These last two years the question has come up: who on this roster could go to MLS if we moved? The short answer had typically been Delbridge, Walker, maybe Hildebrandt. Mitch answered that question for us by going to be a backup in MLS behind Brad Guzman in Atlanta. Harrison has left to the Australian A-League which is a comparable level to MLS. And Kenny is still on this roster and most likely the captain of this team going into the preseason.

But now the answer to the question of who could move to MLS with us? Ledesma, Laing, Gibson, Lasso, Walker, and Richey are all in the conversation. That’s an incredible leap in talent from the last two years. No offense to the guys we’ve had in the past, we’ve had an incredibly successful two years by anyone’s measure, but now we’re looking at a team that should “walk the league” and be an absolute terror to play in the Open Cup.

And when you look at the Bengals and their complacency, it’s refreshing to see these additions. It’s refreshing to see a team that represents your hometown wanting to go out and win. The Reds told us it might be awhile before they’re competitive. The Bengals have said the same in their actions. The Cyclones are hopelessly adrift in the minor leagues. When it comes to professional sports in Cincinnati, there is only one team out there, year in and year out, trying to represent our city in the best way possible. Even if you’re not a soccer fan, you have to take notice of that fact.