FC Cincinnati and General Manager Chris Albright have agreed on a long-term contract extension, the club announced today. Since he joined FC Cincinnati in October 2021, Albright and the club’s technical and scouting staff have built a roster which earned the Orange and Blue’s first MLS playoff berth in 2022 and won the 2023 Supporters’ Shield in 31 matches.

“Chris has done a tremendous job since he took the helm two years ago,” said FC Cincinnati Co-CEO Jeff Berding. “FC Cincinnati have become one of the most exciting teams in Major League Soccer, leading to a 2023 Supporters’ Shield triumph. We’re pleased to extend Chris and keep him and his family in Cincinnati for the long term. He will continue to provide leadership and stability over all soccer-related areas.”

“Chris exemplifies what it means to be a successful leader, as he has overseen a positive, winning culture, managed a terrific coaching & technical staff and developed a talented roster, helping make Cincinnati a championship city,” said Carl H. Lindner III, controlling owner and Co-CEO, FC Cincinnati. “We appreciate how Chris and his family have embraced Cincinnati and are pleased to extend his contract.”

Albright took over the club near the end of the 2021 season, and in just one offseason, led the hiring of Head Coach Pat Noonan and his staff and the rebuilding of the roster into a playoff contender in 2022 and Supporters’ Shield winner in 2023.

The technical staff, under his leadership, added key players to the club, beginning with Roman Celentano, the second overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. Albright and his team also identified and signed 2023 Defender of the Year candidate Matt Miazga, Designated Player standouts Obinna Nwobodo and Aaron Boupendza, in addition to experienced MLS veterans and promising young talent.