Luciano Acosta opened up about his reasons for wanting to leave FC Cincinnati in a statement provided to Queen City Press on Wednesday, so we discussed that situation in an emergency-of-sorts (but overdue) episode.

We take listeners behind the scenes a bit on how this story came about, what it means for FCC and Acosta moving forward and more.

Be sure to find Queen City Press Podcast now on Spotify through your Patreon subscription and give us a rating so others can more easily stumble upon this unique FC Cincinnati podcast. You can easily link your Spotify and Patreon accounts if you are using the same email address for both apps.

Also, for those who use Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can make it so episodes automatically load into your library? Just click the membership tab on your Patreon account, copy the RSS link that should show up on that page. Then, go into your Apple Podcast library, click the three dots in the upper right corner and you’ll see where to paste that link. This podcast will then automatically appear in your library feed as soon as it is uploaded. Patreon does not currently sync with Spotify, but there are other apps that will have this option as well. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati had three players not show up for the start of preseason training, but at least two of them are back or making steps toward a return to the team.

Coach Pat Noonan on Friday called out Luciano Acosta, Luca Orellano and Yuya Kubo for not living up to their obligation to their team to show up on time. Orellano arrived later that day, and now Acosta is back in town and making steps toward joining the team in Clearwater, Fla.

We talk about the absences in this episode, as well as other items of note from the past week, including Alvaro Barreal's loan to Santos FC, the potential for new signings and official confirmation Yamil Asad won't be back. The episode also includes part Laurel's an interview with Kevin Denkey and a couple reader questions that dropped in after the full written mailbag posted Wednesday.

Be sure to find Queen City Press Podcast now on Spotify through your Patreon subscription and give us a rating so others can more easily stumble upon this unique FC Cincinnati podcast. You can easily link your Spotify and Patreon accounts if you are using the same email address for both apps.

Also, for those who use Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can make it so episodes automatically load into your library? Just click the membership tab on your Patreon account, copy the RSS link that should show up on that page. Then, go into your Apple Podcast library, click the three dots in the upper right corner and you’ll see where to paste that link. This podcast will then automatically appear in your library feed as soon as it is uploaded. Patreon does not currently sync with Spotify, but there are other apps that will have this option as well. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati players reported -- or were supposed to report -- Sunday, but Luciano Acosta and Luca Orellano did not and now there's talk of the club potentially looking to acquire Evander from Portland.

Eric was unavailable this week to record, so Laurel brings in special guest David Gass, founder and host of Soccerwise, to discuss that and more as preseason is underway (about 11 minutes in). Gass shares his thoughts on the situation with Acosta, whether Evander would be a good fit for FCC and his belief the team is still in a championship window, though he's got some other favorites for very early MLS Cup winner predictions.

The episode begins with Laurel recapping the news of the week, as FCC also signed midfielder Brian Anunga, a free agent from Nashville SC, and re-signed centerback Nick Hagglund to a three-year deal. We'll try to get back to our normal format next week - we know we promised that last week but life happens. Thanks for sticking with us!

Be sure to find Queen City Press Podcast now on Spotify through your Patreon subscription and give us a rating so others can more easily stumble upon this unique FC Cincinnati podcast. You can easily link your Spotify and Patreon accounts if you are using the same email address for both apps.

Also, for those who use Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can make it so episodes automatically load into your library? Just click the membership tab on your Patreon account, copy the RSS link that should show up on that page. Then, go into your Apple Podcast library, click the three dots in the upper right corner and you’ll see where to paste that link. This podcast will then automatically appear in your library feed as soon as it is uploaded. Patreon does not currently sync with Spotify, but there are other apps that will have this option as well. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

The offseason comes to a close this week for FC Cincinnati as players report for preseason Saturday, but the club has made just one new signing and there's still much work to be done to get the roster ready.

It's been pretty quiet ever since the acquisition of new DP forward Kevin Denkey, which immediately followed the buzz around Luciano Acosta's comments he was considering a departure from Cincinnati.

FCC shed more players from its roster in a stunning trade sending Chidozie Awaziem and Ian Murphy to Colorado Rapids, and the only other addition was the third-round draft pick of Gonzaga midfielder Ben Augee, who remains unsigned.

In this episode, we discuss the calm of the last few weeks, some other items of note and what still needs to happen as preseason gets underway. We'll be back with a more consistent flow of content as news picks up with the start of preseason.

Be sure to find Queen City Press Podcast now on Spotify through your Patreon subscription and give us a rating so others can more easily stumble upon this unique FC Cincinnati podcast. You can easily link your Spotify and Patreon accounts if you are using the same email address for both apps.

Also, for those who use Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can make it so episodes automatically load into your library? Just click the membership tab on your Patreon account, copy the RSS link that should show up on that page. Then, go into your Apple Podcast library, click the three dots in the upper right corner and you’ll see where to paste that link. This podcast will then automatically appear in your library feed as soon as it is uploaded. Patreon does not currently sync with Spotify, but there are other apps that will have this option as well. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

In a somewhat surprising move Monday, FC Cincinnati traded centerbacks Chidozie Awaziem and Ian Murphy to Colorado Rapids for $1 million in GAM, plus an additional $200,000 in GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met.

We decided to do a brief podcast to discuss the moves, why they were necessary and what it means for the roster moving forward.

Be sure to find Queen City Press Podcast now on Spotify through your Patreon subscription and give us a rating so others can more easily stumble upon this unique FC Cincinnati podcast. You can easily link your Spotify and Patreon accounts if you are using the same email address for both apps.

Also, for those who use Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can make it so episodes automatically load into your library? Just click the membership tab on your Patreon account, copy the RSS link that should show up on that page. Then, go into your Apple Podcast library, click the three dots in the upper right corner and you’ll see where to paste that link. This podcast will then automatically appear in your library feed as soon as it is uploaded. Patreon does not currently sync with Spotify, but there are other apps that will have this option as well. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright spoke this week after the end-of-season roster decisions were announced, and he provided some clarity as to why some of those moves were made.

We discuss the state of the roster and what work still needs to be done based on those decisions already made, plus hear Albright's responses to questions about Luciano Acosta and Alvaro Barreal in his press conference Tuesday.

The episode, which drops on co-host Eric's very happy birthday, concludes with a mailbag discussion on the expansion draft and which players FCC might protect.

Be sure to find Queen City Press Podcast now on Spotify through your Patreon subscription and give us a rating so others can more easily stumble upon this unique FC Cincinnati podcast. You can easily link your Spotify and Patreon accounts if you are using the same email address for both apps.

Also, for those who use Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can make it so episodes automatically load into your library? Just click the membership tab on your Patreon account, copy the RSS link that should show up on that page. Then, go into your Apple Podcast library, click the three dots in the upper right corner and you’ll see where to paste that link. This podcast will then automatically appear in your library feed as soon as it is uploaded. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati wasted no time getting some important business done this offseason and is expected to soon announce the signing of forward Kevin Denkey, who arrives on an MLS-record fee of $16.2 million on a transfer from Cercle Brugge.

We discuss that deal in this episode but botched the pronunciation of his former club, as well as a couple other things, so please excuse. The correction comes later in the show.

FCC also wrapped up end-of-season meetings with players last week, and media had a chance to speak with several of them before they departed for the offseason. So, we will go through the roster decisions the club has to make by the Nov. 27 deadline from the league, and Laurel will share some insight from what players had to say about their situations. Hear part of a 1-on-1 interview with the DP forward Denkey will be replacing, as Niko Gioacchini spoke about his loan stint with the club before heading back to Como this week.

We wrap up the show with some mailbag questions.

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

Publisher's note: This was recorded before news of FC Cincinnati's pursuit of forward Kevin Denkey came to light. Otherwise, it would have been discussed. There will be plenty of offseason topics to discuss, along with that, next time!

FC Cincinnati's season ended in disappointing fashion with a penalty shootout loss to New York City FC on Saturday in the decisive Game 3 of their first-round series. As if that wasn't enough for fans to digest, captain Luciano Acosta shared after the match he might have played his last game for the Orange and Blue.

Nothing is decided and he's under contract for two more seasons, but he said he began conversations with management in July about a possible departure. The club did not have a response to those comments Saturday.

We discuss that surprising news from Acosta, as well as the loss to NYCFC. Hear coach Pat Noonan's press conference and an interview with goalkeeper Roman Celentano, who came up big with two saves in the shootout and still couldn't get the win. No mailbag this time, but send in questions you'd like me to answer as we get through end-of-season interviews with players and potentially staff this week.

Be sure to find Queen City Press Podcast now on Spotify through your Patreon subscription and give us a rating so others can more easily stumble upon this unique FC Cincinnati podcast. You can easily link your Spotify and Patreon accounts if you are using the same email address for both apps.

Also, for those who use Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can make it so episodes automatically load into your library? Just click the membership tab on your Patreon account, copy the RSS link that should show up on that page. Then, go into your Apple Podcast library, click the three dots in the upper right corner and you’ll see where to paste that link. This podcast will then automatically appear in your library feed as soon as it is uploaded. Patreon does not currently sync with Spotify, but there are other apps that will have this option as well. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

We've hit 100 episodes! Thanks to our listeners for supporting this podcast, now in its third season. It started as an every other week show but has become a weekly venture, thanks to your support, and we are excited to see how we can grow as we work toward our next milestones.

What a week for the 100th episode as FC Cincinnati faces a do-or-die situation heading into Game 3 of its first-round playoff series with New York City FC. We discuss that and the Game 2 loss that forced an elimination game, and you'll hear a clip of an interview with Luciano Acosta, but we also have a special guest to share another perspective on all things FCC.

To commemorate this special episode, Laurel brought back her very first guest, Norden Supporters' Group president Chris Marshall, who shared his insight into the growth of the club since that May 19, 2022, podcast, as well as thoughts on the team going into Game 3 and the latest happenings with the Norden and fan experience in general and more.

Be sure to find Queen City Press Podcast now on Spotify through your Patreon subscription and give us a rating so others can more easily stumble upon this unique FC Cincinnati podcast. You can easily link your Spotify and Patreon accounts if you are using the same email address for both apps.

Also, for those who use Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can make it so episodes automatically load into your library? Just click the membership tab on your Patreon account, copy the RSS link that should show up on that page. Then, go into your Apple Podcast library, click the three dots in the upper right corner and you’ll see where to paste that link. This podcast will then automatically appear in your library feed as soon as it is uploaded. Patreon does not currently sync with Spotify, but there are other apps that will have this option as well. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati beat New York City FC 1-0 in its playoff opener Monday at TQL Stadium and heads to Citi Field for Game 2 on Saturday with a chance to eliminate the Boys in Blue.

We discuss the team's most complete game in months, DeAndre Yedlin's injury and how that could impact the lineup that finally seemed set and what to expect in Game 2. Plus, hear Pat Noonan talk about Yamil Asad's game-winning goal and why he's been so impactful lately, as well as clips from interviews with Asad, Chidozie Awaziem and Teenage Hadebe.

A late call for mailbag questions led to an off-topic discussion on pumpkin-flavored foods and beverages, but it seemed like a timely and fun discussion ahead of Halloween.

Be sure to find Queen City Press Podcast now on Spotify through your Patreon subscription and give us a rating so others can more easily stumble upon this unique FC Cincinnati podcast. You can easily link your Spotify and Patreon accounts if you are using the same email address for both apps.

Also, for those who use Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can make it so episodes automatically load into your library? Just click the membership tab on your Patreon account, copy the RSS link that should show up on that page. Then, go into your Apple Podcast library, click the three dots in the upper right corner and you’ll see where to paste that link. This podcast will then automatically appear in your library feed as soon as it is uploaded. Patreon does not currently sync with Spotify, but there are other apps that will have this option as well. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; Agustin Caceres (@caceresagustin), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, The Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Mark Godsey, The Hart Family, Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Nick Armstrong, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family, Tim Miller and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.