This week’s review takes a look at the latest FC Cincinnati developments. As the team looks to regroup after their season was halted in March. While also searching for a new head coach.

FCC starts individual training sessions

FC Cincinnati were among nine MLS clubs that began individual training sessions last week. The first session for FC Cincinnati took place last Monday. After the league gave clubs permission to have individual sessions on May 6th. Marking a turning point towards the potential resumption of the MLS season. After play was suspended back on March 12th. Just two days before FC Cincinnati’s home opener was supposed to be. Part of an avalanche of postponements and cancellations on that day.

While these individual training sessions are a big step. An announcement made last week could stall hopes of the resumption of play. Last Thursday, the MLS extended a league-wide small group and team training moratorium. Effectively barring anything resembling a traditional team practice through June 1st. Though the individual training sessions can continue.

Major League Soccer’s resuming plans face obstacles

Certain obstacles stand in Major League Soccer’s way when it comes to resuming play. First and foremost, ensuring the health and safety of everyone. Players, coaches, other club and league personnel and the general public. As these times are showing, ensuring the health and safety of many people much easier said than done. Travel issues are another obstacle for the league to deal with.

Major League Soccer is one of several leagues considering resuming play in Florida. Particularly at Orlando’s Wide World of Sports complex. Travel issues could throw a wrench in these plans. With three Canadian MLS clubs, immigration issues are one hurdle to clear. The US-Canadian border could remain closed to non-essential travel until at least June 21st.

Outside of the possibility of having matches; there aren’t many other ways that this proposal sounds appealing. This proposal asks 26 teams to play in one metro area. Putting a burden on Orlando residents in the process. While asking teams to move far away from their families and fans for months. This plan sounds like a sure fire way to anger fans and players alike. Particularly for teams in the places hardest hit by COVID-19. Seeing their favorite team possibly move temporarily; after already enduring so much physical, emotional and economic suffering.

Germany’s Bundesliga provides another idea for how MLS play potentially resumes. The top tier league resumed play this past weekend. As the first major European soccer league to resume since halting play in March. Providing a preview of how sporting events could look going forward. Hosting teams were able to play on their home pitch. Matches were closed to all except essential match-day personnel. While players and coaches tried their best to practice physical distancing on the bench.

Pandemic offers FC Cincinnati a chance to regroup

Meanwhile, the suspension of play is giving FCC a chance to hit the reset button. After starting their second MLS season with back-to-back losses. Losing by one to both Atlanta United FC and the New York Red Bulls. This suspension is also playing out while FCC is looking for a new head coach. After former head coach Ron Jans resigned as the preseason was wrapping up. Due to allegations that he used a racial slur. With Yoann Damet now in his second stint as FCC’s interim manager.

Recent statements suggest that the club is close to finding their next head coach. According to FC Cincinnati president Jeff Berding, Jaap Stap is their top choice for the job. Stap was most recently the head coach for Feyenoord. A team in the top tier league of his native Netherlands. Stap’s playing career featured stints with Manchester United, Lazio and AC Milan.