CINCINNATI — Watching FC Cincinnati play its first Major League Soccer home game reminded Eddy Riordan and other fans what it used to be like to be overcome with excitement at Cincinnati major league sports events.
"It was like a Bengals game on steroids," Riordan said.
To hear Jarrod Everhart tell it, the FCC crazies stirring the sellout crowd of 32,250 could have raised the roof if Nippert Stadium had a roof.
"Oh my goodness. They were just rocking. They were rocking. You couldn't even hear yourself think in that crowd as loud as it was," Everhart said.
"This was great,” said Mark Quarry. “It was a great, historic moment for Cincinnati to witness."
The team did not dare disappoint the frenetic opening night crowd, taking the lead in the first half and pulling away to a magical 3-0 victory over the Portland Timbers. It was FC Cincinnati’s first MLS win after an opening loss and tie on the road.
The passionate supporters of @fccincinnati have once again showed the global soccer community why Cincinnati is a great soccer city. Congratulations to Carl Lindner, @JeffBerding and the entire FC Cincinnati organization on today’s historic home opener! pic.twitter.com/Mijm6wEUZJ
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) March 17, 2019
Just when you thought FC Cincinnati couldn’t top the success they had in minor league soccer the past three years, they did it in their first three weeks.
"This one was even better just because we're on the big stage now,” said Bobby Pifer. “Big stage in front of everyone. National. It's great."
After the game, Riordan couldn’t believe what he just saw.
"Unbelievable. MLS is here. The fans, the whole atmosphere was great and a 3-0 win," Riordan said.
RELATED: Three keys to FC Cincinnati victory.
Before the first game in Seattle, team officials did their best to try to lower fans’ expectations, reminding them that a first-year expansion team might have trouble competing against three of the best teams in the league right off the bat.
But after a 4-1 loss in Seattle, a 1-1 tie with defending champion Atlanta FC United and Sunday’s shivering of the Timbers has many fans excited for what the rest of the season may hold.
“I‘m excited for once about what Cincinnati means in terms of professional sports teams,” said Alex Wagoner.
FC Cincinnati (1-1-1) goes back on the road next Sunday to play the New England Revolution.
