We broke down a massive week across FC Cincinnati, MLS, and the USMNT — a stretch where roster movement, offseason windows, and major tournament draws all landed at once. We covered Lukas Engel not returning to FC Cincinnati, the growing MLS interest in Dado and whether the club should sell, loan, or hold, and the nearing announcement of Barreal’s permanent move to Santos. We discussed why a Brenner return is looking increasingly unlikely, the club’s key offseason priorities at left wingback and forward, and Evander finishing fourth in MVP voting. We also hit on FCC being ranked fourth among early 2026 MLS Cup contenders, the Concacaf Champions Cup draw against O&M FC, the opening of MLS Free Agency and the Re-Entry Draft, a full breakdown of the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup Group D placement, updates on FCC2 roster decisions and the coaching situation, and the MLS NEXT Fest results from the academy.

The 2025 FC Cincinnati season is officially wrapped, and we’re breaking down the key roster decisions, season takeaways, and what’s next heading into 2026. Fourteen players hit the offseason with expiring contracts—FCC exercised options on Miazga, Hadebe, Anunga, Jimenez, Momba Dem, and Louro, while declining Smith, Marczuk, Kamara, and Kubo (who gets a huge thank-you after six unforgettable seasons). Negotiations continue with Powell and loan players Brenner, Jabbari, and Engel, leaving the roster at 21 heading into winter.

We look back on everything FLP did in 2025—100 episodes, new guests, new merch, and partnerships with GOLZ TV and Chatterbox Sports—plus the club’s 10-year celebrations, kit nods, alumni match, collectible pins, and the full tifo catalog.

Our season review covers FCC’s 24-8-13 campaign, another elite MLS record, big transfer hits in Evander, Denkey, and Engel, and how the club managed major injuries. We hand out awards (Evander’s record goal tally, Roman’s Save of the Year, Hagglund’s Comeback honors, and more) before answering the big question: was 2025 a success?

We also touch on the MLS postseason landscape, then look ahead to the 2026 offseason—Champions Cup draw (Dec. 9), free agency (Dec. 10), draft notes, potential targets, and how FCC navigates a tight cap with 3 DPs, 3 U22s, and six open senior roster spots. A pivotal winter awaits.

FC Cincinnati’s playoff run ends at home in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and in this episode we break down everything that happened on a frustrating night at TQL Stadium. We discuss the atmosphere with the light-up wands, Speed’s appearance after being Ruler of the Jungle, and the incredible Tifo paying homage to Denkey, Brenner, and Evander. From there, we dig into the lineup decisions — Ender getting the start, Engel not looking fully fit, and whether Gidi was the right call — along with FCC’s solid opening stretch and the lack of answers after Messi’s early goal. We dive into the halftime adjustments that didn’t change anything, the questionable subs including pulling Ender, the late push that cost two goals, and the clear frustration shown by several players. We also talk through Evander’s worst performance in orange and blue, the lack of energy across most of the squad, and Messi’s unreal streak of 22 goal contributions in Miami’s last seven matches.

FC Cincinnati prepares for a massive playoff showdown as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami come to TQL Stadium, and we break down what the Orange & Blue must do to advance. We also dive into MLS’s historic 2027 schedule overhaul, explaining how the league will shift to a summer-to-spring calendar. Recap an eventful international window for FCC players — including Miles Robinson’s wild USMNT match, Ender’s standout game for Venezuela, and updates on Teenage Hadebe, Gidi, Dado and Chirila.

FC Cincinnati survive and advance! The Orange and Blue defeat the Columbus Crew 2–1 at TQL Stadium in Game 3 to move on to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. We break down the lineup, key stats, and biggest storylines from a heated Hell Is Real playoff clash. We also touch on other MLS Playoff matchups in both conferences and an update on FCC’s international call-ups.

We break down FC Cincinnati’s disastrous 4–0 loss to the Columbus Crew in Game 2 of the MLS Cup Playoffs — their worst defeat in playoff history and tied for the largest in the Hell Is Real rivalry. From Yuya Kubo’s shocking red card to the team’s lack of energy and discipline, the guys dissect how it all unraveled in Columbus and what must change before Saturday’s win-or-go-home finale at TQL Stadium.

A gritty, hard-fought Game 1 win for the Orange & Blue! FC Cincinnati battled past the Columbus Crew 1-0 to take the upper hand in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Denkey’s decisive 78th-minute goal broke the deadlock, while Alvas Powell came off the bench to steady the backline and Roman Celentano recorded his second straight clean sheet.

Decision Day at TQL Stadium was all Orange and Blue, locking up the No. 2 seed in the East. We also recap FCC 2’s playoff match and give you full breakdown of the massive Hell is Real showdown vs. Columbus Crew in Round 1.

We’re joined by Laurel Pfahler, a staple of FC Cincinnati coverage since 2015 and founder of Queen City Press. We also break down international call-ups, MLS 22 Under 22 and a preview of FC Cincinnati 2’s MLS NEXT Pro playoff matchup against Philadelphia Union II. Plus, we discuss the upcoming match vs. CF Montréal and the team’s Concacaf Champions Cup qualification scenarios.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Podcast opening

(00:24) -  Laurel Pfahler of Queen City Press joins

(41:40) - FC Cincinnati qualify for CONCACAF Champions Cup

(43:59) - International Window Update

(49:50) - MLS 22 Under 22

(53:05) - Trivia Question of the Week presented by Golz TV

(53:59) - FLP Jersey Swap of the Week

(55:40) - Sam's Card of the Week

(57:16) - Ryan's Card of the Week

(59:13) - FCC 2 vs Philly 2 MLS NEXT PRO Playoff Preview

(01:01:47) - Matchday vs CF Montreal

(01:07:49) - Trivia answer

FC Cincinnati grind out a 1-0 road win over the New York Red Bulls — their 11th away victory of the season — with Kévin Denkey once again playing the hero. We break down the playoff seeding scenarios, Louro’s first MLS clean sheet, the impact of Miazga’s injury setback, and what’s next heading into Decision Day vs CF Montréal. Plus, FCC 2 clinch a playoff berth and seven players get international call-ups.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Podcast opening

(02:06) - Matchday vs New York Red Bulls 1-0 W

(20:51) - FCC Defensive Concerns

(23:36) - Worried about 1 goal leads & lacking creativity

(25:34) - MLS Playoff Seeding Scenarios

(27:08) - FCC’s goalkeeper situation

(29:24) - Trivia Question of the Week presented by GOLZ TV

(31:20) - Sam's Jersey Swap of the Week

(33:44) - Ryan's Jersey Swap of the Week

(35:16) - Sam's Card of the Week

(36:54) - Ryan's Card of the Week

(38:51) - FCC 2 Clinches Playoff Berth

(46:32) - MLSPA Free Agency List

(54:13) - International Window Approaching

(01:00:12) - Matchday vs CF Montreal at Home

(01:05:05) - Trivia Answer