CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati returns from the international break Saturday night with more than just a chance to reset after its loss in Montréal.
The Orange and Blue are also getting reinforcements.
David Doudera, Julián Malatini, and Tyrell Malacia are all available for selection when Cincinnati visits Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Doudera already made his club debut in Montréal, while Malatini and Malacia are now eligible after obtaining their P-1 visas.
For a Cincinnati team entering the final month of the regular season, the timing could be huge, particularly because of the defensive woes FCC has encountered this year.
Doudera brings extensive European experience after joining from Slavia Prague, where he made nearly 350 professional appearances and played in the UEFA Champions League. The 28-year-old can provide width and energy on the right side and gives Pat Noonan another option at wingback.
Malatini adds size and depth in the middle of the defense. The 25-year-old Argentine joined Cincinnati on loan from Werder Bremen after spending time in both the Bundesliga and Argentina’s top flight. At 6-foot-3, he gives Cincinnati another true center back as Noonan continues to manage a defensive group that has dealt with injuries and lineup changes throughout the season.
Malacia may be the most recognizable of the three. The 27-year-old left back joined Cincinnati after most recently playing for Manchester United and brings more than 250 European club appearances to MLS.
The additions arrive as Cincinnati begins a busy stretch run. After Saturday’s match in Atlanta, the Orange and Blue return home for three matches in seven days against New England, Columbus, and D.C. United.
That stretch includes the Hell Is Real derby on Oct. 18 and gives Cincinnati little time to gradually work its new pieces into the lineup.
Noonan may not need all three to immediately play major minutes, but simply having additional options matters at this point in the season. Doudera can help on the flank, Malatini strengthens the center-back rotation, and Malacia gives Cincinnati another experienced defender capable of playing on the left.
Saturday offers the first chance to see how those pieces begin to fit.
Atlanta presents a difficult test despite its position in the standings. Noonan pointed this week to the experience and attacking quality Atlanta has added, including Miguel Almirón, Alexey Miranchuk, and several other established players.
For Cincinnati, though, the bigger picture extends beyond one match.
The club is entering the part of the season where depth can become as important as star power, and three new defensive options could arrive at exactly the right time.
