FC Cincinnati took a collective breath Saturday when the final whistle blew to seal a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. There was plenty of joy mixed with that relief after beating the biggest rival to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for a third time in four years.

We discuss the significance, just how impressive the comeback was from a historical perspective on the season, Brenner's big moments and more. Plus, interviews with Roman Celentano and Nick Hagglund and the highlights from Pat Noonan's press conference.

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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? The easiest way is to log into Patreon on your phone or through the app, open the “article” for the latest episode and click the “Listen in App” button on the top right side of the page. That will direct you from there. Otherwise, you can 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/Spotify/etc. 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. You can also search on Spotify and that just requires syncing with Patreon. Reach out with questions!

And as always, thanks for tuning in!

Special thanks to Queen City Press sponsors:

Hoist (@DrinkHoist), 333seat.com; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati dropped a crushing 4-0 loss to the Columbus Crew on Sunday in Game 2 of the "Hell is Real" first-round playoff series, and now faces a decisive Game 3 on Saturday.

We recap the loss, and then MLS Season Pass play-by-play announcer Steve Cangialosi joins Queen City Press Podcast to discuss the series, the ghosts of playoffs past and what's really on the line. Plus, hear Nick Hagglund speak on his Comeback Player of the Year award, as well as that Alec Kann interview you were promised last week regarding his retirement announcement.

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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? The easiest way is to log into Patreon on your phone or through the app, open the “article” for the latest episode and click the “Listen in App” button on the top right side of the page. That will direct you from there. Otherwise, you can 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/Spotify/etc. 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; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

Kevin Denkey delivered the game-winner and FC Cincinnati's defense held on for a 1-0 win over the Columbus Crew on Monday in a "Hell is Real" first-round playoff series opener at TQL Stadium.

It was an electric environment and an encouraging start to the postseason, so we discuss that in this episode and then bring in MLS Season Pass studio analyst Dax McCarty for his takes on the match, what needs to happen for both teams in Game 2 and more.

You'll also hear a compilation of post-game interviews with Miles Robinson, Roman Celentano, Alvas Powell and Denkey.

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

No frills in this episode, just a great chat with MLS Season Pass play-by-play broadcaster Jake Zivin, who will be calling at least the first two games of the "Hell is Real" first-round playoff series between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew.

Eric and Laurel already broke down the Decision Day win over Montreal in our regular episode earlier this week, so this is some bonus content to help gear you up for Monday's playoff opener. (We decided to give our awesome editor a break! Thanks for all you do, Stephen!)

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati cruised to a 3-0 win over CF Montreal on Decision Day and locked up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield standings. Now the Orange and Blue face the Columbus Crew in a best-of-three "Hell is Real" derby for the first round of the playoffs.

We discuss the win over Montreal and the significance, especially given a depleted squad, and what to expect looking forward. Plus, more on why Laurel wrote a letter to MLS about media access, hear interviews with Obinna Nwobodo and Nick Hagglund and a brief mailbag.

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati was off from competition this past week but controls its own destiny for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. A win Saturday against CF Montreal guarantees home-field advantage through the conference semifinals, and if Vancouver drops points in the finale, the Orange and Blue could ensure home-field advantage in the MLS Cup final, should they get that far.

In this slightly abbreviated episode, we break down the standings and what needs to happen, who FCC should want to face in the first round and an early peek at how the squad looks from a health and availability standpoint for Saturday. Plus, hear an interview with Obinna Nwobodo, who could potentially make his return to the pitch in the finale.

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati beat New York Red Bulls 1-0 on the road Saturday to secure a top 3 finish in the Eastern Conference, but the Supporters' Shield is now off the table after the Philadelphia Union also won to clinch.

The Orange and Blue got an early goal on a wonder strike from Kevin Denkey and then managed to hold on over the final 78-plus minutes, though it didn't look pretty. We discuss the match, what it means for the final two weeks of the MLS season, injuries and Denkey's silly unsportsmanlike conduct for a fifth yellow card that will cost him to miss the finale and more.

Plus, interviews with Pat Noonan and Evan Louro and a couple topics from social media that we address in the mailbag.

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

Editor's note: This podcast was recorded prior to Chicago's win over Miami on Tuesday night. With this result, New York Red Bulls are eliminated from playoff contention, and FC Cincinnati can finish higher than Miami even if both teams win out (both would finish with 65 points, but FCC would have the tiebreaker on wins).

FC Cincinnati conceded a goal in the 96th minute Sunday and settled for a 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC in a match that felt like a loss but one where FCC might have been fortunate to get a point.

We discuss the match, the Supporters Shield race and playoff picture as it stood after the weekend, what's ahead and the return of Obinna Nwobodo and Matt Miazga to training Tuesday. Hear interviews with Miles Robinson and Kevin Denkey and a couple of mailbag questions answered as usual.

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati headed West and came home with an important 3-2 win over the L.A. Galaxy on Saturday, becoming the first team to collect at least 10 road wins in consecutive seasons.

Ender Echenique's speed paid off for the opening goal -- his first for FCC -- and Brenner recorded a brace, while Evander assisted all three goals on the night.

We discuss the match, how expectations re-set with Brenner's immediate production and how the Supporters' Shield race is shaping up going into another big game Sunday at home against Orlando City SC. Plus, the highlights from Pat Noonan's postgame press conference and a couple of mailbag questions.

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

Sorry! Didn't attach the file the first time! Also, a correction - In the mailbag segment, when discussing why Yuya Kubo was not in the matchday squad, I mistakenly referred to Stiven Jimenez being the other midfielder on the bench, but that should have been Dado Valenzuela. My response still stands.

FC Cincinnati ended a three-game home skid Saturday with a dramatic 2-1 win over Nashville SC, thanks to Evander's last-minute heroics. He scored in the 98th minute to break a tie after Brenner had opened the scoring on Evander's assist in the 73rd minute, only to see Nashville find an equalizer after a flurry of injuries and substitutions.

We discuss the match, the significance of the win and what it means moving forward, as well as Miles Robinson's new DP contract for 2026 and 2027. You'll also hear clips of interviews with Pat Noonan, Evander and Nick Hagglund, and the episode wraps up with some mailbag questions.

Special thanks to Hoist for sponsoring the show!

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; BISON USA CORP, 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, The Crenshaw Family and Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7). Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.