Cincinnati Discontinues Men’s Soccer Program

[Trevorstephens22]

The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics will discontinue its men's soccer program immediately, Director of Athletics John Cunningham announced Tuesday.

"This was a difficult decision, but one made with the long-term interests of UC Athletics at the forefront," Cunningham said. "During this time of profound challenges and widespread uncertainty, I have engaged in a comprehensive and thorough review of UC's sport offerings and long-term budget implications of supporting the number of student-athletes currently at UC. Based on this review, and in consultation with President Pinto and other University leaders, UC Athletics will no longer sponsor a men's soccer program.

"Our men's soccer student-athletes have been outstanding representatives of the University in the classroom and on the field," Cunningham said. "They may not fully understand this decision, but I want them to know they were truly and conscientiously considered during my deliberations about the future of UC Athletics. We are making this decision now to enable our men's soccer student-athletes to have an opportunity to play at another institution if they choose to do so."

Scholarships for current men's soccer student-athletes will be honored for the duration of their academic careers. Student-athletes who would like to join another institution's roster will be released without penalty and free to transfer immediately.

"I am most sincerely grateful to everyone who has supported the men's soccer program at the University of Cincinnati," Cunningham said. "This includes former coaches, former student-athletes, donors and fans. Your legacy at UC will not be forgotten and your accomplishments will continue to be recognized."

The men's soccer program dated to 1973 with an all-time record of 385-408-84. The Bearcats were 5-11-1 in 2019 and longtime head coach Hylton Dayes stepped down following the season.

[rxburgfan]

Men’s programs will be in the cross hairs if they aren’t making money. Title IX will help to save ladies programs but they will hit too.

[OSH]

Absolute joke. There's only one reason why they made this decision: Big 12 move.

They retained Fickell. Big-name coach. Big-time salary. AAC sucks as a conference. It's time to make a move. Why else would a coach stay there when he had Mich St on the radar and the B1G? They had this planned for quite some time. The AAC lost UConn earlier. It's been done before that men's soccer takes the fall so that football can benefit.

Hiding behind a pandemic is unethical and dishonest.

[mattash]

Can they get in the big12

[OSH]

Can they get in the big12

They have applied previously, supposedly. Numerous articles and such can be found how Big 12 wanted expansion in 2016 (before/after a year or two).

This move makes sense, Big 12 doesn't sponsor men's soccer (ZERO schools have it). They become a good "travel partner" with WVU. The Bearcats want to raise their profile as an institution AND athletic department. The AAC is collapsing, and it's just not good. Everything about the decision to drop men's soccer aligns them with a move to the Big 12. They don't fit or nor will any other conference truly take them: ACC, B1G, Big East, and definitely none of the area mid-majors (C-USA, MAC, A10, Horizon, etc.).

[formerfcfan]

Absolute joke. There's only one reason why they made this decision: Big 12 move.

They retained Fickell. Big-name coach. Big-time salary. AAC sucks as a conference. It's time to make a move. Why else would a coach stay there when he had Mich St on the radar and the B1G? They had this planned for quite some time. The AAC lost UConn earlier. It's been done before that men's soccer takes the fall so that football can benefit.

Hiding behind a pandemic is unethical and dishonest.

100%

UC is really entrenched in the "little brother" mindset, in the context of Ohio college athletics and institutional profile. AAC proved to be a big "step down" compared to the Big East, which was their lifeline to the respectability they long sought out when they were stuck in C-USA.

[OSH]

100%

UC is really entrenched in the "little brother" mindset, in the context of Ohio college athletics and institutional profile. AAC proved to be a big "step down" compared to the Big East, which was their lifeline to the respectability they long sought out when they were stuck in C-USA.

Had no idea until I found some numbers...

Big 12 payout = $38.8 million (2018-2019)
AAC payout = <$7 million (2018-2019)

This is an easy decision for UC. You have to do it. No athletic department in Ohio loses more money than UC. They have hardly anything coming from media revenue. Add them to the Big 12, then they have their major title game in football, the media market (ESPN and FOX Sports) now expands even more. That $38.8 million is only going to be greater payouts to each school.

Little brother mindset is the best way to ever label it! Kudos.

[OSH]

Urbana University closes, as did Cincinnati Christian University.

Ohio hasn't done well with their men's soccer programs this year.