On December 19, 2019, FC Cincinnati released its fixtures for the upcoming 2020 season including some big time teams from the west and big conference games in the east. I plan to make a few of the away trips this season while not trying to break the bank. In reality, my wallet and bank account will be gasping for air around June.

This will be a complete rundown of the whole schedule and whether we should win or not and my overall expectations. (To all Cincinnati sports hardos, Don’t get your panties in a bunch. This is my correct opinion).

FCC kicks off their season in the Big Apple on March 1st against the New York Red Bulls. The Energy drinks finished in an underwhelming 6th place last season and had a quick exit out of the playoffs after a 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Union. NYRB ran a train (or should I say metro) over FCC last season like almost all of the other teams, but I think we take this game 2-1 and steal 3 points away from home to kick off the season.

A 465 mile trip to kick off week 2 is not ideal especially when it is against one of the best teams and arguably the loudest fan base in MLS. FCC will face Atlanta at Mercedes Benz Stadium on March 7th. I really don’t expect much from this match because Atlanta is solid coming into the 2020 season and FCC still doesn’t have an established DP striker to score goals which are needed to win. On a good day FCC takes 1 point in a 1-1 draw at the Benz.

Next we have the one we have all been waiting for, the home opener. FCC faces the flying eagles of D.C. at the Nip on March 14th. This will be a big game for the pure fact of what happened in FCC’s final game in the 2019 season vs D.C. that resulted in a 0-0 draw and two red cards for FCC. Head Coach Ron Jans will come into the home opener with a fire  and will take the 3 points at home to boost fan morale after the abysmal season in 2019. FCC wins 3-1.

Skipping five games a head because nobody gives a damn about Toronto and San Jose, FCC will take a trip to Chester, PA to face the Philadelphia Union. The Union were a powerhouse vs. FCC last season and just threw us around. I don’t see FCC winning at all, but for the fans who take the 8 hour car ride to Chester will have a great time running up the steps like Rocky or eating a cheese steak. Honestly anything could be better than watching the game when we get thrashed like a dead seal to a great white shark. Philly over FCC, 4-0.

Jumping to May 27th, the newcomers in MLS, Inter Miami FC will play host to Cincinnati in a highly anticipated game for both fan bases. FCC fans get to enjoy nice weather in May and Miami gets to win a game, well maybe. I think FCC will take at least a draw in Miami but for the sake of this piece, 2-1 FCC. (I will be traveling to Miami for this fixture in May.)

Three days after the match vs. Miami, FCC will host Nashville Plastic FC. I really only want one thing from this match and it is an absolute pummeling of Nashville. I hate everything about Nashville soccer and they deserve to get knocked down a few pegs, 3-0 FCC.

On July 19th, leg one of the Hell is Real Derby 2020 comes to Nippert. This match will be highly anticipated by all fans and will most likely sell out. The yellow scumbags two hours north will put up a decent fight in leg one but Hell is Real and FCC win it out of revenge from last season, 3-2.

August 8th will be a big match for Timbers fans as they host FCC. The orange and blue will travel roughly 3,000 miles to face the trees. Timbers fans will be looking to take all three from FCC because of what happened when we embarrassed them last year in a 3-0 victorious fashion that included a back heel goal by Allan Cruz that sent Nippert Stadium to the moon. Portland will put up a good fight just like they did with the Iron Front Ban but ultimately lose 2-1 to FCC.

Leg 2 of the Hell Is Real Derby falls on August 22nd at 7:30 pm, but I can totally see this match getting moved to the 8 pm prime time slot on ESPN for the pure carnage it provided last year. The yellow city workers will host the mighty orange and blue at Mapfre Stadium and will not only be playing for 3 points but to stay relevant in the league where they were almost moved to Austin, Texas in 2017/18. After a rough game back and forth when Cbus hosted last season it ended in a 2-2 draw and stitches for Victor Ulloa who was kicked in the face with a cleat and he received the yellow. (I was livid). I plan on making the trip up to Crapfre Stadium with my mom as we did last season and we had a great time. FCC takes the win 3-0.

None of the games really matter after the second leg of the derby but this season will be interesting. I hopefully will be taking six road trips this season to: Atlanta, Miami, Philly, Portland, Chicago and Columbus. A rough estimate of mileage for my voyage will be around 9,000 miles traveled. I am extremely excited for a fresh start and new season after what happened in 2019.

Come on you FCC.