The Flyin Lion: FC Cincinnati Podcast

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.

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.