Bold predictions for Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Miami RedHawks

The Cincinnati Bearcats football team is set to play a historic soccer match against the Miami RedHawks on September 19 at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. This will mark the 129th edition of the rivalry that began in 1888, where the Bearcats will play their home games in the West End of Cincinnati.

FC Cincinnati, the soccer team of the University of Cincinnati, had previously played their home games at Nippert Stadium from April 2016 to October 2020. However, they pulled out of home-and-away arrangements in 2024. The last neutral game at Paycor Stadium, home to the Cincinnati Bengals, drew a crowd of 30,109 fans.

FC Cincinnati Co-CEO Jeff Berding, who is a Miami University graduate, sees potential in the smaller TQL Stadium for business. The team's first game, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on September 19, will be played on a soccer pitch. Despite the unusual setting, Bearcats punter Max Fletcher, who grew up playing soccer, rugby, and Australian rules football, is excited about the opportunity to play on grass.

Fletcher's teammate, starting left tackle Joe Cotton, also grew up playing soccer before transitioning to football. He is looking forward to the game and the chance to support his team. The rivalry between UC Bearcats and Miami RedHawks is deep, with the last meeting taking place in 2024 where the Bearcats won. Both Fletcher and Cotton are eager to bring the Victory Bell back to campus with a victory over the RedHawks.