With the MLS half day trade window opening this morning at 9 AM, there was speculation among the FCC faithful that Chris Albright and company would make moves to bolster or trim the orange and blue roster. The most obvious area with fat to trim was the CB room. With Nick Hagglund and Matt Miazga expected back next season, it’s been evident that FCC had more CBs than they needed. With MLS being a salary capped league, it would only make sense for them to move some of those backline guys to free up cap space. Ultimately, it was Chidozie Awaziem and Ian Murphy that were dealt. In this article, I’ll be breaking down the move and what the FCC defense may look like this upcoming season.
First, the details of the trade itself. First reported by Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport, the deal will reportedly send 27-year-old Nigerian CB Chidozie Awaziem to the Colorado Rapids, along with 24-year-old American CB Ian Murphy. In return, FC Cincinnati will receive $1 million in GAM, in addition to add-ons. Both FCC and Colorado were clubs entering the winter offseason needing to make moves after both clubs exited the 2024 MLS Playoffs in the first round. The trade will help the Rapids bolster a backline that conceded 73 goals between the MLS regular and post seasons. The $1 million in general allocation money coming to FCC, will help make the 2025 roster work along with lessening the hurt of spending so much on Kevin Denkey and Luca Orellano.
With the departures of Chido and Ian, looking toward 2025 there are questions as to how the backline will look. One hypothetical outcome involves FCC playing out of a 3-4-3 formation. In this scenario, the back three would most likely be comprised of Teenage Hadebe, Miles Robinson, and Matt Miazga. This would allow for Miazga’s crucial leadership to be present on the pitch, and would leave Nick Hagglund on the bench, who could rotate with Miazga as they both progress back to full form. However, with plenty of time between now and the start of the season, this is merely my speculation.
With this move being made, FCC’s focus will most likely now turn to bolstering the midfield. Of course, the larger looming problem for the front office is deciding who to protect in this week’s upcoming expansion draft. This expansion draft will be the second one we’ve seen in the last 3 years. The previous one, held in November 2022, saw some names familiar to FCC. In that one, held for St. Louis City SC prior to their first season in MLS, saw them pick up Nicholas Gioacchini from Orlando City, and John Nelson from FCC. This year’s expansion draft, benefiting San Diego FC, is to be held on Wednesday, December 11th.
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