Enquirer reporter Pat Brennan discusses the FC Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh Riverhound game. The Enquirer/Phil Didion
FC Cincinnati General Manager Jeff Berding speaks during a press conference to announce the latest developments in the FC Cincinnati soccer-specific stadium construction plans at FC Cincinnati's office in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017. The team ownership announced a plan to privately finance 100 percent of the $200 million project to build a 21,000 seat stadium. Public funds would still be required to build and improve infrastructure to support the project. (Photo: Sam Greene/The Enquirer)
Futbol Club Cincinnati had a noticeable presence at the grand opening of Los Angeles Football Club's new Major League Soccer venue.
While the vast majority of the spotlight Sunday night stayed focused on LAFC opening Banc of California Stadium against Seattle Sounders FC, FC Cincinnati was undeniably present in multiple ways during the event.
ESPN personality Taylor Twellman spoke on FC Cincinnati during the TV network's broadcast of the match, saying he expected a resolution on FC Cincinnati's MLS expansion push in the next "10-14 days."
Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen. The league still isn't commenting on timelines related to the ongoing round of expansion of which most pundits consider FC Cincinnati the frontrunner.
Perhaps most noteworthy of all, at least as far as FC Cincinnati observers are concerned, was the presence of FC Cincinnati President and General Manager Jeff Berding and majority team owner Carl Lindner III at the match.
Berding and Lindner didn't make their plans known to attend the match widely known beforehand but made their presence known once they arrived to Banc of California Stadium.
Berding tweeted a picture of himself and Lindner from the lavish soccer-specific venue, saying via tweet: "Checking out the coolest new MLS stadium. Incredible venue, @LAFC... a great model to learn from, taking lots of notes and (pictures)."
Berding's and Lindner's presence at the LAFC match prompted some to wonder about the true nature of their visit to Los Angeles. Some speculated expansion progress could be made at such an event, although the league downplayed FC Cincinnati's presence Sunday night.
Representatives from Sacramento Republic FC, Detroit and other expansion hopefuls, as well as other United Soccer League clubs were also at the match Sunday.
Berding and Lindner have been known to frequent high-profile MLS events. The two-man delegation attended the MLS All-Star Game in 2015 – before the club even announced and introduced itself locally.
Berding and other FC Cincinnati front-office staffers attended subsequent All-Star Games in San Jose and Chicago, along with the 2016 MLS Cup Final in Toronto.
Berding's often used these trips to network, extract ideas and attend USL meetings. It's also a chance for Berding to touch base with MLS officials, sometimes formally and sometimes informally.
FC CINCINNATI WAITING ON WEST END STADIUM INSPECTION
Despite Twellman's statement during Sunday's match that he'd be shocked if there wasn't an announcement on FC Cincinnati from MLS within two weeks, it remains to be seen if Cincinnati's actually that close to the long-awaited MLS bid.
Right now, FC Cincinnati is still waiting on MLS officials to inspect its proposed site for a stadium in the city's West End neighborhood.
An MLS spokesman confirmed to The Enquirer Monday that Commissioner Don Garber's and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott's planned visit to inspect the West End site hadn't happened yet.
FC Cincinnati was singled-out by MLS in a statement that credited the club for progressing its stadium plans. That occurred following an April 17 owner's meeting that was preceded by an April 16 Cincinnati City Council vote that paved a clear path for the club to build its desired soccer-specific venue.
More: MLS acknowledges FC Cincinnati progress, indicates expansion talks will continue
ON THE FIELD
FC Cincinnati is represented in this week's USL Player of the Week media vote. Emmanuel Ledesma made the ballot and would seem likely to be named to the league's Best XI for last week after notching three offensive points via a goal and an assist. Ledesma chipped Ottawa Fury FC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau in the 77th minute of Saturday's match to polish off a 3-0 win for FC Cincinnati.
IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THAT KENNEY WALKER GOAL YET...
Walker's second goal of the season arrived Saturday against Ottawa in stunning fashion as he lashed a volley from about 50 yards out, and sent it slicing over an out-of-position Crepeau. The goal is widely considered a USL Goal of the Year candidate, if not the early frontrunner.
Walker got plenty of national love for the goal, which was picked up by ESPN, Univision Deportes and others.
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