FC Cincinnati won a Decision Day game against the Philadelphia Union, 2-1, on Saturday to close the regular-season on a high note, despite needing an own goal for the game-winner. The Orange and Blue now head into a Best-of-3 first round playoff series against New York City FC with Game 1 set for Monday at TQL Stadium.

We'll recap the win at Philly and look ahead to the playoffs a bit in this episode, but we will also touch on the FCC 2 team, which saw its first playoff season come to an end in the conference quarterfinals on Sunday.

You'll hear part of Pat Noonan's post-game press conference following the regular-season finale, plus clips of interviews with FCC 2 coach Tyrone Marshall, as he discussed winning MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Year, the significance of the team's turnaround in a press conference last week and the disappointing ending Sunday.

Then, Laurel shares her MLS End-of-Year votes, which FC Cincinnati fans likely won't agree with so feel free to let us know.

And we use the mailbag segment to address The Athletic's report that MLS is considering a change to a fall-to-spring calendar that would better align with seasons in other parts of the world (and line up transfer windows!).

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 dropped a pair of losses last week against New York City FC and Orlando City SC, and now is trying to work on some things to get back on track before the playoffs.

The Orange and Blue are off from games this week during the international break but play their regular-season finale Oct. 19 at Philadelphia, needing a win to secure their place in the Concacaf Champions Cup for next year.

We discuss the results from last week, the state of the team going into the finale and more in this episode. Plus, hear an interview with Niko Gioacchini, who discussed his transition to the team, struggles scoring and difficulties of playing with a broken nose. We wrap up with a couple of mailbag questions.

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 dropped a 2-1 loss to Los Angeles FC on Saturday, a disappointing result especially considering a full squad was available to start the game and LAFC had some rotation coming off a midweek U.S. Open Cup final.

Chidozie Awaziem injured his leg trying to make a tackle in the 31st minute and needed replaced. At the time of recording, FCC had not shared an update on MRI results that Pat Noonan was expecting about 15 minutes after his pre-match press conference to preview Wednesday's game against NYCFC. Since then, we've learned the injury is not expected to be a long-term concern, but Awaziem is out at least this match.

In this episode, we discuss the loss to LAFC, the concerns going into the final three games and look ahead to NYCFC. Hear Laurel's interview with Pavel Bucha after Saturday's loss as well as clips from press conferences with Alvas Powell and Noonan on Monday.

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 collected a good win on the road Wednesday, beating Minnesota United 2-1, and then added a point with a 2-2 draw at Nashville SC on Saturday. That was good enough to clinch a top 3 seed in the playoffs, but the game came with a bit of controversy after Niko Gioacchini's goal was disallowed because of an offside interference call on Yamil Asad. The officials also made a similar call against Nashville later, but FCC squandered a chance to keep ahead of Columbus on points.

In this episode we discuss both games last week, as well as thoughts on the lineup and whether we've seen Pat Noonan's preferred starting XI yet. You'll hear audio from Noonan's postgame presser Saturday at Nashville and a one-on-one interview with Miles Robinson touching on various topics of interest right now.

We wrap up with a couple of mailbag questions as usual.

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 played a scoreless draw against Columbus Crew SC in the second "Hell is Real" derby of the season Saturday at TQL Stadium, and the hard-earned point with a depleted defense should be applauded.

We discuss the result, continued concerns with the offense and the state of the team going into this week's games against Minnesota United and Nashville SC. Plus, hear clips of interviews with Pat Noonan on why this stretch run is different from the previous two seasons that also included playoff trips.

The episode wraps up with a few mailbag questions and an inquiry into why NFL and MLS pool reports look so different.

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 heads into the "Hell is Real" derby feeling fresh after the international break allowed players to rest and recover after a 4-1 win over CF Montreal on Aug. 31. We took last week off from the podcast so we touch on the biggest takeaways from that match, as FCC ended a four-game losing streak in league play.

To preview Saturday's match against Columbus Crew SC, Laurel chatted with Columbus Dispatch soccer writer Brianna Mac Kay about the wild ride she's been on with the Crew since she joined the beat last November and her thoughts on the team, the rivalry and more.

Then, hear bonus content from Laurel's one-on-one interview with Chidozie Awaziem -- some of which didn't make it into the in-depth feature published Tuesday. And we wrap up with a couple of mailbag questions.

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 coach Pat Noonan was disappointed in the lack of effort and intensity in last weekend's match against Inter Miami CF. We tried to put our best effort into discussing deeper what's going on with the team right now, sitting on four straight losses in league play and not looking particularly strong in Leagues Cup action.

You'll hear everything Noonan had to say on the slow starts of late, how Luciano Acosta's absence is impacting the team and more. Plus, we (media) spoke with Matt Miazga on Thursday about his recovery in his first interview locally since his season-ending injury, so there will be more on that coming next week but catch a preview in this episode.

We also discuss the addition of free agent centerback Teenage Hadebe, who will arrive in a couple of weeks, and more. The episode wraps up with a couple of mailbag questions as usual.

Apologies for the late post this week before the match against Montreal!

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 with media on Tuesday, so we took the opportunity for a unique episode diving deeper into his responses to various questions related to the summer transfer window and plans moving forward. You'll hear clips from the press conference in this episode, and Laurel shares her thoughts on some of the topics discussed.

We also look ahead to this weekend's big match at first-place Inter Miami CF, and wrap up with a couple mailbags to preview an upcoming written version that will include more questions.

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 made two signings during the summer transfer window, but wasn't able to fill Aaron Boupendza's designated player spot with a "major signing" fans had come to anticipate behind national media and club hype for an ambitious plan to improve the roster.

Bringing forward Nico Gioacchini on loan from Italian club Como and acquiring centerback Chidozie Awaziem improved the roster from a month ago, but will it be enough to make a push for trophies at the end of the season?

We discuss that in this special episode to break down the summer window for FC Cincinnati and what it means going forward. Give it a listen and tell us what you think!

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, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), 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 advanced to the Leagues Cup Round of 16 thanks to a penalty shootout win against Santos Laguna. Now the team hosts Philadelphia on Tuesday looking for a spot in the quarterfinals.

We discuss both matches, as well as the club’s decision with the league to terminate Aaron Boupendza’s contract. Hear thoughts from Obinna Nwobodo on Boupendza’s departure and what Oat Noonan had to say.

Plus we wrap up with a mailbag discussion on the transfer window.

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!