Cincinnati’s athletic program is already in cost-cutting mode following the coronavirus pandemic.

We knew decisions like this could be coming as programs across the nation have been asking coaches and administrators to take pay cuts and now Cincinnati has become the first notable college program to discontinue a men’s sports program following the coronavirus pandemic.

The Bearcats announced on Tuesday that men’s soccer has been discontinued.

Cincinnati AD John Cunningham issued the following statement with the news.

“This was a difficult decision, but one made with the long-term interests of UC Athletics at the forefront. During this time of profound challenges and widespread uncertainty, I have engaged in a comprehensive and thorough review of UC’s sport offerings and long-term budget implications of supporting the number of student-athletes currently at UC. Based on this review, and in consultation with President Pinto and other University leaders, UC Athletics will no longer sponsor a men’s soccer program.

“Our men’s soccer student-athletes have been outstanding representatives of the University in the classroom and on the field. They may not fully understand this decision, but I want them to know they were truly and conscientiously considered during my deliberations about the future of UC Athletics. We are making this decision now to enable our men’s soccer student-athletes to have an opportunity to play at another institution if they choose to do so.”

Thankfully, Cincinnati has decided to honor the scholarships already handed out to the school’s soccer program. The school is also allowing any of the program’s players to transfer out immediately without restriction if they chose to do so.

Cincinnati has fielded a soccer team since 1973.