Harkes will be replaced by assistant Alan Koch, former Vancouver Whitecaps 2 manager.
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Berding provided the following statement:
“After careful consideration of what is in the best interest of the FC Cincinnati organization, I have decided to relieve John Harkes of his duties as FCC head coach, effective immediately.
We wish John all the best and thank him for his efforts in our inaugural year. We believe we have an exciting team and look forward to a special season with our fans at Nippert Stadium.”
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Named coach in 2015, Harkes guided the team through its first season, which didn’t net a championship but did draw record-breaking crowds for their league. Berding said at the time that Harkes was someone “who would bring instant credibility to our efforts.”
FC Cincinnati, which is among the teams bidding for MLS expansion, begins preparation for the season Saturday at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.