In the grand scheme of things, FC Cincinnati has a short but rich history here in the city and in American soccer. The club has provided many incredible moments not only in the city but on the American soccer scene. The club and its fans showed an incredible passion that undoubtedly helped land the club into the MLS. This is the second part of a series where we take a look at a few of the names from years past in FC Cincinnati history and what they are doing now.
Josu
Before signing with FC Cincinnati in 2017, Josu was a cult hero in India, playing for the Kerala Blasters. Many soccer fans in India followed Josu during his time here in Cincinnati. While his time in Cincinnati was short lived, making only 16 appearances for the club, Josu participated in one of the most memorable matches in the clubs history. During the magical U.S. Open Cup run in 2017, Josu scored in the penalty shootout victory over the Chicago Fire, a match that stamped FC Cincinnati’s place in the American soccer landscape. Josu and the club mutually parted ways in 2018, allowing him to pursue other options. He joined UE Llagostera in the third tier of Spanish soccer in once again another brief spell. At the beginning of 2019, Josu made the trek back to Finland to play for FC Lahti in the Finnish top league. He has scored six goals and added three assists during his 26 appearances with the Finnish club.
Paul Nicholson
Nicholson was another player who joined FC Cincinnati for the inaugural season in 2016. Nicholson joined FC Cincinnati after spending five seasons with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the then USL Pro league. He spent two seasons with the Orange and Blue before hanging up his boots after the 2017 season. In December of 2017, Nicholson was named head coach of the Cincinnati Dutch Lions of USL 2, formerly the USL PDL. Nicholson has compiled a record of 12-7-9, twice finishing third in the Great Lakes Division.
Photo Credit: Joe Craven
Harrison Delbridge
Harrison Delbridge was one of top defensive players in the short history of FC Cincinnati. Delbridge joined FC Cincinnati to start the 2016 season and was named as one of the top defensive players in USL both seasons he was with the club. His strong play earned the Australian an opportunity to go home and play for Melbourne City of the A-League. He has made 40 appearances for the club, in all competitions. Melbourne City has finished third and fifth respectively in his two seasons and making it to the quarterfinals of the FFA Cup.
Harrison Delbridge posted a strong performance in the 2-1 win at Bethlehem Steel FC. (Photo Credit: Bethlehem Steel FC)
Luke Spencer
Spencer like the others mentioned, signed with the Orange and Blue to begin the 2016 season. Spencer only saw action in 11 matches for FC Cincinnati. After the 2016 season, Spencer headed just down the Ohio River, signing with rival Louisville City FC. The move was beneficial for Spencer, seeing more minutes and contributing greatly. Since moving to Louisville City, Spencer has scored 26 goals and added seven assists in 79 matches for the club. Scoring goals is not the only thing Spencer does well. He’s also won championships with Louisville City. Much to the chagrin of FCC fans, Spencer has won two USL Cup championships and was named the USL Cup MVP in 2018. This season, Spencer has scored seven goals in 22 appearances while looking to help Louisville City win another USL Cup.
Photo Credit: Alex Vehr
Andrew Wiedeman
One of the original signings made by FC Cincinnati, Andrew Wiedeman was a staple in the FC Cincinnati lineup for his two seasons in Cincinnati. Wiedeman scored nine goals in his 68 appearances. During the 2017 USOC run, he scored the most famous non-goal in club history. Wiedeman slotted home a beautiful shot in extra time to give FCC the lead against the Fire, but the linesman had her flag up for offside. While many would argue that Wiedeman was not offside, his faux goal was the loudest moment in Nippert Stadium. Wiedeman hung up his cleats after the 2017 season. Wiedeman stopped by CST at the end of last year to discuss his time after retirement.
@iamchrisasbrock for @CincySoccerTalk
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