FC Cincinnati didn't have a game this past week, so I used the mini-bye to bring back a familiar name for followers of the club.

For the first time (long overdue), Cincinnati Enquirer sports writer Pat Brennan joins Queen City Press Podcast to discuss his memories on the FCC beat, which he covered up until this year when he switched to covering the Reds and Bengals. We had been competitors on the FCC beat since the club's first season in 2016, but became friends over time and now seemed a good opportunity to bring him onto the show.

That segment takes up most of the episode, but you'll also hear an interview with Kei Kamara on his recent broadcast experience with Club World Cup commentary and his first start with FCC in the last match June 14 against New England.

Special thanks to Hoist and Double Chance Podcast for sponsoring the show! Check out Double Chance Pod for the latest MLS betting information and tips.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 and The Crenshaw Family. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati returned from a break to beat the New England Revolution 1-0 on Saturday and remain in second in the Eastern Conference.

Kevin Denkey scored his 11th goal in MLS play, off a great assist from LUca Orellano and then celebrated by kneeling down in front of Orellano and kissing his boot. After the 26th minute goal, FCC relied on the defense to hold on and collected its sixth clean sheet of the season.

In this episode we discuss the match, Matt Miazga's first full game, Orellano's performance at left wingback and more. Plus, a special mailbag segment in which Laurel shares her MLS All-Star ballot submitted as part of the media voting.

Special thanks to Hoist and Double Chance Podcast for sponsoring the show! Check out Double Chance Pod for the latest MLS betting information and tips.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 and The Crenshaw Family. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati was off this past week, but it's a good time for a thorough evaluation of the team at the season's halfway point.

We discuss the individual performances, best/worst games and expectations for the second half of the season. Plus, a mailbag segment touching on the summer transfer window and more.

Special thanks to Hoist and Double Chance Podcast for sponsoring the show! Check out Double Chance Pod for the latest MLS betting information and tips.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 and The Crenshaw Family. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati dropped points against FC Dallas and D.C. United at home this week, settling for a 3-3 draw against Luciano Acosta's new team on Wednesday and suffering a 2-1 loss to the Black-and-Red on Saturday.

In this extra long episode, we discuss the results, concerns over the current form of the team, Matt Miazga’s latest injury and Lucho Acosta’s return to TQL Stadium and more. We also give listeners a peek behind the curtain on Acosta's exit in the last portion of the episode before the mailbag.

Special thanks to Hoist and Double Chance Podcast for sponsoring the show! Check out Double Chance Pod for the latest MLS betting information and tips.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 and The Crenshaw Family. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati lost Nick Hagglund for the foreseeable future due to a pair of cracked ribs and a collapsed lung resulting from a hit early in a 4-2 loss at Atlanta United FC.

We discuss the injury, the impact on the game and why FC Cincinnati can't seem to put together a complete performance, as well as news of Miles Robinson's call-up to the U.S. national team and Cruz Azul's renewed interest in Luca Orellano. We also discuss Lucho Acosta's scheduled return to TQL Stadium on Wednesday with FC Dallas and wrap up with a couple mailbag questions.

Special thanks to Hoist and Double Chance Podcast for sponsoring the show! Check out Double Chance Pod for the latest MLS betting information and tips.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati rotated lineups for a midweek match at Toronto FC and snuck away with a 1-0 win before squeaking out a 1-1 draw at Columbus Crew on Saturday in the "Hell is Real" derby.

We discuss both games, with emphasis on the rivalry match, as well as Obinna Nwobodo's contract extension, which you will hear him discuss in a portion of our interview with him Thursday. You'll also hear portions of locker room interviews with Evander, Kevin Denkey and Matt Miazga after "Hell is Real" and a clip of coach Pat Noonan sounding off on the league hyping rivalries but deflating the energy with midweek games prior.

Special thanks to Hoist and Double Chance Podcast for sponsoring the show! Check out Double Chance Pod for the latest MLS betting information and tips.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 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 2-1 win over Austin FC on Saturday with goals from Evander and Dado Valenzuela. Valenzuela's goal was the winner after former FCC forward Brandon Vazquez equalized from the penalty spot.

In this episode, we discuss the game, including Vazquez's return with Austin, the improvement of the attack and Matt Miazga's injury, as well as the pending signing of MLS legend Kei Kamara and a brief look at a busy week capped by "Hell is Real." You'll hear clips of interviews with Evander, Valenzuela and Vazquez.

Special thanks to Hoist and Double Chance Podcast for sponsoring the show! Check out Double Chance Pod for the latest MLS betting information and tips.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati saw a five-game winning streak snapped with a 1-0 loss at New York City FC on Sunday.

In this episode, we break down the match, the latest injuries and briefly discuss Brandon Vazquez's scheduled return with Austin FC to face his old club Saturday. Plus, hear some clips from interviews with coach Pat Noonan, and we wrap up with some mailbag questions.

Special thanks to Hoist and Double Chance Podcast for sponsoring the show! Check out Double Chance Pod for the latest MLS betting information and tips.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati bicycled its way to a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, as Kevin Denkey put on a show with a brace (scoring twice) to bring him to six goals for the MLS season.

We discuss the match, Denkey's goals, including a spectacular bicycle kick goal that might be the best in club history, and the team's momentum on a five-game winning streak.

Plus, hear interviews with Denkey, Roman Celentano and Pat Noonan. We wrap up with a brief discussion on the transfer window closing and some mailbag questions.

Special thanks to Hoist and Double Chance podcast for sponsoring this show. You can listen to Double Chance for MLS betting tips and information.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati took advantage of a couple mistakes by Chicago Fire FC to collect a 3-2 win on the road Saturday with Evander scoring a brace and Kevin Denkey burying a nice goal off Sergio Santos' second assist of the game.

We break down the game in this episode, plus sprinkle in some interview clips with coach Pat Noonan, Matt Miazga and Evander. We also discuss Aaron Boupendza's impact on the club after his tragic passing in China last week and answer a couple of mailbag questions.

Queen City Press Podcast thanks sponsors Hoist and Double Chance Podcast for helping bring you this episode. Check out Double Chance for MLS betting tips and information.

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:

Double Chance Podcast (@DoubleChancePod), 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 and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.