We’re back for another edition of the CST Roundtable! The USL has released the 2017 schedule and we take a minute to breakdown some of the highlights for FC Cincinnati’s 2017 campaign.
Now that the 2017 USL Schedule has been released, what about the schedule immediately jumps out to you from an FC Cincinnati perspective?
Boston Brazzell
Going purely off last years results and this years signings, May and early June look like a nice point building opportunity. If we have a bad start to the season or the players have trouble finding their feet.. that would be a good spot to revisit tactics.
Ken Hoetker
Going with the obvious, the first homestand. Having three key matches that have different stories is kind of cool. We have St Louis with Preki/ Harkes match up, followed by Tampa and the MLS nemesis aspect, finished off by our rival Louisville. I think this stretch will let us see where we stand immediately.
Brad Weigel
What jumps out to me are the spots available to host the international friendly. Last year we hosted Palace on 7/16. This year we have Sat. 7/22 available and hopefully that will allow us to draw in another high quality international opponent, I have to think the club jumps all over that Saturday vs. getting stuck with a weeknight for the match.
Nick Seuberling
I’m surprised we only get to face Pittsburgh twice this year compared to last season’s three matchups. For being close in proximity I figured they’d come to town twice.
Yosief Tzeghai
From mid-May to June will be a great opportunity to gather consistency and expand the fan base. 6 home games in a 7 game stretch will allow a bunch of opportunities for fans old and new to become a part of FCC culture
Nick Seuberling
Also the fact that the last home game is against RBII, that could be THE game to settle the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Bryan Weigel
I agree Seubs, that match could be important, but with a whole month left on the road could matter as well. I am not enthusiastic about adding Bethlehem and Orlando to our schedule for 3 matches a piece, but it could have been more difficult if you had switched Orlando with lets say, Tampa. That initial home stretch will be tough with Saint Louis FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Baseball Field United. With all three of those games over an 8 day span, it will test the new roster depth, but could also be fortunate since we have a larger returning squad than those teams. Will the fans turnout in droves for those three matches though? I say that Wednesday vs. Tampa needs to be a $2 beer night for all college students in the area.
Boston Brazzell
$2 beer night for the Boston’s in the area.
Ken Hoetker
Bryan, At that price how many are you going to buy me? (Swerve Game)
Which FC Cincinnati road game would you most like to attend in 2017?
Bryan Weigel
I told you my wife and I are having a kid this summer, right?
Nick Seuberling
Plenty of road opportunities in the spring.
Bryan Weigel
SO the correct answer would be anything before July and I hope that would include a US Open Cup match vs. Indy or Columbus. But since that is a hypothetical, I will have to answer with Richmond on May 6th. I’ve always wanted to go check out that facility especially with that club celebrating their 25th anniversary.
Brad Weigel
That’s a great questions because we got shafted on the away schedule. We play in Florida twice in July and then LCFC the hottest days of the year. Maybe St. Louis late September so I can trade a #MLS2Cincy 2018 scarf with them.
Nick Seuberling
I also hate the fact that the Tampa game is on a weeknight even though it’s close to the 4th of July. I tried getting that week off of work but couldn’t. So much for that trip.
Ken Hoetker
The best away game that I can see is the mid summer Florida trip that is possible. July 1st and July 6th games in the Orlando and Tampa area. Could make for a great family vacation, even with a newborn! Of course, Louisville will always be a fun day trip.
Boston Brazzell
I already have the 1st game of the season in Charleston booked. I could see myself going to one of the Pennsylvania games right after. How many of our readers would be interested in a CST bus to Pittsburgh? Stadium on the river….. Tweet at us or hit us up on Facebook.
Nick Seuberling
Plus the weather won’t be ridiculously hot, might be a bit chilly in April.
Like Boston mentioned above, we’re in the process of planning a bus trip for an away match this year and we want to know which match you’d most like to join us at! Let us know in the comments below!
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