The Silence of Frankie Amaya
Kevin Wallace
In the soccer world, player transfers are extremely common. Hell for a portion of the soccer fanbase out there, it’s their favorite part. And when it comes time for a player to move on, leave one team for another, a customary gesture is often expected. Sadly, it has now been over 1000 days since Frankie Amaya, FC Cincinnati's first MLS Super Draft pick and a standout player on their inaugural MLS team in 2019, was traded to the New York Red Bulls. Surprisingly, the customary thank-you message to the fans is still missing.
Amaya, recognized as one of the few bright spots in FCC's challenging debut season, made the move to the New York Red Bulls in 2021, leaving behind a fanbase that had embraced him as a rising star. Traditionally, when a player departs a team, especially one as pivotal as Amaya, expressing gratitude to the fans has been a common practice in the world of sports. Traditionally.
The lack of acknowledgment has left FCC supporters puzzled and crestfallen. Fans invest emotionally in their favorite players, forming a connection that extends beyond the field. Amaya's silence on this matter has fueled speculation and various theories among fans as to why he has not extended his gratitude.
In contrast, other players who have made similar moves in the MLS have routinely expressed their appreciation for the support received from their former teams' fans. And each time, this has only intensified the curiosity surrounding Amaya's decision to remain silent.
Add to this the fierce rivalry between FC Cincinanti and the New York Red Bulls, known as the “Blood Feud” and the lack of a simple thank-you begins to look deliberate. Back in the 2023 season, FC Cincinnati faced NYRB before having a Supporter Shield ceremony on the field following the match, capping off a league title with a customary celebration. NYRB ruined the moment by defeated a heavily rotated Orange and Blue squad. Afterwards, Frankie Amaya thanked the fans… the eight or so traveling NYRB supporters that is.
As the days continue to accumulate since the trade, the question remains: why hasn't Frankie Amaya taken a moment to express his gratitude to the FC Cincinnati fans who cheered him on from the beginning? Only time will tell whether this silence is a deliberate choice or an oversight, but for now, fans eagerly await a gesture that has become a customary farewell in the world of sports.