New York City Football Club are on the road Wednesday night as they take on FC Cincinnati.
For this edition of 'The Away End' presented by Berkeley College & Rennert International, we spoke to Cincy's mascot, Gary the Lion.
Hi Gary, thanks for speaking with us! What's the best thing about being the FC Cincinnati's mascot?
The best part about being a mascot is showing up every matchday to see our fans pack TQL stadium. Cincinnati fans give the best high fives, and I try to make sure I get every single one.
Are you friends with any of the other MLS mascots?
The mascots and I are all good friends outside of matchday, but us lions have to stick together. Leo the Lion in Salt Lake and Kingston in Orlando are distant cousins of mine. I’m not too sure about Sir Minty in Charlotte, though 🤨, he’s still new around here.
Do you have a favorite Cincy player?
Nick Hagglund and I were neighbors growing up, so we are best friends. Brandon Vazquez and I like to eat pancakes together to get ready for the games.
The team are enjoying a good season so far. What have been your favorite memories with the team?
Opening TQL Stadium was a great memory, our new home for all my friends to cheer on FCC. There have been so many great moments to celebrate together, and we can’t wait to make more.
If coach Pat Noonan did call you up to the roster, what position would you like to play?
I like to think I could be a great striker. Like a lion stalking my prey, I’d be a real predator in the box, scoring goals and doing what I do best, making Cincinnati cheer! With my wings, I would absolutely fly past defenders.
For any of our fans that might be in Cincy in the near future do you have any favorite spots or hangouts you'd suggest?
TQL Stadium is right in the heart of Cincinnati, with so much to check out close to the stadium. The Cincinnati Zoo has some of my best friends, including a few of my lion brothers and sisters, as well as Fiona the Hippo, the only animal in Cincinnati more famous than me!
