FC Cincinnati didn't fare so well after its last break in action, but the Orange and Blue should be almost full strength when they return to play Saturday at Philadelphia.

At the time of this recording (Wednesday, Sept. 13), it was unclear the status of three players away for international duty but it appears Junior Moreno and Santiago Arias are full go after returning to training Thursday and Aaron Boupendza is expected to meet up with the team in Philadelphia if not in Cincinnati before FCC departs Friday.

In this 50th episode, spousal co-hosts Laurel and Eric discuss the international break and preview Saturday's match at Philadelphia. Marco Angulo is the Player Spotlight feature, Nick Hagglund provides the quote of the week and some insight into the team's mentality coming off a loss and two-week break from games. And, the Olimpico segment takes us off topic and into Laurel's world last week juggling Joe Burrow's contract news. 

Plus, get a sneak peek of this week's upcoming mailbag, which should post soon as well.  

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.

Editor's note: At the time of this recording, it was unclear if Aaron Boupendza was going to be playing for Gabon in its AFCON qualifier Saturday, but his call-up was confirmed Monday.

With a comeback win at Atlanta United last week, FC Cincinnati clinched its playoff spot in just 26 games, the second fastest a team has punched that ticket in MLS history. LAFC in 2019 and 2021 qualified in 25 games.

Unfortunately for the Orange and Blue, the celebrating didn't last long (if they even did) as they dropped a 1-0 loss to Orlando City for their first home defeat of the season. 

Laurel and Eric discuss both games, plus look ahead at this week's international competition for players that were called into their national teams while FCC is off from games until Sept. 16. This week's player profile features one of those players: Junior Moreno. Plus, Pat Noonan provides the "Quote of the Week," which I haven't shared yet in any writings, as he touched on the mental discipline of the team as it tries to secure the Supporters Shield. The "Olimpico" segment -- on something unique in the game -- focuses on time-wasting and theatrics in MLS, and the episode wraps up with a few mailbag questions.

Queen City Press podcast is now available through Spotify, linking through your same email address used on Patreon to access the paid episodes. 

Also, for those who haven’t added this podcast to their Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can do so? 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.

FC Cincinnati bounced back from a difficult week where two results didn't go its way, and this time collected a dominant 3-0 win over New York City FC on Saturday. The game provided some reassurance that FCC was not in fact on a downward spiral and has not yet reached its peak. 

Eric and Laurel, the husband-wife co-hosts of this podcast, discuss the victory and what it meant for the team, as well as some of the individual highlights of the game. In this episode, you'll also hear interview clips with Bret Halsey, Pat Noonan and Nick Hagglund, and a preview to the two matches this week at Atlanta United on Wednesday and at home against Orlando City on Saturday.

The "Player Profile" features Ian Murphy, and the "Olimpico" section on something unique in the game takes listeners behind the scenes on locker room interactions. Plus, the episode wraps up with a couple mailbag questions to preview the written version coming later this week.

Also, for those who haven’t added this podcast to their Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can do so? 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.

FC Cincinnati bounced back from a disappointing shutout loss at Columbus Crew SC to take a two-goal lead over Inter Miami CF in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals Wednesday, but Lionel Messi's delivery to Leo Campana on a pair of set-piece goals enabled the Herons to force the game into extra time and FCC eventually fell 5-4 in penalties.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric discuss the ups and downs of the past two games, mainly focusing on the Open Cup loss, including the late-game subs and why FCC could not hold on in the final minutes. We also look ahead to the New York City FC match Saturday and the importance of getting back on track in league play, and we dive into Nick Hagglund's time at FCC. Plus, hear clips from interviews with Obinna Nwobodo, Pat Noonan and Alvaro Barreal, who provides the "Quote of the Week."  

Also, for those who haven’t added this podcast to their Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can do so? 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.

FC Cincinnati has been off from games since losing in penalties to Nashville SC in the first knockout round of the Leagues Cup on August 4, but the Orange and Blue are back in full swing with a pair of big games in a four-day stretch.

The away version of "Hell is Real" against Columbus takes place Sunday, and FCC turns around to host Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Wednesday. We break down both games in this episode, and we also discuss Alvas Powell's contract extension, Luciano Acosta as our "Player Profile" and more. This episode includes interviews with Powell and Barreal, an "Olimpico" section discussing the Saudi Pro League's  impact on MLS and a preview of this week's upcoming written mailbag.

Special thanks to Hoist and Sammy's Craft Burgers and Beer for sponsoring Queen City Press Podcast and thanks listeners for tuning in!

FC Cincinnati's chances of a quadruple were squashed with a Round of 32 exit in the Leagues Cup, but three other trophies are still on the table for the Orange and Blue this season. 

As the team now sets its sights back on a Supporters Shield race and the upcoming U.S. Open Cup semifinals, QCP Podcast co-hosts Laurel and Eric recap the shootout loss to Nashville and look ahead to how FCC will use the break before MLS play resumes Aug. 20. This week's "Player Profile" features Yuya Kubo, coming off his 100th appearance for Cincinnati, and Brandon Vazquez provided the "Quote of the Week." The Olimpico segment, highlighting something unique in MLS, touches on the struggles of the Liga MX teams in Leagues Cup, and the episode wraps up with a mailbag question on many fans' minds.

Thanks to Hoist and Sammy's Craft Beer & Burgers for sponsoring QCP Podcast and thanks listeners for tuning in! 

Special thanks to Queen City Press founding sponsors:
Margot Atelier (@margotatelier.us), Sammy's Craft Burgers and Beers, 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 hayour name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati beat Chivas in a matchup between the top teams in Major League Soccer and Liga MX, respectively, and now move on to face Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup Round of 32, though the opponent wasn't yet known when this podcast was recorded Monday night.

Laurel and husband co-host Eric discussed the odd two-day game against Chivas, plus  briefly talk about what’s next. This episode also dives in more on Brandon Vazquez as part of the "player profile" segment; Matt Miazga provides the Quote of the Week and Eric gets a chance to talk about his dream scenario in the Olimpico segment on unique things happening in soccer. And of course, the episode wraps up with a few mailbag questions.

Also, for those who haven't added this podcast to their Apple Podcasts app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can do so? 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 and Beers, 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 hayour name, organization or business recognized as well.

Alec Kann sealed FC Cincinnati's penalty shootout win over Sporting Kansas City on Sunday in Leagues Cup play when he made a save in the fourth round of kicks to end it, 4-2, after the Orange and Blue had to come back from deficits twice just to get any points.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric, the spousal hosts of Queen City Press Podcast, recap the wild game that saw FCC go down 2-0, equalize while Sporting KC was playing the final 60 minutes with 10 men due to a red card, and eventual need another equalizer at the death from Luciano Acosta.

Also included is a special segment on Queen City Press' exclusive interview with Brenner and the story published on that for a little more of the behind-the-scenes on that. 

The episode wraps up with a "Look Ahead" to Thursday's match against Chivas, a "Player Profile" on Kann, the "Quote of the Week" which Kann also provided and the "Olimpico" segment on a unique topic in MLS, this time touching on games that go to extended PKs and what that's like for a goalkeeper.

You'll hear clips from Pat Noonan and Kann, and we conclude the episode with a couple mailbag questions. 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, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to hayour name, organization or business recognized as well.

Despite the ups and downs of the past week, winning and losing a game 3-0, FC Cincinnati heads into a big matchup Saturday with recognition of three all stars.

The wife and husband team of Laurel and Eric begin this episode recapping the MLS All-Star Game selections and others from FCC that could have been in that mix as well. Then, we'll discuss the win against Toronto from last Wednesday, the loss at D.C. and in the "Week Ahead," we briefly touch on this Saturday's match against second-place New England and the state of the team going into that.

Our "Player Spotlight" focuses on Santiago Arias, and we'll hear from him in a brief audio clip from his media availability last week. This episode also includes audio from an exclusive interview with Quimi Ordonez, which I wrote a story on late last week, and he also provides our "Quote of the Week" highlighting the work of the academy and FCC 2 team staffs getting young players ready for big moments.

We wrap up as always with a preview of this week's written mailbag, which will post in the coming days. 

Also, for those who haven't added this podcast to their Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can do so? 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, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to hayour name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati took three days off last week without a game to play, as part of the international break, but they are set to begin the second half of the season Wednesday against Toronto FC.

In this episode of Queen City Press Podcast, the wife/husband tandem of Laurel and Eric recap the first half of the season, preview this week's games against Toronto and D.C. United (Saturday on the road) and spotlight Alvaro Barreal. And, as usual, the show wraps up with a bonus mailbag answering fan questions.

Hear interview clips with Barreal and coach Pat Noonan, the latter of whom provided the quote of the week with his response to managing "table watching" as FCC tries to hold on to a lead in the Supporters Shield.

Also, for those who haven't added this podcast to their Apple Podcast app (or other podcast apps), did you know you can do so? 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, Ryan De La Rosa, David McDaniel, the Rexroad Family and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to hayour name, organization or business recognized as well.