2021 was not the season of dreams for Queen City soccer fans — FC Cincinnati finished the year with a 4-22-8 record, tying it with the 2019 season for losses.
But there's hope for change in 2022 with the announcement of a new head coach.FC Cincinnati has tapped Pat Noonan to step into the role. Noonan has been an assistant coach for the LA Galaxy, United States Men’s National Team and, most recently, the Philadelphia Union. He started his Major League Soccer career as a player with the New England Revolution in 2003 and moved around to other teams including Columbus Crew, Seattle Sounders and the Galaxy before retiring from the pitch in 2013 and joining the Galaxy's coaching staff.
“We are proud to introduce Pat as the new head coach of FC Cincinnati,” said General Manager Chris Albright in a release. “He has demonstrated a track record of coaching success and we are excited to bring his leadership to FC Cincinnati."
FC Cincinnati has seen upheaval during its 2021 campaign. Former general manager Gerard Nijkamp departed in August, and the club announced Sept. 27 that it had "relieved head coach Jaap Stam of his duties, effective immediately." The club also has cut assistant coaches Said Bakkati and Yoann Damet in an effort to clean house.
“During our nearly two-month process to identify the next General Manager for FC Cincinnati, it was apparent that a Head Coach change was necessary. Therefore, after a great deal of deliberation, the club has made the decision to now move to the future with Jaap no longer serving as Head Coach.” Jeff Berding, FC Cincinnati president, said at the time.
FC Cincinnati's 2022 season will kick off on Feb. 26 — the earliest ever start to an MLS season — with a road game against Austin FC. Noonan will have his first game at TQL Stadium during the home opener against D.C United on March 5.
For more info or to snag season tickets, visit fccincinnati.com.
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