FC Cincinnati 'fell a bit short' despite MLS Cup Playoffs debut, says Matt Miazga | OneFootball

After making their MLS Cup Playoffs debut and reaching the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals following three years at the bottom, FC Cincinnati have every right to celebrate their 2022 season.

However, general manager Chris Albright and head coach Pat Noonan have instilled a new mentality at TQL Stadium; one that isn't content with slow progress or near misses.

The mid-season signing of Matt Miazga from Chelsea was key to the Orange and Blue's climb up the standings, with the center-back steadying a leaky defense to compliment their star-studded attack.

Miazga himself has revealed there is a feeling around the squad of 'falling short' following their 1-0 Playoffs defeat to the Philadelphia Union.

"A lot of guys feel like we fell a bit short," the United States international said (via Cincinnati.com). "We had more to give and you can see that in the game against Philly. Basically took it to the No. 1-seed from the regular season away and could have come out victorious. There's a big hunger now... Next season's going to be a real test because people know we're the real deal."

Center-back partner Nick Hagglund agrees, especially in the context of Cincinnati's one-off, season-ending defeat to the Union, where the Orange and Blue were unable to find the net despite attempting 15 shots.

"I just felt like we had more. I think we had a lot of opportunities," Hagglund reflected. "At the end of the day, it was a good playoff game. They made a play and we didn't make a play, and that's kind of how it goes."

Brandon Vazquez 'very proud' of 2022 season

Despite any overhanging feelings of regret and wondering what could have been, FC Cincinnati and their supporters will undoubtedly look back on 2022 as a success. Perhaps even the start of something special.

One man who can walk away with his head held even higher than most is striker Brandon Vazquez, who continued a strong end to the 2021 campaign with 18 goals in 33 regular season appearances and another in Cincinnati's 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls in Round One of the Playoffs.

It was a breakout campaign for a 24-year-old striker who had previously been restricted to a back-up role with sporadic starts at both Cincinnati and, earlier in his career, Atlanta United.

Like FC Cincinnati as a whole, this is just a start for Vazquez.

"Proud and tired. My body's definitely feeling it," Vazquez responded when asked how he felt about his 2022 season. "Of all the accomplishments I've been able to help the team make this year, it's been an incredible 12 months. Very proud and emotional. A lot of hard work behind the scenes. Literal blood, sweat, and tears to be able to get to where I am today... I think this is the standard I keep now."