FC Cincinnati collected another clean sheet and Dado Valenzuela's first goal of the season was the difference in a 1-0 win at D.C. United on Saturday.

Valenzuela surprised in his first start, but the defense had a tall task, literally, in shutting down Christian Benteke and Nick Hagglund was up for it.

In this episode, featuring new sponsor Double Chance Podcast, we break down the match and take a look at some of the depth pieces that have either helped or hurt their stock during a stretch where several starters have been out.

You'll also get bonus content from Laurel's interviews with Kevin Denkey for a longform feature she published Friday. And, hear Pat Noonan's assessment of Luca Orellano's start to the season and what he thought of his rabona attempt the previous match against New England in light of early struggles.

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 beat the New England Revolution on Saturday, but Laurel was stuck outside in the cold rain for her son's soccer tournament and missed the action at TQL Stadium. Fortunately, former colleague Patrick Martin was able to fill in on live coverage, and he joined the podcast this week to help break down the game.

In this episode, Patrick talks about his biggest takeaways, the standout performances and what it means going forward. Laurel and Eric also discuss the injuries plaguing the team and answer a couple mailbag questions. Plus, hear Pat Noonan's thoughts on the trend of hamstring injuries and an interview with newcomer Brad Smith, ahead of his debut Saturday.

Special thanks to Hoist and new presenting sponsor Double Chance, a soccer betting podcast focused on Major League Soccer. We appreciate the added support so check out Double Chance for all your betting tips and information ahead of this week's matches.

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 went on the road and collected a 2-1 comeback win over Nashville SC on Saturday, pulling ahead in stoppage time on Kevin Denkey's penalty kick.

In this episode, we'll discuss the match, highlighted by a free kick goal from Evander and seven-save performance from Roman Celentano, as well as the recent hamstring concerns, seemingly minor trade news that could be significant, and a clarification on Miles Robinson, who took some heat last week for not playing sick against Atlanta United.

Hear clips of Pat Noonan's defense of Robinson and some of his post-game thoughts Saturday night. We wrap 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 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 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 point against Atlanta United but was disappointed in another missed opportunity after taking a lead late and losing it on an own goal for a 2-2 draw.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric discuss the match, the many missing pieces, why the team is struggling to get better results and what's next? We'll dive into Pat Noonan’s reaction, hear full interviews with Nick Hagglund and Evander and 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; 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 ended its Champions Cup run in the Round of 16 last week with a 3-1 loss at Tigres and couldn't bounce back in a 2-0 loss at Charlotte FC on Saturday after another quick turnaround.

Now the Orange and Blue have a full week to recover and prepare for the next match at home against Atlanta United, but there are serious concerns at centerback with all five top options up in the air because of past or current injuries (Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund), red card suspension (Gilberto Flores) and other planned absences (Teenage Hadebe - green card appointment in Zimbabwe).

In this episode, we discuss the two losses from this past week, the state of the team after eight games in 25 days and what to expect going forward. Plus, hear coach Pat Noonan's thoughts on the loss at Charlotte and the end of Champions Cup competition, and we wrap 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 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 and Jeremy Kelley. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati was looking for a response following a disappointing loss at Philadelphia last weekend and saw much better performances the next two matches, but the Orange and Blue still haven't shown what they might be capable of yet.

They took an early lead against Tigres in a Champions Cup Round of 16 match Tuesday and settled for a 1-1 draw, then needed a 73rd-minute penalty kick to break through for a 2-0 win against Toronto FC on Saturday.

In this episode, we talk about both results and why there is optimism amid rotated lineups and even a formation change Saturday to help keep legs fresh for Tuesday's big game at Tigres. FCC must win or draw with at least two goals to advance to the CCC quarterfinals.

Plus, hear clips of interviews with Corey Baird and Miles Robinson from postgame locker room media availability, and Laurel answers a couple mailbag questions submitted on social media.

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

FC Cincinnati found immediate success in its first week of action despite several newcomers in the lineup and concerns of what it would look like after a challenging preseason.

The Orange and Blue collected a 4-1 win at FC Motagua on Wednesday in Champions Cup play in Honduras, then battled New York Red Bulls for a 1-0 win in the MLS opener Saturday at TQL Stadium. Among those making club debuts were forward Kevin Denkey, who scored in both games, midfielder Evander Ferreira, centerback Gilberto Flores and left wingback Lukas Engel.

In this episode, we discuss the first games and the importance of seeing results right away, plus news of the week with Luca Orellano extending his contract, an update on Matt Miazga and surprising discussions with Brenner.

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 will go into the 2025 season with a new-look attack -- one that won't include Luciano Acosta for the first time after four years that included a Supporters' Shield and the club's first three playoff appearances.

Evander takes over as the team's new No. 10 and will be linking up with DP forward Kevin Denkey and rising young star Luca Orellano -- if FCC can keep him invested in the project amid a contract dispute.

We discuss the rebuilt attack and break down the roster position-by-position for this "season preview" episode, as FCC sets to play its first match Wednesday in Concacaf Champions Cup play against FC Motagua in Honduras and the league opener Saturday at home against New York Red Bulls.

Plus, we wrap up with a couple of mailbag questions that I addressed in the written version but found newsy enough to include in this episode 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 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 and Tim Miller. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

With breaking news that FC Cincinnati is finalizing a trade to send Luciano Acosta to FC Dallas for a guaranteed $5 million, we decided to do a brief bonus, "emergency podcast" episode.

We discuss the move, why it came to an in-league trade and more as the saga with FCC's best player officially is coming to an end. 

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 improved to 2-0-1 in its preseason games with a 4-1 win against the Philadelphia Union on Friday over 120 minutes, and this was the first time coach Pat Noonan saw real progress being made.

Having Luca Orellano and Yuya Kubo available helped, but Lucho Acosta's status remains uncertain as he was only expected to be integrated into the group Sunday.

We discuss Friday's match -- the only one that has been available by live stream to watch -- and the latest on Acosta, plus injury updates and a look at the state of the team with less than two weeks before real games begin. You'll hear a clip from Noonan's press conference Saturday 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 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.