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Paul King - Becoming Royalty

Started on 10 June 2019 by TheLFCFan
Latest Reply on 2 October 2019 by ScottT
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Some renewals these are :O

Beast players on beast form playing for a beast club. You need players like that at Cincy mate. What you need from them now is to justify them!
TheLFCFan's avatar Group TheLFCFan
5 yearsEdited


Jóhannsson Joins Cincy



American International, Aron Jóhannsson joins FC Cincinnati following allocation rights results.


With a total of twelve clubs involved in the process, FC Cincinnati have today seen their application for Aron Jóhannsson’s rights accepted. Demand for Jóhannsson was high from the moment his allocation rights went up for grabs. Among the sides vying for his services was current reigning champions, Atlanta United, LA Galaxy, last years runners ups, as well as New York City and New York Red Bulls. However, the MLS granted his rights to the Orange and Blue, with the striker signing a $530,000 deal, running to December 2022.

Aron Jóhannsson was born in Alabama on November 10th 1990, to Icelandic parents, Helga Gudmondsdottir and Johann Gislason. Despite being born in America, he moved to his parents' country of origin at the age of three and spent the majority of his childhood in the city of Reykjavík, Iceland's capital city. It was here, in Reykjavík, where Jóhannsson began his soccer career. Joining the academy of Ungmennafélagið Fjölnir, more commonly known as Fjölnir, in 2000 at the age of 10. He stayed at the academy climbing through the age groups until he turned 17.

After playing in Iceland for seven years, Jóhannsson moved back to his country of birth to play in a U.S Developmental Squad in Florida, for the IMG Soccer Academy. It was at IMG, where Aron credits gaining his work rate, as he believes he had to work harder at IMG to be noticed, compared to playing in Iceland. However, after a year at the academy in which Aron impressed, he returned to Iceland and turned professional at former academy team Fjölnir.

His time at the club saw him make a total of 37 appearances scoring 13 goals over a two year period for the top tier side. Making his debut in 2008, Jóhannsson made his breakthrough in the 2009 season as he scored 12 of his goals earning him the Golden boot that year as well as being announced as the league's best and most promising player.

Yet his time at Fjölnir ended that same year as he left the semi-professional club to move with his family to Denmark. Following the move he earned a trial with Danish 2nd tier side AGF Aarhus before signing a deal with the club on a permanent basis in 2010. With Aarhus in his debut season, he played his part in seeing the side promoted to Danish top tier, Superliga. After a tough start, going 15 games without scoring, Aron found his form, scoring the league's fastest hat-trick (3 minutes 50 seconds) before adding a fourth inside 16 minutes, another Superliga record.

This form saw the youngster called up to the Icelandic under 21s side in 2011. In total he played ten times for the nations youth side, scoring just a single goal. He was then called up to the Icelandic national side in 2012 having impressed in the Superliga. However, a groin injury prevented Aron from any action.

Having attention from the national team, Jóhannsson was also being heavily followed by many teams around Europe. It was then in January 2013 when Aron made his first big move to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. A reported $1,780,000 deal agreed between the two clubs, the striker made his move to one of Europe's biggest leagues. Scoring his first goal for the club against FC Utrecht in a 6-0 victory, where fellow American Jozy Altidore scored a hat-trick, Jóhannsson began to gain American Head Coach Jürgen Klinsmann’s attention. After ending the 2012/13 season with three goals in five games and continuing in that vein at the start of the 2013 season, Jóhannsson was called up to his first United States squad. With official confirmation of his switch, Aron made his America debut on August 14th 2013.

Jóhannsson’s decision to play for America and switch his alliances did not come without his controversy. Many of the Icelandic public believed the choice made Jóhannsson a traitor and the president of Iceland's Football Association, Geir Thorsteinsson commented that Aron “has no link to soccer in the U.S at all” despite his development at IMG being significant to his career. Despite this, Aron impressed early on for America as he scored his first goal against Panama in October 2013. He was also apart of the 2014 World Cup squad, starting most games from the bench, with Jozy Altidore favoured. With his international career flourishing despite the controversy, he continued to impress at club level. He ended his time at AZ with 58 games and 29 goals, and won the KNVB Cup in 2012/13 season, before a move to German side Werder Bremen.

Following a big move to the German giants, Aron could never settle in the side, constantly struggling with injuries. With a $5,570,000 move, an injury cursed spell of four years saw the now 28 year old play just 30 games in all competitions, scoring five times. Making a solitary appearance in the 2018/19 season, Aron was released by the club making him a free agent.
Due to his American roots, the MLS gained the right to Allocate Aron to one of its franchises and with twelve clubs interested, expansion side, FC Cincinnati beat of its challengers.

“We are delighted to welcome Aron to our club. We have made great strides this year and with our current position in the league we are delighted with how we have performed in our debut season. Unfortunately we have recently struggled for form and having Aron come in will certainly boost morale and hopefully give us a kick into gear in the remaining games of the season.” commented Paul King, the FC Cincinnati manager.

Cincy have faltered of late, with no win in five, they have dropped down to fourth in the Eastern Conference. However, they are still comfortably above 5th placed Columbus Crew who sit five points back whilst also being ten points clear of falling from playoff contention.

Jóhannsson could be available for tomorrow's Lamar Hunt U.S Cup Quarter-Final matchup against Philadelphia Union.

Replies


Scott:Indeed, especially Gressel and Powell who are going to be key players for a good few years yet! Very happy with them.
BigMaguire:Apart from these three are actually good ;)
Jim:I certainly hope they prove it was the right call, all three, especially Gressel and Powell are going to be very important this end of season run.
The signing of Jóhannsson will add some real quality to the front-line of Cincinnati and could really push them to the next level, should he stay fit. With form dropping slightly, he could be the person needed to revitalise the squad and get a positive result on the board to kick-start the season, again.
Major signing for Cinci. Johansson will hopefully provide the spark needed to really kick on in your title challenge. Hopefully he helps you to make that charge.
Just hope Aron doesn't overdose on any illegal substances while he's with you!

Cincy Finally Win Again



Brian Black chased by his team-mates in celebration of his 52nd minute winner in the U.S Quarter-Final.

FC Cincinnati have finally ended their five game winless run having secured a 1-0 victory over 10 men Philadelphia.

After suffering their worst run since becoming an MLS franchise, FC Cincinnati have today beaten Philadelphia Union in their Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup quarter-final. Having gone five games without a win, losing to Vancouver Whitecaps, Orlando City and New York City, whilst drawing to DC United and Chicago Fire, saw Cincinnati go into the match low on morale.

Becoming the MLS latest expansion franchise at the beginning of the season, Cincinnati had started exceptionally well topping the Eastern Conference throughout the year. However, their recent form has been anything but exceptional. The poor run began against Vancouver Whitecaps, a 1-0 loss to the Western Conference leaders, saw an unbeaten run of six games come to an end for Cincy. A late Julian Gressel goal salvaged a point against DC United in the following game, before the same player suffered the unfortunate moment of scoring an own goal against Orlando City. That goal consigned Cincinnati to a further defeat and also saw, what Cincinnati manager, Paul King stated as “a horrible run of bad luck” following Diego Forlán’s injury in the previous game.

Three days after the Orlando match, Cincinnati welcomed Chicago Fire, dominating the game from the off. Two goals up after 70 minuets, King made a triple substitution only for Jonothon Spector to go down injured less than a minute after, leaving Cincy with just 10 men on the pitch. This saw Chicago come right back into the game, and with their only shots on target, Chicago snatched a point from the game.

Travelling to New York to face New York City, Cincinnati saw a further loss added to their record. Jesús Medina and Gonzalo Bravo gave the New York side the 2-1 home win as a late consolation came from new signing Joe Aribo for the Ohio based side. The game was one that was dominated by New York and one that King admitted his team deserved nothing from.

With Joe Aribo joining from Charlton and Aron Jóhannsson joining through the allocation draft, Cincy went into the game against Philadelphia Union with a renewed freshness. However, the first half was at best lethargic from both sides, with a total of six shots in the first 45 minutes combined. Yet the second half saw Cincy come out with a different level of energy, something that had been missing over the previous month. The breakthrough finally came in the 52nd minute with Brian Black scoring the match winner.

The game saw a heavily rotated squad but it didn’t stop Cincinnati putting in a much improved performance, one that Paul King hopes will kick his side back in to gear.

“We played well, I was very happy with the game especially the second half and we probably deserved more than a 1-0 win. But I will certainly take the 1 goal victory, as we are finally back to winning ways, thankfully. Now we have up to ten games left before potentially making the playoffs and we need to build up some momentum to take into them.”

As King mentioned, Cicinnati will play eight more league games in the regular season with a U.S Cup semi-final to come on 7th August, which could be followed by a U.S Cup final. This gives his side ten games to go before the regular season action comes to an end. With now a three week break for Kings side, they will take their first prolonged break of the season.

Cincinnati will face either New England Revolution or Houston Dynamo in the U.S Cup semi final.

Replies


Scott: He certainly looks to be a player with real quality about him. His European experience as well as his presence on the International stage, should hopefully help us out.
Justice:That's certainly the aim behind his arrival. With a player of his quality and experience I am much more confident in our front line now. Having a youngster in Brian Black and a very old Diego Forlan, we didn't have much choice there before his arrival.
Jack:Indeed, I for one hope hardcore drugs aren't a thing all Arons do...
Back on winning terms. Love to see that mate. Hope it continues as Cincy deserve more :)
As subdued a celebration as I've ever seen. Who pissed in his cereal?

Hopefully this win can be the springboard to bringing some renewed hope to the team and ensure the results start to flow, again!

Atlanta Announce Avram


Avram Grant has today been confirmed as the new Atlanta United manager.

Atlanta United have today confirmed Avram Grant, former Chelsea manager, as their new manager, leaving FC Cincinnati, where he was the assistant to Paul King.

Following a poor start to the season, Atlanta United sacked their former manager Frank de Boer, just over two weeks ago. Having won the MLS Cup last season, beating LA Galaxy in the final, Atlanta have struggled this year. Currently sitting in 7th place in the Eastern Conference, 17 points off top spot, leading to the sacking of Frank de Boer.

Frank de Boer took charge of Atlanta United two days before Christmas in 2018, signing a deal on 23rd December 2018. He took over from Atlanta’s, Gerardo Martino, commonly known as “Tata Martino” who was the clubs first Major League Soccer manager. Announcing that he would not renew his contract at the club in October, Martino moved on to manage the Mexican national team, where he won the 2019 CONCAF Gold Cup earlier this month.

As a player de Boer had a glittering career, playing for a great Ajax side who won the Champions League in 1995 as well as Barcelona. He joined Atlanta in a strong position as the side had just won their first MLS Cup in just their second MLS season. However, he has seen his side struggle to adapt to his changes this year, as Atlanta sit in a disappointing 7th place in the Eastern Conference, and could easily fall out of the playoff spots in the coming games. With de Boer in charge, Atlanta have struggled to find the net this season, scoring just 25 goals in 24 games, with only DC United finding the net less in the two conferences combined. The loss of young, influential left winger, Ezequiel Barco, who signed for Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth $18,250,000, has clearly affected Avram Grants new side. Having featured in a total of 38 games last season, Barco scored 11 and assisted three, Grant will certainly be looking for a way of replacing him.

Avram Grant has a managerial career spanning an incredible 47 years, managing in five different nations. Starting his career as a coach at just 18, he managed Hapoel Petah Tikva under 18 side for 14 years. He was then promoted to first team manager in 1986 replacing Giora Spiegel who left the club to manage Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv. In the five years that Grant managed his hometown side, he won two Ligat Ha’al Toto Cup’s seeing Petah Tikva be promoted back into the first tier of Israeli football for the first time in 25 years. Following on from that success, Grants team came very close to doing the League and Cup double in 1991, but the now famous “Cup Double Robbery” as it is known in Israel saw Petah Tivka lose out on both to Maccabi Haifa within three days of each other.

Following an incredible season, Maccabi Tel Aviv made a move to replace Giora Spiegel, once again with Avram Grant. His nine year spell, interrupted by a single unsuccesful season at Hapoel Haifa, was one of success for Grant. Winning the Israeli top division in 1992 and 1995 as well as to Toto Cups in 1994 and 1999. Once again Grant moved on, this time to Maccabi Haifa, another Israeli powerhouse. He claimed a further two top division titles in 2001 and 2002, whilst securing his first double as a manager, winning the 2002 Toto Cup. With an impressive resume in the Israeli leagues, Grant became the national sides Head Coach in 2002.

Replacing Richard Møller Nielsen, Grant took charge of a team who had failed to qualify for a major international tournament since 1974, when they were the runners up in the Asian Games. Grant became the youngest manager of the Israeli national side at the age of 47 remaining in charge for four years. In that time, he saw Israel finish 3rd in both European Championship qualification and despite going unbeaten, 3rd again in the 2006 World Cup qualification. Coming close to seeing his nation into two major tournaments but coming short, saw Grant leave the role in 2006.

Leaving Israel for the first time, he took the role as technical director at Portsmouth before moving on to Chelsea as Director of Football in June 2007. Following José Mourinho’s sacking in September of that year, Grant was appointed the first Israeli manager of the club. His appointment was one of controversy, Mouriniho was a much loved manager of the club and many felt his sacking was too early in the season. Grants appointment didn’t help please the fans, as Grant was a personal friend of owner Roman Abramovic, with many feeling he didn’t deserve the job. At the point of his appointment, the Israeli only held a UEFA B coaching certificate, meaning he hadn’t completed all the necessary qualifications for top level coaching.

Despite the early protests, Grant reached two finals in his two seasons at Chelsea, firstly the League Cup before eventually leading them to their first Champions League Final in 2008. On a wet day which saw heavy rain throughout the game, Chelsea lost to Manchester United on penalties, as Chelsea captain, John Terry, slipped missing an important penalty in the shootout. However, losing both finals, the first to Tottenham Hotspur, saw Chelsea sack Grant three days after the Champions League Final heartbreak in Moscow.
Taking a year out from the game, Grant returned to Portsmouth as a Director of Football before managing the side falling to relegation in his single season. He then moved back to London as West Ham boss, but once again suffered relegation. Following two disappointing years in England, Grant won the Serbian top tier with FK Partizan in his six months at the club in 2012. After his championship win, Grant left his contract despite having a further year on it, leaving his last club managerial position.

In his only managerial role since, Grant led Ghana to the African Cup of Nations final in 2015 before losing on penalties to Ivory Coast. He spent a further two years at the African national side, before leaving in 2017. He had been in a Director of Football role with Indian side, North East United, before Paul King asked him to become his assistant at Cincinnati.

Together, the pair have guided FC Cincinnati to a very impressive debut MLS season so far. The Ohio based side are currently 4th in the Eastern Conference and are also into the semi-finals of the U.S Open Cup. Exceeding all expectations, only recently have Cincy struggled having gone on their longest winless run since joining the league at the beginning of the year.

Avram Grant will be in the stands for his new sides game later tonight as they face Montreal Impact before taking charge of his first game next week against New York Red Bulls.

Replies


Jim:It was certainly needed as that run was starting to become a worry!
Justice:As Mario Balotelli said "When I score I don't celebrate, it's my job. Does a Postman celebrate when he delivers post?" Brian just expects it ;)
Scott:That is certainly what I am hoping for as the recent slide has been a worry. Thankfully we have won again and now we can build some momentum as we head towards the end of the season.
I suppose you won't be granting him any favours now that he has become a rival of yours.
Snake.
It was always going to happen with such an experienced and talented staff member taking up a minor role at Cinci. Now you will just have to take him on and show who's best out of you two!

Gressel Guides Cincy to Semi-Final Glory


FC Cincinnati have progressed into the U.S. Open Cup Final after beating Houston Dynamo 3-1 in their Semi-Final matchup.

Paul King has led his FC Cincinnati side to their first ever cup final, having beaten Houston Dynamo in their Semi-Final match at Nippert stadium. Having broken a run of five games without a win in their previous game against Philadelphia Union, a 1-0 win in the U.S. Open Cup quarter final, Cincinnati came into the game after a 21 day break.

However, the break had seemingly caused issues for Cincy from the off, as Houston came out strong hitting the Orange and Blue with a number of attacks early on. The pressure finally paid off in the 11th minute as Romell Quioto opened the scoring for Houston. Tomás Martínez picked the ball up in the center of the pitch before going on a run beating numerous players. Pacey Hounduron winger, Quioto sprant into support going past his marker, Alvas Powell with ease and once Martínez found him in space, it was an easy opportunity for Quioto.

Houston continued to dominate the game, ending the match with 62% possession, however, a Cincinnati counter-attack saw the game leveled up. Last seasons MLS Cup final, goal scorer, Julian Gressel was found on the edge of the area by Rasmus Schüller and despite being surrounded by defenders, squeezed the ball into the far corner.

Going into the half-time break, Cincy were certainly lucky to be tied, however, they went ahead despite the pressure facing them, Gressel once again grabbing the goal. A Greg Garza cross was headed clear by the Houston defense, only for the ball to fall to new signing Joe Aribo. Aribo, who has impressed in his first three games as a Cincinnati player, played Gressel into space before the German once again buried his shot into the corner.

Gressel turned scorer to provider to put the final nail in Houston's coffin, as he set up a perfect cross for Brian Black to nod home. Black has impressed so far this year in his first campaign in the MLS since being drafted but saw new signing Aron Jóhannsson start the game against Houston. However, coming off the bench to seal the win certainly proved that Paul King will have a tough selection to make in the striker role from now on.

But the man of the day was without a doubt, Julian Gressel, as he picked up a brace as well as assisting the winner. The German has performed at an exceptional level at times this season, having joined from Atlanta United in December’s expansion draft. The winger has played in 27 matches, five of which came from the bench, in all competitions and has scored six goals, creating five.

“I am very happy with today's game, we played well as a team and despite not having much of the ball we defended well and stopped them from doing much with the ball. We then also counter attacked well and I am delighted to have scored twice in the win” commented Julian Gressel on the Semi-Final.

Cincinnati manager, Paul King also gave his thoughts on the game, “We were good. Nothing special but not terrible, we were good. I think that best sums up today's match as we just couldn't get a hold of the ball throughout the match. However, we defended well and our press kept them in their own half for the majority of the game and they only threatened our goal a couple of times, apart from the goal. When we had the ball we were clinical, creating chances and more importantly finishing them. I was pleased with the win, but the tournament isn’t over now and we are desperate to be the ones lifting that trophy come the end of September.”

This will be the furthest Cincinnati have got to in the U.S. Open Cup having previously lost in the Semi-Finals, in 2017. Having been knocked out by Tampa Bay Rowdies in the third round in 2016, Cincy went on an incredible run the following year. Remarkably, Baye Djiby Fall scored the winner in four of Cincy’s wins, all of which ended 1-0. Beating Cleveland, Louisville, Columbus Crew and Miami, whilst also winning on penalties against Chicago Fire, Cincinnati made it to the Semi-Finals. Cincy took New York Red Bulls to extra time in the Semi-Final but lost 3-2 through a Bradley Wright-Phillips 101st minute goal.

Cincinnati couldn’t match the run last year, losing 3-1 on penalties to Minnesota United after a 0-0 in regular time. However, this year they have managed to go on a spectacular run, seeing them beat Tormenta FC, Charleston, Phoenix, Chicago Fire, Philadelphia Union and most recently, Houston Dynamo. They will now face San Jose Earthquakes in the final on 25th September 2019.

San Jose have also had an impressive run this season, starting two rounds later than Cincinnati, they have beaten, Fresno, LAFC, Oklahoma City and in the Semi-Final, Real Salt Lake. Led by Chris Wondolowski, San Jose are also playing in their first U.S. Open Cup Final, having previously made the Semi-Finals in 2004 and 2017.

“It should be a good final, we have played well tonight to make it to the Final and hopefully we can come out on top against Cincinnati. We have played them once this season and they took the victory, so we are seeking revenge. It won’t be easy but we are confident in ourselves.” commented San Jose Earthquakes manager, Matías Almeyda, on the upcoming Final.

The Final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will take place on September 25th at the Avaya Stadium, home of the San Jose Earthquakes, gifting them home advantage.

Replies


Justice: He certainly won't be getting anything from me, quite like how I am going to ignore the rest of your terrible puns ;)
Scott:Former Chelsea manager, don't know what I was thinking.
Jack:Well he certainly has a lot to prove considering his last few roles as a club manager. I look forward to playing against him next season, assuming he is still in a job ;)
A big congratulations in order here! Brilliant work to bounce back from going a goal behind to defeating Houston Dynamo by a relatively comfortable scoreline. The three week break certainly did your side no favours with match sharpness it seems, but you caught them out on ability and cunning. You know have a major final to look forward to, with the opportunity to bring home some silverware.

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