The Flyin Lion: FC Cincinnati Podcast

USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster Reaction 🇺🇸 Biggest Snubs, Starting XI & 22’ vs 26’ Roster Comparison

The USMNT’s official 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, and there is a lot to unpack. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad blends experienced veterans from the 2022 World Cup with a new generation of talent, and in this episode we break down the biggest surprises, roster omissions, projected starting XIs, and what realistic expectations should be for the United States heading into a home World Cup.
We also dive into the FC Cincinnati angle with Miles Robinson’s potential role in the tournament, compare this roster to the 2022 squad in Qatar, and discuss whether this is the strongest USMNT group of the modern era. With the World Cup officially here, this roster announcement gives us our clearest picture yet of how the United States plans to compete on home soil in 2026.

Episode 150: FC Cincinnati Drops 6 on Orlando City | Evander In MVP Form + Realistic FCC 2nd Half Expectations

FC Cincinnati head into the World Cup break after a massive 6-2 win over Orlando City at TQL Stadium, powered by a historic night from Evander with 2 goals and 3 assists as he set a new FCC record with five goal contributions in a single match. Kenji Mboma Dem added his first MLS brace, Denkey stayed red hot, and FCC extended their streak to seven straight matches with multiple goals scored as the attack continues to roll.
But even in a dominant win, the same concerns remained: FCC conceded first again, looked vulnerable defensively for stretches, and still feel like one of the most dangerous yet unpredictable teams in MLS. We break down the Orlando match, Evander’s unreal form, Roman’s huge late saves, Pat Noonan’s comments, and then dive into a full FC Cincinnati first half of season breakdown with expectations, concerns, standout players, and what still needs to improve heading into the second half of the year.

Episode 149: FC Cincinnati Remains Unpredictable & Chaotic in San Diego | Big Changes Coming? + Orlando Preview

FCC’s West Coast trip ended with 6 goals scored, 8 conceded, and more proof that this FCC attack can hurt anyone in MLS. Evander hit 50 career goal contributions for the club, Denkey continued his incredible form, and Tom Barlow delivered the latest equalizer in FCC regular season history in the wild 3-3 draw at San Diego. Now with Orlando City coming to TQL before the World Cup break, FCC has one last chance to head into the pause with momentum.

Episode 148: FC Cincinnati Extend Their Unbeaten Streak| Best FCC Starting XI? + How FCC Can Stop Messi

FC Cincinnati extended their unbeaten streak to six matches with a frustrating 2-2 draw in Charlotte after dominating the first half before collapsing right after halftime. We break down another massive performance from Evander, Denkey continuing his scoring run, FCC’s growing 45-60 minute defensive issues, and why getting Miles Robinson and Obi back could be huge moving forward. Plus: Pat Noonan’s comments, Neymar and Roman rumors, FCC2 beating Columbus Crew 2, and previews for Miami.

Episode 147: FC Cincinnati STUN Chicago Fire | Roman career night & Evander’s first hat trick! Albright Comments & Charlotte Preview

FC Cincinnati somehow stole a chaotic 3-2 win over Chicago Fire, powered by Evander’s first career hat trick—including a 90+7’ winner—and a career night from Roman Celentano, who made 8 saves and stopped a penalty. Despite going down to 10 men and facing 32 shots, FCC found a way to grind it out and secure all three points. Now unbeaten in five and up to 6th in the East, the results are improving—even if the performances still raise questions.

Episode 146: Are FC Cincinnati BACK?! Denkey Stays Hot | Season Turning Point? + Chicago Preview

FC Cincinnati are back in the win column with a 2-0 result over the Red Bulls, but more importantly, this felt like real progress from a short-handed group that finally put together a complete performance. Kevin Denkey stayed red hot with another brace while Evander and Bucha controlled the game, and a makeshift backline stepped up to secure a much-needed clean sheet. Now unbeaten in four, the question is whether this is the turning point—or just another step forward for a team still figuring itself out.

Episode 145: FC Cincinnati INSANE Comeback vs Chicago | Neymar said what about Cincinnati? Julian Brandt to FCC? | NYCFC Preview

FC Cincinnati fought back for a chaotic 3-3 draw against Chicago Fire, with Evander once again stepping up in a huge moment to fuel the comeback. But while the late fight is real, the bigger issue remains — how long can they keep digging holes before it finally costs them?

Episode 144: Neymar to FC Cincinnati realistic? Kenta talks beginning of FCC season + Toronto match | Chicago Preview

FC Cincinnati finally grabbed their first road point of 2026 in a chaotic 1-1 draw with Toronto FC, battling back down a man as Kenji Mboma Dem scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer. But the bigger concern remains discipline, with Kévin Denkey sent off in a fourth straight match featuring a red card for FCC. Now, with Neymar rumors swirling and a tough matchup looming against the Chicago Fire, the question is whether FCC can clean things up and build momentum.

Episode 143: FC Cincinnati Leaking Goals Again vs NYRB | New Formation To Stay? | Toronto Preview

FC Cincinnati’s attack showed real promise, but another four goals conceded in a loss to the New York Red Bulls highlights growing defensive issues that continue to cost them. We break down the tactics, key moments, and bigger questions around whether it’s a system or personnel problem, plus club updates and a look ahead to Toronto FC.

Episode 142: FC Cincinnati Defender Alvas Powell Joins! International Break & GA Cup Update + New York Red Bull Preview!

FC Cincinnati defender Alvas Powell joins the show to talk about his journey from Jamaica to becoming one of the fastest players in MLS—and yeah, we had to ask if he’s actually the fastest in Cincy and what would happen if he raced Speed. He breaks down his career, the transition to MLS, and how his role has evolved into the dynamic outside back fans see today. Having been part of multiple eras, Powell gives real insight into how much the club has changed and what fans might not see behind the scenes. We also get into the 2026 season, what’s gone wrong, why there’s still belief in the locker room, plus the Denkey celly vs Tigres, locker room personalities, and more. To close it out, he shares advice for young players, a message to fans, along with an international break update and a quick look ahead to New York Red Bulls.