CINCINNATI – Fanendo Adi stood in front of a group of media during a training session last week talking about the added responsibility he felt as FC Cincinnati’s first Major League Soccer designated player.



A few days later, the former Portland Timbers center forward was back in front of reporters somberly representing the team in a press conference following a 1-0 loss to New York Red Bulls II in the United Soccer League Eastern Conference semifinals.



“We didn’t play very good today,” Adi said after the game. “… It’s been a tough one today, but the guys have come this far, winning a lot of games. As much as this is disappointing today, everyone’s got to hold their heads up. It’s part of the game and I think we’ll learn from this moment.”



But within seconds of the final whistle, fans already were taking to social media placing blame on Adi for failing to meet expectations brought on by...