CINCINNATI – The offseason can be long for players, but for FC Cincinnati’s Corben Bone the past few months have been spent enjoying his new role: Dad.

The Bone family welcomed new son Brooks last September 9 as the club was making its run toward the USL Cup Playoffs, but in the first Corben’s Corner of the new year the veteran midfielder spoke about getting used to the new addition to his family, and all that entails.

“All of a sudden ‘the soccer player’ became ‘Brooks’ dad,’” wrote Bone. “The divergent identity that I had been seeking fell into my lap, literally. After only three months of experience I can’t tell you the complete responsibilities or feelings of being a father, but so far, I am convinced that having a child is a miracle.”

Bone and his FCC teammates hit the road for IMG Academy to prepare for the club’s third preseason this weekend, meaning there’ll be a short break in father and son time, but the Texas native is looking forward to getting back home soon.

“I have a new identity to embrace, and while I don’t plan on leaving soccer anytime soon, I feel a change in the way I view myself,” Bone added. “In my eyes I am no longer limited to the beauty of soccer, my identity has expanded into the beauty of life.”

RAPIDS ASCENT?: While major offseason signings grab plenty of headlines when MLS preseason kicks off, there are also those who arrive looking to earn their chance at earning a place in the top flight as a camp invitee.

Among those working toward that goal currently are Charlotte Independence players Enzo Martinez and Joel Johnson, both of whom have been with the club’s MLS partner the Colorado Rapids since January 22. After sterling 2017 seasons in the USL that helped the club reach the USL Cup Playoffs for a second consecutive season, the players' presence at Rapids camp is an indicator of the strength of the bond between the two clubs.

“Our ability to provide opportunities for players to advance their careers is one of the reasons players come to Charlotte,” Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries told the club’s website. “Our relationship with Colorado allows the Rapids staff to get to know our players well and give them the opportunity to compete for a spot on the MLS roster in preseason.”

Martinez and Johnson aren’t the only players looking to make their mark in MLS preseason. Another notable is 2017 USL Defender of the Year Sebastien Ibeagha, who is training with New York City FC. Both he and Martinez present a strong case, with Martinez having earned nomination for the USL Most Valuable Player award and All-League First Team selection in both 2016 and 2017.

With new Rapids Head Coach Anthony Hudson looking to build a squad ahead of his first season at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the door certainly appears open, but Martinez himself isn’t concerned with anything other that performing well as he begins preparation for wherever this season may take him.

“I don't like to focus on things I can't control,” said Martinez. “Early on in my career, I did. I focused on things I didn't have control of or things that actually did more damage, than what helped. Being older and more mature, that's something I've learned and I feel like I stick by it. Not just in soccer, but in every aspect of life.”