Gerardo Valenzuela
CIN
CM (CF)
Box-to-Box
Sep 28, 2004 (21)
Right
6'0"
CincinnatiCreative presence in midfield
Valenzuela registered one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and four chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Seattle Sounders FC.
Analysis: Valenzuela remained involved throughout the contest from his advanced midfield role, contributing both as a shooter and creator while playing the full 90 minutes. Valenzuela's ability to contribute across multiple attacking categories continues to give him a useful fantasy profile even when he isn't directly involved in a goal, as he has one of the highest floors in the Cincinnati roster outside of Evander.
Provides one assist in victory
Valenzuela assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 2-1 victory against New York City FC.
Analysis: Valenzuela made an immediate impact on his return from the two-match suspension he received for his red card against Columbus Crew, providing the key pass in the 90th minute build-up that redirected Pavel Bucha's ball into Evander's path inside the box for the match-winning goal, also registering one cross and three chances created across his time on the pitch. The midfielder has now scored one goal and contributed three assists across 16 MLS appearances this season, and his ability to deliver impactful creative contributions immediately upon returning from suspension underlines why he is an important component of Cincinnati's midfield structure heading into the Seattle Sounders fixture.
Back from ban
Valenzuela has served his two match suspension and will be an option to face NYCFC on Wednesday.
Analysis: Valenzuela returns after serving a two‑match suspension. He's produced just two assists over his last nine appearances but has remained active defensively, totaling 13 tackles, 13 clearances, and 11 interceptions in that span. The midfielder is also having one of his stronger seasons for the club, matching his career high with 11 starts in 15 appearances since joining in 2023.
Shown red card in loss
Valenzuela received a straight red card in the final minutes of Saturday's 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Valenzuela was sent off for violent conduct in stoppage time after a poor outing in midfield. The resulting ban will force him to miss next weekend's encounter with San Jose, after which he could see action in Leagues Cup and return to league play on Aug. 15 at Orlando. While Valenzuela serves his suspension, Pavel Bucha could move back from the right flank to a central spot, with Brian Anunga also offering a backup option.
Ends drought with assist
Valenzuela assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-3 win against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Analysis: Valenzuela ended a six game run without a goal contribution by assisting Evander's third goal of the team, marking his first involvement in seven games. The midfielder is in the middle of an impressive run of seven consecutive starts but remains the least involved member of the attack despite the team's strong scoring numbers, having managed only four shots and six chances created across those outings.
Tallies assist
Valenzuela assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-4 draw against New York City FC.
Analysis: Valenzuela remains a bench option as he came on to play the final 30 minutes of Wednesday's match, earning an assist in the process. He now has a goal and an assist through seven appearances, making three starts while creating 10 chances and making 17 crosses (seven accurate).
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