FC Cincinnati Opens 2025 Season Against New York Red Bulls Saturday Night

CINCINNATI, Ohio — FC Cincinnati will kick off the 2025 Major League Soccer regular season on Saturday, February 22, at TQL Stadium against the New York Red Bulls. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Fans can stream the game on MLS Season Pass via the Apple TV app in both English and Spanish. The English broadcast will feature Chris Wittyngham and Lori Lindsey, while the Spanish team of Diego Pessolano and Daniel Chapela will provide coverage. Local radio options include iHeart Media for the English broadcast and La Mega 101.5 FM for Spanish listeners.

Saturday’s match marks the 14th regular-season encounter between FC Cincinnati and the New York Red Bulls, with the latter leading the series 7-3-3. The Red Bulls have been particularly dominant on the road against Cincinnati, holding a 4-0-1 record when visiting TQL Stadium.

This 2025 season opener is significant for FC Cincinnati as they aim to build on their successful run in the 2024 season, which culminated in winning the Supporters’ Shield. After a convincing 4-1 victory over FC Motagua in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Cincinnati returns home with momentum.

FC Cincinnati Head Coach Pat Noonan expressed enthusiasm about starting the season, stating, “I feel good. I think we’re all excited to be back in Cincy, ready to start the regular season. Hopefully, we can build off of that momentum.”

New York Red Bulls, fresh off their run to the MLS Cup finals last year, are aiming for another strong season despite the loss of key player John Tolkin in the offseason. They have acquired Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from Bayern Munich, aiming to bolster their forward line. New York Head Coach Sandro Schwartz is anticipated to employ a high-pressure style, which has been characteristic of the Red Bulls’ play.

“Our team knows the pressure we thrive on when out of possession,” Schwartz stated. “We will aim to dictate play and make our presence felt against Cincinnati.”

The weather forecast predicts below freezing temperatures for the match, with FC Cincinnati urging fans to dress warmly and to bring blankets if needed.

Fans unable to attend the match are encouraged to visit one of FC Cincinnati’s official Pub Partners in the Greater Cincinnati area for watch parties and other festivities. Almost 60 bars and restaurants are part of this program designed to enhance the match-day experience for supporters.

To prepare for the match, FC Cincinnati fans can also tune in to “FC Cincinnati Weekly” on WCPO 9 for insights and analysis at 7:30 p.m. on February 21, the eve of the opener.

Tickets for the match are available online, and the club’s official mobile app offers real-time notifications and updates.