The Flyin Lion: FC Cincinnati Podcast

Favian Renkel joins us to lead the big-picture MLS season preview while we also break down FC Cincinnati’s first preseason win, a 1–0 result over Detroit City that raised as many questions as answers. Denkey stayed reliable from the spot, Bryan Ramirez made an encouraging first impression after joining the squad, and FCC showed some intriguing tactical looks that could point to a dual-playmaker setup or Evander pushing into a false...

FC Cincinnati played to a 1–1 draw with Houston Dynamo in preseason match No. 2, leaving mixed feelings about progress versus preseason illusion. A rotated lineup struggled early under pressure, but Denkey stayed in form — first with a bicycle kick called offside, then scoring by capitalizing on a defensive mistake. The second-half group created chances, including a strong look from Bucha, yet FCC conceded late again in the 88th mi...

FC Cincinnati’s preseason comes with major uncertainty as European reports link Kévin Denkey to Napoli, forcing the club to consider a potential blockbuster sale just weeks before the season while already adjusting to Brenner’s exit. On the field, FCC showed encouraging structure in a 105-minute preseason draw with New England, with Denkey scoring, strong early buildup, and heavy rotations aimed at fitness and tactical evaluation a...

FC Cincinnati’s offseason finally kicked into gear with the signings of Tom Barlow and Kristian Fletcher, adding much-needed depth and upside to the attack. We break down what Barlow brings as a high-work-rate, big-bodied striker and why Fletcher is an intriguing buy-low move as he works back from ACL surgery. We also react to Luca Orellano’s multi-million dollar transfer to Monterrey and the latest on Bryan Ramirez, who is reporte...

We break down FCC’s long-awaited roster movement with the signings of hometown veteran Kyle Smith and 16-year-old Homegrown Ademar Chavez, react to Bryan Ramírez’s near-complete move from LDU Quito, and dive into the latest twists in the Luca Orellano saga. We also analyze how the roster is shaping up ahead of preseason, what’s still needed before the season and CCC begin, and where another striker or defensive help could f...

FC Cincinnati’s offseason remains unsettled, headlined by the unresolved Luca Orellano saga — from Monterrey’s rejected bid and reports of agreed personal terms to stalled negotiations influenced by the 30% sell-on clause owed to Vasco da Gama. With his future unclear, FCC have emerged as favorites to sign Bryan Ramirez, a 25-year-old LDU Quito winger viewed as a potential replacement despite mixed reports on fit, while als...

Carter Chapley breaks down the latest FC Cincinnati news heading into the 2026 offseason, including Dominic Kinnear’s departure, Ayoub Jabbari’s permanent signing, and Alvas Powell’s return. We discuss Brenner’s loan ending, Chris Albright’s roster comments and interest in Luca Orellano, plus the ongoing Álvaro Barreal–Santos transfer situation.

We also cover Teenage Hadebe’s Zimbabwe call-up, FC Cincinnati’s MLS SuperDraft out...

We broke down a massive week across FC Cincinnati, MLS, and the USMNT — a stretch where roster movement, offseason windows, and major tournament draws all landed at once. We covered Lukas Engel not returning to FC Cincinnati, the growing MLS interest in Dado and whether the club should sell, loan, or hold, and the nearing announcement of Barreal’s permanent move to Santos. We discussed why a Brenner return is looking increasingly u...

The 2025 FC Cincinnati season is officially wrapped, and we’re breaking down the key roster decisions, season takeaways, and what’s next heading into 2026. Fourteen players hit the offseason with expiring contracts—FCC exercised options on Miazga, Hadebe, Anunga, Jimenez, Momba Dem, and Louro, while declining Smith, Marczuk, Kamara, and Kubo (who gets a huge thank-you after six unforgettable seasons). Negotiations contin...

FC Cincinnati’s playoff run ends at home in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and in this episode we break down everything that happened on a frustrating night at TQL Stadium. We discuss the atmosphere with the light-up wands, Speed’s appearance after being Ruler of the Jungle, and the incredible Tifo paying homage to Denkey, Brenner, and Evander. From there, we dig into the lineup decisions — Ender getting the start, Engel not lo...

FC Cincinnati prepares for a massive playoff showdown as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami come to TQL Stadium, and we break down what the Orange & Blue must do to advance. We also dive into MLS’s historic 2027 schedule overhaul, explaining how the league will shift to a summer-to-spring calendar. Recap an eventful international window for FCC players — including Miles Robinson’s wild USMNT match, Ender’s standout game for Venezuela...

We’re joined by Laurel Pfahler, a staple of FC Cincinnati coverage since 2015 and founder of Queen City Press. We also break down international call-ups, MLS 22 Under 22 and a preview of FC Cincinnati 2’s MLS NEXT Pro playoff matchup against Philadelphia Union II. Plus, we discuss the upcoming match vs. CF Montréal and the team’s Concacaf Champions Cup qualification scenarios.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Podcast opening

(00:24) -  La...

FC Cincinnati grind out a 1-0 road win over the New York Red Bulls — their 11th away victory of the season — with Kévin Denkey once again playing the hero. We break down the playoff seeding scenarios, Louro’s first MLS clean sheet, the impact of Miazga’s injury setback, and what’s next heading into Decision Day vs CF Montréal. Plus, FCC 2 clinch a playoff berth and seven players get international call-ups.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - P...

FCC drop points late again in a 1-1 draw with Orlando, conceding a 90+6’ equalizer, their 14th goal allowed after the 84th minute this year. We break down what it means for the Supporters Shield' race, Bucha’s impact, FCC2 winning the “Heck is Plausible” Cup, new Next Pro signing Jack Mize, and look ahead to the Red Bulls matchup.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Podcast opening

(01:13) - Matchday vs Orlando 1-1 Draw

(19:41) - FCC givin...

We break down all the big storylines: Evander’s MVP-level season, Brenner’s resurgence and how FCC is firmly in the Supporters’ Shield race with just a few games to go. Plus: Ender’s emergence, FCC 2’s upset win over New England Revs II, our Jersey Swap + Card of the Week, and a look ahead to the Orlando showdown on Sunday night.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Podcast opening

(01:43) - Matchday vs LA Galaxy 3-2 W

(23:32) - FCC firmly ...