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Cincinnati Excited, Focused for Valencia Test

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/24/17, 12:03PM EDT

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Monday’s international exhibition against La Liga club to air on ESPN3


Photo courtesy Brett Hansbauer / FC Cincinnati

CINCINNATI – Entering on a three-game winning streak in USL action – the first such streak of its kind in club history – FC Cincinnati wouldn’t be faulted for taking its foot off the gas a little when it hosts La Liga’s Valencia on Monday night at Nippert Stadium in an international exhibition.

On what should be another festive occasion at Nippert Stadium, though, FCC’s Kenney Walker is ready to go out and put on a strong show for the fans.

“I don’t change my approach since it’s a friendly match,” said Walker after Cincinnati’s 3-0 win against the Harrisburg City Islanders. “At the end of the day, if you go out and respect them too much, and don’t play how you normally play, they will walk all over you. I’ve learned to go out and play the game to your best ability. We have to go out there and have fun, but show them the respect of playing the game to win.”


Photo courtesy Brett Hansbauer / FC Cincinnati

That said, there will almost certainly be plenty of squad rotation, and potentially the chance to get new faces Sem de Wit and Kevin Schindler into the lineup for the first time. With important league games, to say nothing of FCC’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal, coming up fast, maintaining a balance is going to be the focus for Head Coach Alan Koch.

“We’d like to include as many as possible as this is a wonderful opportunity to play against such a world-class organization,” said Koch on Saturday. “We want to put in a good performance and make sure we’re playing well collectively.”

Another large crowd is expected for the game, but for those who can’t be in attendance there will be options to view both locally and nationally. FCC announced last week a partnership with Cincinnati Bell to present the game on Channel 500 of the Bell Fioptic system locally, and also on ESPN3 online.

“Cincinnati Bell has and continues to be a valued partner,” said FCC President and General Manager Jeff Berding upon the unveiling of the deal. “To introduce Valencia, a team from one of the top leagues in the world in La Liga to the Greater Cincinnati area, is an exciting opportunity and we are appreciative of Cincinnati Bell’s involvement.”

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