Orellano led the club in shots and that will be useful once again in 2025. Another player in the attack to distribute and put shots on frame is exactly what this team will need this season.

Matt Miazga (CB)

The 2023 MLS Defender of the Year had a rough 2024, suffering a season-ending injury on June 15, against the San Jose Earthquakes. Miazga, along with USMNT player and centerback teammate, Miles Robinson, provide incredible stability on the back line. Miazga was named to the 2023 MLS Best XI for the first time in his career and before his injury, was playing at a very high level once again. The injury to Miazga was the first of many blows that were dealt to the FC Cincinnati defense last season. Defensive stability goes a very long way to the success of a team and Matt Miazga provides that. If he’s on the field a lot in 2025, then good things look to be coming FC Cincinnati’s way.

Miles Robinson (CB)

Miles Robinson (Phil Didion/The Enquirer)

Well, you can basically say the same thing about Miles Robinson that was said about Matt Miazga. FC Cincinnati shocked the MLS and even the soccer world when they signed the then free agent Robinson. Many thought that Miles Robinson would be heading to Europe to continue his career. Instead, he signed with FC Cincinnati and has been everything the club wanted. Despite missing a handful of games due to being called up to the US Men’s National Team, Robinson provided that stability on the back line, despite the many injuries the club suffered. In a year where there will be schedule congestion for FC Cincinnati, Robinson will be expected to help nail down the back line and keep the stability there alongside Matt Miazga.

Roman Celentano (GK)

Stunningly, Roman Celentano has yet to win MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. From the time Celentano was drafted by FC Cincinnati to now, the goalkeeping position has been one of stability for the club. Celentano has 32 clean sheets in 107 matches for FC Cincinnati. The club has done a great job of stabilizing the defense overall and Celentano has been a crucial part of that. Another season with Celentano playing like he has, FC Cincinnati will be in a solid position to contend for another Supporters Shield and MLS Cup.

Chris Asbrock and Impact Sports Cincinnati can be followed on Twitter   and