Patrick Brennan

pbrennan@enquirer.com

Plenty of people are talking about Futbol Club Cincinnati's future stadium prospects, but you won't find the club itself joining in the discourse.

Why? At present, there's nothing to talk about, FC Cincinnati President and General Manager Jeff Berding told The Enquirer Monday.

For now, the club is focused solely on the 2017 season and winning the United Soccer League, Berding said.

"I appreciate people's interest in our MLS application. We submitted our bid that complied with the requests of MLS, but now that that's in, our focus is on building a winning team," Berding said when asked about the stadium situation and recent reports related to it. "There's really no point in responding to all the rumors and speculation that's out there because that's all they are: Rumors and speculation.

"...When there comes a time to make further announcements on MLS we will."

The club's expansion application did include preliminary details on possible stadium sites – something that was required of all 12 expansion applicants – but the application is essentially put to bed until FC Cincinnati hears back from the league and is asked to provide additional information.

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Berding has long maintained there is no imminent plan to veer away from the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium as its home, and that the club would also be responsive to MLS should it request more information on future stadium sites.

In a statement provided to The Enquirer last week, Berding confirmed the club has partnered with MEIS Architects as they continue to explore stadium options. According to a Sports Illustrated report, the club has identified and detailed for MLS two possible stadium sites located in the city's urban core.

Berding also said in the statement, "we love Nippert Stadium and believe it's a proven site."

Hamilton County assists FC Cincinnati's bid

It's no secret that several local politicians aided and continue to aid FC Cincinnati in their bid for MLS.

Cranley: 'I don't foresee' taxpayer money for FC Cincinnati stadium

Hamilton County's commissioners are among those involved helping the club pitch America's top-flight soccer league. Commissioners Todd Portune, Denise Driehaus and Chris Monzel authored and signed a letter of support on FC Cincinnati's behalf to MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

The letter, dated Jan. 25 and obtained Monday by The Enquirer through a public records request, noted the county commissioners' support of the city's other major sports franchises, their familiarity with Berding and Nippert Stadium's proximity to Over-the-Rhine, Downtown and The Banks.

The county commissioners asserted in the letter that Nippert is "situated in our urban core."

The assertion is noteworthy because it's clearly a note of support for the club's current venue and helps answer one of Garber's early questions about FC Cincinnati's bid.

Garber, during his November visit to Cincinnati, noted the importance of stadiums situated in urban locales. He also said several times he didn't know if Nippert was considered part of the city's urban core.

FC Cincinnati Letter of Support