Ender Echenique
CIN
Right Wingback
Left Wingback
Overlapping Full Back
Apr 2, 2004 (22)
Right
5'7"
134 lb
Could return Saturday
Echenique (leg) could be available for Saturday's MLS clash against D.C. United, pending a final fitness assessment Friday after missing Wednesday's match due to a minor injury, according to coach Pat Noonan, per Laurel Pfahler.
Analysis: Echenique is nearing a return after suffering a minor leg injury during Tuesday's training session, which forced him to miss Wednesday's match. The midfielder is expected to undergo a final assessment Friday before a decision is made on his availability for Saturday's encounter against D.C. United. He had appeared off the bench in two consecutive matches before his injury, suggesting he could initially return in a substitute role if cleared. David Doudera remains a competitor for playing time after scoring during Echenique's absence, potentially limiting his immediate opportunities in the starting lineup.
Injury doesn't look serious
Echenique (leg) is believed to be dealing with a slight knock that won't keep him out for a long period following his absence Wednesday versus D.C. United, Laurel Pfahler of Queen City Press reports.
Analysis: Echenique picked up the issue in Tuesday's training session and was a late absence in Cincinnati's squad for the midweek clash. While the midfielder aims to see action again in the final weeks of the 2026 campaign, he had come off the bench in two of the previous two matches before getting hurt, and the fact that his positional rival, David Doudera, scored a goal against D.C. United doesn't help his chances of making immediate starts.
Doubtful with leg injury
Echenique could miss Wednesday's game against D.C. United due to a leg problem, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Echenique would be expected to return to action at right wing-back if fully fit after coming off the bench in the last match. However, this setback raises the possibility of him seeing limited minutes or sitting out completely, depending on the severity of his issue. He had his playing time managed over the past month but delivered an assist along with 15 crosses and six chances created across his last five league appearances. David Doudera will be in line for increased time on the field if the Venezuelan's injury is serious.
Earns assist
Echenique assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 3-1 win against Atlanta United.
Analysis: Echenique was brought onto the field from the bench Saturday, earning only 30 minutes and given a bit of a rest after a confusing international break for the attacker. He would still stay active in the match despite his short time on the field, earning an assist in the seventh minute of stoppage time when finding Kevin Denkey. He now has six assists on the season, earning seven goal contributions in his 25 appearances (19 starts).
Available against Atlanta
Echenique is available for Saturday's clash against Atlanta United after missing the previous match against CF Montreal due to international eligibility restrictions, according to coach Pat Noonan, per Laurel Pfahler.
Analysis: Echenique is cleared to return to action after being forced to miss the Montreal clash despite having no injury concerns. The winger was initially called up by Venezuela for the international break but was unable to travel due to visa issues, with FIFA regulations preventing him from featuring for Cincinnati during that period. With those restrictions no longer applying, Echenique is back in contention for Saturday's match against Atlanta United and could provide an additional attacking option for Cincinnati.
Reasons for absence revealed
Echenique won't play for Cincinnati against Montreal on Saturday because players who can't play at the international level can't feature in club matches during the FIFA window, according to Laurel Pfahler of The Queen City Press.
Analysis: Echenique was initially called up by Venezuela for the international window in September and October, but visa-related issues prevented him from traveling to Asia. Even though he'd be technically available to play since he's not injured, FIFA rules prevent the winger from suiting up for this match. Echenique should be available to play when Cincy resume their MLS campaign against Atlanta United on Oct. 10.
Out for non-injury reasons
Echenique won't play Saturday against Montreal for reasons not related to injury.
Analysis: Echenique's situation is unclear after he couldn't join the Venezuelan national team due to visa issues. The wide man covers both flanks as a wing-back, and his unexplained absence leaves Bryan Ramirez and Alvas Powell as the available alternatives across the defensive flanks. Until further explanation is provided by the club, the regular starter will be at risk of facing a longer absence.
Will be available for club
Echenique will remain with FC Cincinnati during the international window after visa issues prevented him from joining Venezuela for its friendlies in Asia, Laurel Pfahler reports.
Analysis: Echenique will not join Venezuela for its three friendlies in Asia because of visa issues, and he remains with FC Cincinnati instead. It is a welcome outcome for Cincinnati, who keep a player that has started 10 straight games and can operate on either flank at wing-back.
Summoned by Venezuela
Echenique has been called up by Venezuela for the upcoming international break between September and October.
Analysis: Cincinnati will be very depleted offensively for Saturday's game against Montreal, as both Echenique and Kevin Denkey have been called up by their respective nations. However, Echenique will only miss the match against Montreal, and he should be available for selection against Atlanta United on Oct. 10.
Creates four chances Saturday
Echenique recorded two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and four chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC.
Analysis: Echenique tied a season high with four chances created Saturday, acting as the central creative force for the Cincinnati attack. He also took two shots but failed to put either on target. Echenique also made one clearance as he completed the full 90 minutes for just the third time this season and the first since April 4.
Assists in XI return
Echenique assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-3 win versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Analysis: Echenique returned to the starting lineup after six games on the bench and was deployed in an unfamiliar left wing back role for the first time this season, in place of Bryan Ramirez. The player marked his return with an assist, his fifth of the season, but contributed little else in what was a quiet outing, registering only three clearances across the entire game defensively and offering minimal presence going forward beyond his goal involvement.
Assists off bench in win
Echenique assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 6-2 victory over Orlando City.
Analysis: Echenique made an immediate impact after entering in the 83rd minute for Gerardo Valenzuela, setting up Tom Barlow's stoppage-time goal with a cutback pass from the end line. The assist increased the Venezuelan's season count to four in MLS play and five across all competitions. Despite the contribution, his path to a larger role remains unclear after spending the entire month of May as a substitute while Pavel Bucha continues to excel at right wing-back.
Contributes Wednesday
Echenique assisted once to go with two crosses (two accurate) and four chances created in Wednesday's 4-4 draw versus New York City FC.
Analysis: Echenique assisted Wednesday to join the scoresheet Wednesday. He's started all but one game this season, already recording a goal and three assists in nine appearances, having created 19 chances and sending 28 crosses (nine accurate) with 14 tackles made.
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