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What a Difference Damet Makes


We all knew that there would be tough times in FC Cincinnati’s inaugural MLS season. New teams must suffer through growing pains as a new group of players learn to play with each other. What we didn’t expect was 5 straight games without a goal. We also didn’t expect to seem so lost out on the pitch. Players looked to be playing hard and putting in to the effort but they were spinning in the mud. There was no vision, and there was no identity.  A lot of this could be forgiven for an expansion team. Perhaps Alan Koch was getting a feel for his players and this league? Maybe he was still learning how to create strategy for this level? What could not be forgiven however, was when he put the blame on these doldrums on the lack of talent on the field.  A coach’s job is to get the best of what he has to work with. As Coach Noman Dale said in Hoosiers “I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not.” Alan Koch’s open pining for better players lost him his job.

Enter Yoann Damet. Given 3 days to practice he had our boys looking like a real team.  There seemed to be a plan, and a vision for this team. Not only did we get goals but there was real build up to the goals. FC Cincinnati broke down Montreal. The ball got moved around. Empty space was created. Players filled that space. We got closer to the goal and we were able to finish.

Montreal is in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference and FC Cincinnati truly looked to be the better team on Saturday.  It cannot be understated how good it is for Greg Garza to be back and playing. His ability to find the right player and start the build-up is of paramount importance for the future of this team. Frankie Amaya is also playing extremely well. The 18 year old’s energy and ball skills are pumping life into this team. I am truly excited for the remainder of the season after what was seen on Saturday.

Now this club must complete the task it started with the firing of Alan Koch. It must remember that Yoann Damet is an Interim Head Coach and not the final stop. Yoann seems to be a great soccer tactician and maybe he will become a great coach but now is not the time to take a flyer on an unknown. Yoann does give the front office some time to make sure they do the right thing. There is no rush to fill the position but it must be filled properly. I also believe there is a spot within this organization for Yoann to stick around and hopefully grow with our team.

It was a long April but there’s reason to believe maybe this month will be better than the last.
  

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