A global soccer tournament kicks off Thursday, with 32 teams competing for a $1 million grand prize.This is the first year of The Soccer Tournament, a 7-v-7 winner-take-all competition littered with some of the biggest names in soccer worldwide. One of the tournament teams represents Cincinnati soccer's foundational roots, including some of the biggest names in FC Cincinnati's pre-MLS history.We first told you about The Soccer Tournament back in January. Since then, it's grown to something the organizers didn't see coming.32 teams, filled with a mix of professional and retired players kick off the first day of matches Thursday. The competition is fierce, but Nati S.C. has star power on its team, too.One of those stars: Former Cincinnati Bengal wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson.Ochocinco has not been quiet about his love for soccer. He tried out for Sporting KC in 2011 and even worked as a commentator during the Qatar World Cup last year.His new teammates talked about what it's been like to train with him over the last few days. "I don't follow American football, so I didn't know who he was," said Danni König, who scored 22 goals in 51 matches for FCC in 2017 and 2018. "The other guys told me that he's a big-time Bengals legend, so yeah, that's a fun addition. Funny addition. And a good addition. He's a super nice guy, down to earth, so only positive things to say about him.""It's been a blast having him here," added Michael Millay, former FCC defender and general manager of Nati S.C. "He's talked about McDonalds, I think, 100 times and told us all he loves us constantly. So he's been a joy and honestly, just awesome to bring different people together."Nati S.C.'s first match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Thursday against Hashtag United, a UK-based soccer and esports club, before they take on Gracie FC, a club comprised of a legendary Brazilian martial arts family, at 8:30 p.m.Group play for Nati S.C. concludes Friday at 12:30 p.m. when they take on Conrad & Beasley United, a team started by the reuniting of former USMNT stars Jimmy Conrad and DaMarcus Beasley. All group play matches for Nati S.C. will be live-streamed on The Soccer Tournament's YouTube channel.
A global soccer tournament kicks off Thursday, with 32 teams competing for a $1 million grand prize.
This is the first year of The Soccer Tournament, a 7-v-7 winner-take-all competition littered with some of the biggest names in soccer worldwide.
One of the tournament teams represents Cincinnati soccer's foundational roots, including some of the biggest names in FC Cincinnati's pre-MLS history.
We first told you about The Soccer Tournament back in January. Since then, it's grown to something the organizers didn't see coming.
32 teams, filled with a mix of professional and retired players kick off the first day of matches Thursday. The competition is fierce, but Nati S.C. has star power on its team, too.
One of those stars: Former Cincinnati Bengal wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson.
Ochocinco has not been quiet about his love for soccer. He tried out for Sporting KC in 2011 and even worked as a commentator during the Qatar World Cup last year.
His new teammates talked about what it's been like to train with him over the last few days.
"I don't follow American football, so I didn't know who he was," said Danni König, who scored 22 goals in 51 matches for FCC in 2017 and 2018. "The other guys told me that he's a big-time Bengals legend, so yeah, that's a fun addition. Funny addition. And a good addition. He's a super nice guy, down to earth, so only positive things to say about him."
"It's been a blast having him here," added Michael Millay, former FCC defender and general manager of Nati S.C. "He's talked about McDonalds, I think, 100 times and told us all he loves us constantly. So he's been a joy and honestly, just awesome to bring different people together."
Nati S.C.'s first match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Thursday against Hashtag United, a UK-based soccer and esports club, before they take on Gracie FC, a club comprised of a legendary Brazilian martial arts family, at 8:30 p.m.
Group play for Nati S.C. concludes Friday at 12:30 p.m. when they take on Conrad & Beasley United, a team started by the reuniting of former USMNT stars Jimmy Conrad and DaMarcus Beasley.
All group play matches for Nati S.C. will be live-streamed on The Soccer Tournament's YouTube channel.
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