While FC Cincinnati fans buzz about the rumored hiring of Ron Jans as the next head coach, the team preps itself for a trip to Toronto. 

Jans, age 60, has considerable experience managing in the first division for PEC Zwolle, but it appears all signs have him getting his work visa approved so he can join the team in the states. 

Jans' hiring coincides with Gerard Nijkamp taking over as general manager recently. One of Nijkamp’s initial tasks after being named GM was move Jans to head coach for PEC Zwolle, showing his confidence in Jans so the move to name him coach of the Orange and Blue adds up. 

Nijkamp mentioned in a recent conference call he felt FCC had found their man and Jans fits the clubs desire to hire someone short term as the team moves to the new West End Stadium in 2021. 

Jans would become the third coach this season for FCC, as Alan Koch was fired early in the season and replaced by interim coach Yoann Damet. 

While the rumors circulate about Jans, Damet will lead the team Saturday night at BMO Field in Ontario against Toronto FC.

It is expected FCC will face a squad that will have USMNT players Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore on the field. The duo missed Toronto’s last match, a 3-0 setback to the Houston Dynamo. 

FCC is coming off back-to-back losses, the most recent 2-0 to New England, but Damet said the Orange and Blue must have a short memory.

“A new week, a blank page to prepare for Toronto,” Damet said his message was to the team. “We need to learn from the last game and move on. We need to put the work in this week and focus on the next week. “

FCC recently added Maikel van der Werff and the center back should make his FCC debut against Toronto. 

The Dutchman’s arrival continues FCC’s desire to not only strengthen the back four but also focus on the possession style Damet has implemented. 

“(Maikel) is going to bring us his quality to build up from the back, and also a strong defender who is difficult to beat and strong in defensive aspect,” Damet said. “He is going to bring us his experience and his leadership at the back, but also his quality on the ball.”

Van der Werff signed with FCC in early July but Damet said it wouldn’t take long for him to be in match shape.

“We will see this week to determine how fit he is and where that is exactly,” Damet said. “I think sometimes when you really want to play and your mentality is good you can match the fitness of the game. I expect him to be full-go for the next game.”

Forrest Lasso has been with FCC since the USL days and has seen some time at center back. With van der Werff on board, however, Lasso has been loaned to Nashville FC.

“This will be a good opportunity for Forrest to receive regular playing time,” Nijkamp said in a statement. “With a full roster and considerable depth at center back, we feel this loan is best for the club and for Forrest to continue growing in his professional career.”

Toronto is in the middle of the Major League Soccer playoff hunt with 29 points while FCC looks to play spoiler the rest of the way. 

“We take care game after game,” Damet said. “The next game is the most important thing for us. We want to show more consistency. We showed two weeks ago we could get a result, home and away.”

DATE: Saturday, July 27

KICKOFF: 8 P.M. ET

LOCATION: BMO Field, Toronto Ontario)

TEAMS: FC Cincinnati 5-15-2 vs Toronto FC 8-9-5