FCC coach Alan Koch spoke upon a number of topics Wednesday after practice, ranging from his current goalkeeping competition to the move of University of Cincinnati men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin to UCLA.

GOALKEEPING

Spencer Richey has been stellar in goal the past five games, recording shutouts over New England and Portland, but Przemysław Tytoń, the opening day starter, is close to 100 percent. 

Koch said with Tytoń (Titi) getting healthier, the goalie battle with be a weekly competition to name a starter.

“Competition is real at that position,” Koch said. “Competition is real at a lot of positions on this team. You want good healthy competition at every position. Obviously the goalkeeper position is so unique as you can only play one of them while at other positions you can move people around and try to get them on. “

Koch said the team will rally around whoever is between the pipes and FCC is fortunate to have two really good keepers.

“I have faith in [Richey] and I have faith in [Titi] too,” Koch continued. “It’s good to have [Titi] back in training. We haven’t had to make decisions just yet but it is always good as a coach to have to make decisions.”

While Richey has been solid, Koch said he hasn’t made a decision on who will start Saturday against LAFC and its high-scoring attack.

“This will be the first game where we’re actually having conversations about it,” Koch said of naming a starter. “[Titi] wasn’t completely cleared last week. I anticipate if he keeps progressing how he is he will be available for selection.”

FANENDO ADI STATUS

FCC made a splash trading for Adi in the offseason but has netted little in return. Adi was hurt at halftime of the second game and hasn’t seen the field since. Coming off injury, Adi was arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) and missed last Sunday’s game while participating in the Major League Soccer mandatory Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program assessment. He is unavailable to participate in team activities until the league clears him. 

“He got back in town yesterday but I haven’t even seen him yet,” Koch said when asked for an update. “So short answer, no [update]. I know he got back into town yesterday but I haven’t seen him yet.”

CINCINNATI AREA COACHING CAROUSEL

University of Cincinnati men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin resigned Tuesday after 13 season coaching the Bearcats, moving on to UCLA. Chris Mack left Xavier for Louisville last year and after Marvin Lewis’ departure from the Bengals, Koch is now one of the senior head coaches in the Cincy area.

“It’s kinda sad if I am one of the longest-tenured coaches in the city because this is my third season,” Koch said. “As a coach it takes time for things to happen. You need to have the faith and trust of your employer because you need time. I call it a project. Things don’t just happen overnight from a coach’s perspective.”