The Flyin Lion: FC Cincinnati Podcast

Episode 134: Preseason Progress or False Hope for FC Cincinnati? Denkey Shines & Liverpool GK added + FCC partner with FC Porto🇵🇹

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 minute. Roman Celentano and Pat Noonan both pointed to gradual tactical growth, especially in building out from the back and testing midfield partnerships, but issues remain with handling pressure and creating consistently in the final third. Denkey’s form is a bright spot, Evander’s influence is still developing, and Miazga’s absence is noticeable, while Jabbari was held out and younger players continue to develop. Off the field, FCC are reportedly adding Liverpool goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek on loan, the club has launched a partnership with FC Porto, FCC2 signed Mathias Vazquez, and Cincinnati was ranked fifth among MLS teams most likely to win Champions Cup. Preseason continues February 7 against Detroit City FC.

Episode 133: Denkey On The Move? FC Cincinnati Face Major Preseason Questions | New Kit mock ups & listener mailbag!

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 ahead of Champions Cup play. Pat Noonan emphasized higher expectations and experimentation, with injury updates on key players, while the club also added winger Bryan Ramírez, made loan and roster moves, and kept an eye on wider MLS news—making it a busy stretch both on and off the pitch.

Episode 132: FC Cincinnati’s Roster A Contender In 26’? | New strikers inbound! | Albright’s Preseason Thoughts

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 reportedly in Cincinnati with visa issues delaying his official announcement. Chris Albright’s comments on Jabbari being signed as a starter, the midfield being set, and the backline still needing work spark a larger roster conversation. We dive into the full preseason schedule in Florida, key dates leading into the season, and what the early calendar looks like with Concacaf and MLS openers. Plus, we cover the Paul Walters loan, new player numbers, FCC2 signings, and around-the-league MLS news to get you fully caught up heading into preseason.

Episode 131: FC Cincinnati Moves Are Finally Happening! Kyle Smith and Bryan Ramirez updates | Projected Starting XI | FCC2 Updates!

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 fit, plus touch on FCC2 updates, former FCC players, some wild national media takes, and around-the-league MLS chaos — all while thanking everyone who took part in the 615 Soccer survey and continues to support our coverage.

Episode 130: FC Cincinnati Roster Uncertainty Continues: Luca Orellano likely out/ Winger Bryan Ramirez inbound?

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 also exploring depth moves like 19-year-old striker Mathias Vazquez as an FCC2 option. We also zoom out to the broader strategy, including cap flexibility, the need for a left wingback, and uncertainty at center back with Teenage Hadebe and Matt Miazga, plus other headlines such as Brenner’s possible return to Brazil, Hadebe’s AFCON and knee update, the SuperDraft selection of Ayoub Lajhar, the addition of FCC2 forward Michael Sullivan, and the club’s search for a set piece coach — raising the question of whether one key decision is holding up the rest of the offseason.

Episode 129: Carter Chapley joins to talk on recent FC Cincinnati roster moves and plans for 2026! Brenner/Engel officially leaving & Orellano next?

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 outlook, and what it all means for the club’s roster and direction this offseason.

Episode 128: FC Cincinnati Roster Updates as Free Agency Opens | Dado & Brenner leaving? USMNT World Cup & CONCACAF Champions Cup Draws

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 unlikely, the club’s key offseason priorities at left wingback and forward, and Evander finishing fourth in MVP voting. We also hit on FCC being ranked fourth among early 2026 MLS Cup contenders, the Concacaf Champions Cup draw against O&M FC, the opening of MLS Free Agency and the Re-Entry Draft, a full breakdown of the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup Group D placement, updates on FCC2 roster decisions and the coaching situation, and the MLS NEXT Fest results from the academy.

Episode 127: 2025 FC Cincinnati Season Wrapped Edition & Reaction to Roster Decisions

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 continue with Powell and loan players Brenner, Jabbari, and Engel, leaving the roster at 21 heading into winter.
We look back on everything FLP did in 2025—100 episodes, new guests, new merch, and partnerships with GOLZ TV and Chatterbox Sports—plus the club’s 10-year celebrations, kit nods, alumni match, collectible pins, and the full tifo catalog.
Our season review covers FCC’s 24-8-13 campaign, another elite MLS record, big transfer hits in Evander, Denkey, and Engel, and how the club managed major injuries. We hand out awards (Evander’s record goal tally, Roman’s Save of the Year, Hagglund’s Comeback honors, and more) before answering the big question: was 2025 a success?
We also touch on the MLS postseason landscape, then look ahead to the 2026 offseason—Champions Cup draw (Dec. 9), free agency (Dec. 10), draft notes, potential targets, and how FCC navigates a tight cap with 3 DPs, 3 U22s, and six open senior roster spots. A pivotal winter awaits.

Episode 126: FC Cincinnati’s playoff push falls short against Messi & Inter Miami | Roster decisions for next season loom- who stays/who goes?

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 looking fully fit, and whether Gidi was the right call — along with FCC’s solid opening stretch and the lack of answers after Messi’s early goal. We dive into the halftime adjustments that didn’t change anything, the questionable subs including pulling Ender, the late push that cost two goals, and the clear frustration shown by several players. We also talk through Evander’s worst performance in orange and blue, the lack of energy across most of the squad, and Messi’s unreal streak of 22 goal contributions in Miami’s last seven matches.

Episode 125: FC Cincinnati Prepares For Messi & Inter Miami | New MLS Schedule Coming in 2027 & International Window updates

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, and updates on Teenage Hadebe, Gidi, Dado and Chirila.