It's finally match week! Long after FC Cincinnati completed its first-round series against New York Red Bulls with a penalty shootout win on Nov. 4, the Orange and Blue is finally in full preparation mode for the Eastern Conference semifinal against Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

In this episode, we discuss the matchup, as well as the news of the past two weeks, including Matt Miazga being named MLS Defender of the Year but officially being suspended for this weekend's match. Aaron Boupendza is back in town after his removal from the Gabon roster, so we also touch on that and his standing with FCC. 

Brandon Vazquez is the featured player in our "Player Spotlight," Miazga provides the "Quote of the Week" and Eric brings in his love of the Premier League with an "Olimpico" on Everton's recent punishment and how that will never happen in MLS. We wrap up with a couple of mailbag questions, as usual.

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. 

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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

Three weeks ago, as FC Cincinnati prepared for the start of its second MLS Cup Playoffs berth, I wrote an in-depth feature on general manager Chris Albright to give fans a peak into what has made him into such a successful leader in his short time running a sporting department.

The story included insight from Albright and Co-CEO Jeff Berding but also Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin and Houston Dynamo coach Ben Olsen, both whom have known Albright for more than two decades. Curtin and Olsen were both former teammates of Albright's and Curtin not only played with Albright, he also coached him briefly and then worked under him when Albright became technical director at Philadelphia in 2014.

I shared some clips of the interviews in a podcast episode the week that story published, and a few readers expressed interest in hearing more. So, as we await the end of the international break and FC Cincinnati's Eastern Conference semifinal Nov. 25 against Albright's hometown Philadelphia Union, I put together an audio story of the interviews from Albright, Curtin and Olsen -- individuals FCC fans don't hear from often. (I only excluded the audio from my interview with Berding because I recorded that one through a transcription program, and when I pulled the audio file from it, the quality of the sound was not good enough to share.)

The interviews are only slightly trimmed for conciseness.

We'll be back next week with a normal episode, but I hope you enjoy this bonus show. Let me know 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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a shootout win at New York Red Bulls on Saturday but not without cost, as Obinna Nwobodo and Dom Badji picked up injuries and Matt Miazga's status is in question because of yellow card accumulation suspension and an alleged post-game incident with the officials.

Miazga is accused of entering of the officials' locker room after the game, though there is contradictory information regarding the incident. MLS is investigating.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric discuss the win Saturday and the drama surrounding it, plus we look ahead briefly as the next opponent was decided during recording of the podcast. FCC will be playing a rematch of last year's conference semifinal against the Philadelphia Union, this time at TQL Stadium on Nov. 25 or 26.

Also hear audio from Pat Noonan's postgame press conference, including the Quote of the Week, and a Player Spotlight on Aaron Boupendza, an Olimpico segment on a couple off-brand topics and reader questions in the mailbag.

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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati collected a 3-0 win over New York Red Bulls on Sunday in the first game of a best-of-three first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, but the depth of the back line is hurting with news of Nick Hagglund's season-ending leg injury and Alvas Powell's continued absence from training while he's dealing with a leg injury.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric recap the match and the overall health of the team and look ahead to Saturday’s match, which could be an elimination game for New York Red Bulls. Ian Murphy is the Player Spotlight feature, Matt Miazga provides the "Quote of the Week" and the Olimpico segment touches on some rules to be aware of going forward. 

You'll also hear an interview Laurel did with Junior Moreno this week as well, and the episode wraps up with a few 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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati closed the regular season with a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United on Saturday in what essentially was a meaningless game, aside from being a final tune-up for the playoffs. Now the postseason is upon the Orange and Blue, as they prepare for a best-of-three first-round series against the New York Red Bulls, starting Sunday at TQL Stadium.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric briefly touch on the Atlanta game, but the bulk of the show is spent reviewing the situation with Aaron Boupendza's late return from international duty and Chris Albright's impact on the club, following an in-depth feature published by Queen City Press on Thursday, and also looking ahead to the playoff matchup with Red Bulls. 

The episode also features Dom Badji in the Player Spotlight, the Olimpico segment (on something unique in MLS) touches on some playoff history and it wraps up with a couple 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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati was off from competition last week but four players appeared in games with their respective national teams, and off the field the club was busy finalizing extensions for general manager Chris Albright and Pat Noonan.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric discuss the international break, the importance of long-term deals for the two leaders most responsible for the two-year turnaround from worst to first and Saturday's regular-season finale against Atlanta United. Santiago Arias is the 'Player Spotlight,' Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin provides the "Quote of the Week" on Noonan's success in Cincinnati and the Olimpico segment on something unique in the game touches on the playoff format changes over the years and best practices.

The podcast wraps up with a couple mailbag questions -- one slightly off topic but fun. 

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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati announced Chris Albright's contract extension today but the latest episode of Queen City Press Podcast had already been recorded and sent for editing, so that will be a topic for next week.

In this episode, co-hosts Laurel and Eric discuss FC Cincinnati's 20th win of the season, one that knocked Inter Miami CF out of playoff contention on Saturday, as well as the 2-1 loss last Wednesday against New York Red Bulls, which was followed by the club's Supporters' Shield ceremony. (Also, please note a correction to mention of Luciano Acosta's 17th goal -- he scored his 16th goal against Red Bulls and was one behind Denis Bouanga before Bouanga then added two more goals Saturday to move to 19 on the season.)

Then, look ahead to the current international break ahead of the regular-season finale Oct. 21 against Atlanta United, and take a deep dive into what Matt Miazga brings the team in this week's "Player Spotlight." Luciano Acosta provides the "Quote of the Week," and the Olimpico -- touching on something unique in soccer -- focuses on a way FC Cincinnati might benefit from having Lionel Messi in the league.

And the episode wraps up with a few mailbag questions to preview a written, longer version coming later 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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati clinched its first MLS Supporters' Shield on Saturday with a 3-2 win at Toronto FC, and the club will lift the shield with fans in attendance at Wednesday's home game against New York Red Bulls.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric discuss the win and the significance of the Shield, plus, look ahead to the final three matches and how Pat Noonan might approach lineups, specificially Wednesday against Red Bulls and Saturday at Miami. 

Brandon Vazquez is the Player Spotlight this week, the "Quote of the Week" is more of a song, and the Olimpico is a look at the records FCC can break and where this season stacks up among others in MLS history. And the episode wraps up with a couple 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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati finalized a contract extension for Luciano Acosta on Friday and then he put up an MVP-worthy performance Saturday to help the Orange and Blue to a 3-0 win over Charlotte FC.

Now they are a win away from clinching the Supporters Shield with an opportunity to do it this Saturday at Toronto FC.

Co-hosts Laurel and Eric recap the win over Charlotte, discuss the significance of Acosta's deal and look ahead to Toronto. 

The "Player Spotlight" features Alvaro Barreal on the heels of his Puskas nomination, Pat Noonan provides the "Quote of the Week" and the "Olimpico" segment on an off-the-beaten path topic focuses on the top 10 paid players in MLS and how many of them are in a playoff position. The episode wraps up with a couple mailbag questions to preview the written mailbag coming out later 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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beer, Hoist(@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

Luciano Acosta's contract extension has been confirmed since we recorded this last night, but enjoy listening to speculation on why FC Cincinnati was having a press conference with him.

In this episode we recap the two draws at Philadelphia and Montreal, discuss the partnership between Acosta and Boupendza, yellow card concerns and look ahead to the Charlotte match Saturday. 

Our Player Spotlight is on Obinna Nwobodo, who continues to impress despite a rare missed tackle that led to a goal for Montreal; Pat Noonan provides the "Quote of the Week" on the need to build momentum going into the playoffs; and in our 'Olimpico' segment on something unique in the game, we talk about the tight race behind FCC in the standings and why the team has been able to maintain its big lead during a 2-2-2 stretch.

Thanks for tuning in! 

Special thanks to Queen City Press founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beer, Hoist(@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.