Preseason training just kicked off at the Mercy Health Training Center in Milford, and honestly, the vibe feels different this year. If you've been following the FC Cincinnati soccer roster since the wooden spoon days, you know how far this club has come under Chris Albright and Pat Noonan. But there’s a massive misconception that this squad is "set."
It’s not.
While the core of the 2026 team is sweating through double sessions right now, the roster is a living, breathing thing that's still evolving. We saw it last week with the addition of Kristian Fletcher. We saw it with the veteran savvy move for Tom Barlow. This isn't just about putting eleven guys on the pitch; it's about the math of the 3 DP / 3 U22 Initiative model that basically dictates how Albright builds his puzzle.
👉 See also: NFL Schedule 2024 Printable PDF: Why Physical Copies Still Win
The Big Three: DPs and the Power Dynamics
Let's talk about the Designated Players. This is the spine. In 2026, the trio consists of Miles Robinson, Evander, and Kevin Denkey.
Wait—Miles Robinson as a DP?
Yeah, it’s a thing now. It shows you exactly how much Noonan values defensive stability. Miles is arguably the best 1v1 defender in the league, and keeping him in Cincy required that level of commitment. Then you have Evander, who is essentially the orchestrator. If he doesn't have the ball, the offense feels like it's stuck in mud. He needs to find that telepathic connection with Kevin Denkey this season. Denkey bagged 17 goals last year, which is great, but the expectation internally is that he hits 25.
If those two click, the rest of the FC Cincinnati soccer roster becomes a nightmare to defend.
🔗 Read more: How to Stream NASCAR Race: Stop Wasting Money on Cable Subscriptions
The Midfield Engine Room
Obinna Nwobodo is the heartbeat. Simple as that. When he’s healthy, he covers more ground than a lawnmower. But the real story for 2026 is the depth behind him.
- Pavel Bucha: The guy just doesn't get tired. He led the team in minutes for a reason.
- Samuel Gidi: The "scouting win" from the Slovakian league. He’s 21 and looks like the future.
- Tah Brian Anunga: The ultimate professional. He’s the guy you bring in when you need to shut a game down.
It’s probably the deepest midfield Cincy has ever had. Honestly, it might be the deepest in the Eastern Conference.
Why the Defense Still Feels Like a Project
You’d think with Matt Miazga and Miles Robinson, the defense would be a fortress. But Miazga is still working his way back from that nasty injury. He’s expected to rejoin full training mid-preseason, but "full training" and "match fit" are two different beasts.
Then there's the wingback situation.
Ender Echenique arrived last August and looked like he was shot out of a cannon. He’s the projected starter on the right. On the left? That’s where things get murky. With Lukas Engel’s loan expiring and him heading back to Middlesbrough, there’s a hole. We’ve seen Alvas Powell re-signed (because Noonan loves his versatility), and they’ve brought in Kyle Smith for depth, but is there a true, elite left wingback on this FC Cincinnati soccer roster yet?
Maybe not.
Don't be surprised if Albright pulls another rabbit out of his hat before the primary transfer window closes. They have the flexibility, especially if the rumored sale of Álvaro Barreal (currently on loan at Santos FC) finally settles and unlocks some more GAM.
The New Faces of 2026
It’s easy to focus on the stars, but the fringes of the roster are where trophies are won.
- Kristian Fletcher: Signed just days ago. He’s 20, has Premier League loan experience (Nottingham Forest), and adds a dynamic goal-scoring threat that was missing from the bench.
- Tom Barlow: The veteran addition. People like to meme on Barlow, but his work rate is insane. In Noonan’s system, a striker who can press for 90 minutes is worth his weight in gold.
- Ademar Chávez: The latest homegrown to watch. At 18, he might not see massive minutes yet, but the club is high on his ceiling.
What to Watch During the Preseason
The biggest question mark isn't talent; it's chemistry. Last year, the mid-season additions like Gidi and Echenique had to learn on the fly. Now, they get a full camp.
✨ Don't miss: Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Keep an eye on the goalkeeper battle, too. Roman Celentano is the undisputed #1, but with Alec Kann retiring, Evan Louro is now the primary backup. The club also sent Paul Walters on loan to Bohemian FC in Ireland to get him games. It’s a smart move. Goalkeepers need reps, not splinters from the bench.
Your FC Cincinnati Roster Checklist
If you're trying to keep track of this squad, here’s how to look at it:
- Watch the U22 Slots: Gidi, Echenique, and Gilberto Flores hold these. Their growth determines the team's ceiling.
- Monitor Miazga’s Minutes: If he’s not ready for the Concacaf Champions Cup opener against O&M FC, the back three looks a lot thinner.
- The Evander-Denkey Connection: Look for how often they're finding each other in the final third during friendlies.
The FC Cincinnati soccer roster is built for a deep run in both MLS and the Champions Cup. They have the star power in the DPs and the grit in the midfield. Now, it's just about whether the defense can "evolve," as Noonan put it, to match the firepower up front.
To stay ahead of the curve, follow the official club transaction logs and keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of Florida this month. The final version of this team probably hasn't even been signed yet.