If any FC Cincinnati players still have a point to prove during the club's ongoing front office transition, Sunday's match against Atlanta United represents last call.
In the final act of a season that's disappointed by almost every measure, FC Cincinnati closes out its third Major League Soccer campaign against Atlanta on Sunday at TQL Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
The conclusion of the match will trigger the beginning of another offseason of change, with new General Manager Chris Albright in charge, a head coach still to be hired and roster decisions that could hinge on the preferences of the manager-to-be.
More:MLS 2022 schedule: Short offseason ahead, Nashville SC switching to Western Conference
Out-of-contract players proving they belonged at FC Cincinnati, and showing they wanted to stay, has been a major theme since Albright's arrival. Sunday's game against Atlanta will be the last opportunity for some players to state their case.
Interim Cincinnati head coach Tyrone Marshall indicated during a Friday interview that he believed almost all players were given ample opportunity to prove their on-field worthiness to the organization.
"I think guys can still make a case for themselves," Marshall said of what opportunity to impress remains in the final match. "There's still opportunity in this last game. Whenever there's a match, there's an opportunity. So with that being said, I think there's eyes watching guys to see who is still engaged and who wants to be a part of FC Cincinnati moving forward."
Marshall made a point of stating that almost every player in the team was given first-team minutes during his eight matches in charge ahead of Sunday's Atlanta tilt, with goalkeepers Beckham Sunderland and Ben Lundt being two examples to the contrary.
Cincinnati was officially eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago but Marshall and his interim staff eschewed dramatic squad rotation for a gradual and targeted approach to providing opportunities up and down the roster.
More:FC Cincinnati takeaways: Has anything gone right recently? Yes, for some.
The staff's emphasis has remained on fielding the best-available players in order to achieve results as the club has labored for wins, and has just one victory at TQL Stadium in 2021.
There's also a belief that increased opportunities have improved morale at the Mercy Health Training Center, where now-former head Jaap Stam had been perceived as stingy in doling out minutes beyond the first 13 or so players he rated.
The reality is that all of FC Cincinnati's players – those signed through 2022 and beyond, and those out of contract – are all on trial if they desire to remain at the club and play a meaningful role.
Marshall indicated exit interviews would take place in the days immediately following the season, and those certain to be included for 2022 will continue training deeper into November.
"There's a lot of stuff that's gonna happen here in the next couple days, so that's where the communication will come in," Marshall said. "I'll give them my feedback on what I observed in the short time that I was here, and what they thought of the moments I was here. Obviously, Chris Albright having his input in what the expectations are moving forward. We'll do that after the season's done."
For FCC players on the proverbial bubble in terms of being involved in 2022, Sunday offers a fine opportunity for final riposte.
Atlanta United comes to TQL Stadium seeking to clinch a playoff berth. The club can finish as high as the fourth position in the Eastern Conference, and while a win or draw clinches their playoff spot, other results could also see the "Five Stripes" qualify in the event of a Decision Day loss.
The Game
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. at TQL Stadium
TV/Radio/stream: Star64/Fox Sports AM1360/fccincinnati.com
Series info: Atlanta holds the series edge against FC Cincinnati with a 4-1-2 record against FCC.
Cincinnati.com prediction: Atlanta United 3, FC Cincinnati 1
FC Cincinnati
Record: 4-21-8, 20 points; 14th in Eastern Conference
Goals for: 36
Goals against: 72
Coach: Tyrone Marshall - interim head coach (0-8-0)
Projected starting lineup:
Kenneth Vermeer (GK)
Edgar Castillo, left back
Tyler Blackett, center back
Geoff Cameron, center back
Zico Bailey, right back
Florian Valot, midfielder
Allan Cruz, midfielder
Yuya Kubo, midfielder
Brandon Vazquez, forward
Brenner Souza da Silva, forward
Atlanta United
Record: 12-9-12, 48 points; sixth in Eastern Conference
Goals for: 43
Goals against: 36
Coach: Gonzalo Pineda
Projected starting lineup:
Brad Guzan, goalkeeper
Miles Robinson, center back
Alan Franco, center back
Anton Walkes, center back
Brooks Lennon, wing back
George Bello, wing back
Franco Ibarra, midfielder
Matheus Rossetto, midfielder
Ezequiel Barco, forward
Luiz Araújo, forward
Marcelino Moreno, forward
Noteworthy: FC Cincinnati's Ronald Matarrita and Gustavo Vallecilla are both listed as questionable for the season finale while Nick Hagglund (wrist) is out. Maikel van der Werff is listed as out, confirming he won't play have seen the field for FCC since preseason. Sunderland is also out (concussion).
Player to watch: FC Cincinnati's Brenner Souza da Silva – Brenner's faced his skeptics and critics this season as a high-priced, streaky addition to an FC Cincinnati team that he rarely seemed to dominate for. And domination was the expectation that accompanied the reported $13 million transfer fee Cincinnati paid to acquire him. But now on eight goals, Brenner's in line to finish as the club's single-season goals record holder – a modest accomplishment. Anything he can produce against Atlanta, which is clearly a playoff-caliber side, would help continue to bolster the idea that Brenner's introductory season in MLS wasn't a disappointment. It's also worth noting that Brenner already has four times as many goals as former Cincinnati designated player Jurgen Locadia scored in 18 months at the club. The transition to playing in MLS isn't easy, and Brenner could cement his first MLS campaign in MLS as a reasonably successful one with a big contribution on Sunday.
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