Queen City Press Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Kevin Denkey joins the Queen City Press Podcast Insider show to talk about his second preseason with FC Cincinnati, changes he made during the offseason, bicycle kicks, goal celebrations and more.

Then, Laurel and Eric discuss the end of preseason, predictions and lineup projections (sort of), and we wrap up with some mailbag questions. You'll also hear the bulk of Pat Noonan's press conference from Thursday.

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), Bucklew Insurance (@bucklewinsurance), 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, Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7) and Tom Niehaus. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

Queen City Press Podcast now features a second show that will serve as a weekly preview and be available to the general public.

The original show, hosted by Laurel and Eric Pfahler, is now called the "Insider," recapping matches, news and big trends, along with exclusive access to full interviews and bonus content (soon to include video clips of interviews as well).

MLSSoccer.com's Tyler Snipes joins Laurel as hosts of this new "Preview Show," which each week will take a look at the upcoming weekend match and include brief clips of interviews that can be heard in full on the "Insider." Episode 1 serves as a season preview and features a clip of Laurel's interview with Roman Celentano.

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), Bucklew Insurance (@bucklewinsurance), 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, Michael Crawford (@mccrawf7) and Tom Niehaus. Join the sponsorship tier (check your membership settings) to have your name, organization or business recognized as well.

FC Cincinnati has been working through the international break, but Lukas Engel took some time to join Queen City Press Podcast for a bonus episode this week after a big win over Columbus Crew in the first round of the playoffs.

Eric and Laurel kick off the episode with a discussion on the new MLS calendar, and then Engel takes stage for a 25-minute segment on the playoffs, what this loan opportunity with FCC has meant for his career, why he's so versatile, the story behind his LEGO tattoo and more.

Next up for FCC is the Eastern Conference semifinal against Miami on Nov. 23, but we'll preview that in the coming days with another special guest.

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.

It's finally match week! Long after FC Cincinnati completed its first-round series against New York Red Bulls with a penalty shootout win on Nov. 4, the Orange and Blue is finally in full preparation mode for the Eastern Conference semifinal against Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

In this episode, we discuss the matchup, as well as the news of the past two weeks, including Matt Miazga being named MLS Defender of the Year but officially being suspended for this weekend's match. Aaron Boupendza is back in town after his removal from the Gabon roster, so we also touch on that and his standing with FCC. 

Brandon Vazquez is the featured player in our "Player Spotlight," Miazga provides the "Quote of the Week" and Eric brings in his love of the Premier League with an "Olimpico" on Everton's recent punishment and how that will never happen in MLS. We wrap up with a couple of mailbag questions, as usual.

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. 

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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, 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.

Three weeks ago, as FC Cincinnati prepared for the start of its second MLS Cup Playoffs berth, I wrote an in-depth feature on general manager Chris Albright to give fans a peak into what has made him into such a successful leader in his short time running a sporting department.

The story included insight from Albright and Co-CEO Jeff Berding but also Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin and Houston Dynamo coach Ben Olsen, both whom have known Albright for more than two decades. Curtin and Olsen were both former teammates of Albright's and Curtin not only played with Albright, he also coached him briefly and then worked under him when Albright became technical director at Philadelphia in 2014.

I shared some clips of the interviews in a podcast episode the week that story published, and a few readers expressed interest in hearing more. So, as we await the end of the international break and FC Cincinnati's Eastern Conference semifinal Nov. 25 against Albright's hometown Philadelphia Union, I put together an audio story of the interviews from Albright, Curtin and Olsen -- individuals FCC fans don't hear from often. (I only excluded the audio from my interview with Berding because I recorded that one through a transcription program, and when I pulled the audio file from it, the quality of the sound was not good enough to share.)

The interviews are only slightly trimmed for conciseness.

We'll be back next week with a normal episode, but I hope you enjoy this bonus show. Let me know what you think!

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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, 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.

FC Cincinnati advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a shootout win at New York Red Bulls on Saturday but not without cost, as Obinna Nwobodo and Dom Badji picked up injuries and Matt Miazga's status is in question because of yellow card accumulation suspension and an alleged post-game incident with the officials.

Miazga is accused of entering of the officials' locker room after the game, though there is contradictory information regarding the incident. MLS is investigating.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric discuss the win Saturday and the drama surrounding it, plus we look ahead briefly as the next opponent was decided during recording of the podcast. FCC will be playing a rematch of last year's conference semifinal against the Philadelphia Union, this time at TQL Stadium on Nov. 25 or 26.

Also hear audio from Pat Noonan's postgame press conference, including the Quote of the Week, and a Player Spotlight on Aaron Boupendza, an Olimpico segment on a couple off-brand topics and reader questions in the mailbag.

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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, 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.

FC Cincinnati collected a 3-0 win over New York Red Bulls on Sunday in the first game of a best-of-three first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, but the depth of the back line is hurting with news of Nick Hagglund's season-ending leg injury and Alvas Powell's continued absence from training while he's dealing with a leg injury.

In this episode, Laurel and Eric recap the match and the overall health of the team and look ahead to Saturday’s match, which could be an elimination game for New York Red Bulls. Ian Murphy is the Player Spotlight feature, Matt Miazga provides the "Quote of the Week" and the Olimpico segment touches on some rules to be aware of going forward. 

You'll also hear an interview Laurel did with Junior Moreno this week as well, and the episode wraps up with a few 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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, 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.

FC Cincinnati announced Chris Albright's contract extension today but the latest episode of Queen City Press Podcast had already been recorded and sent for editing, so that will be a topic for next week.

In this episode, co-hosts Laurel and Eric discuss FC Cincinnati's 20th win of the season, one that knocked Inter Miami CF out of playoff contention on Saturday, as well as the 2-1 loss last Wednesday against New York Red Bulls, which was followed by the club's Supporters' Shield ceremony. (Also, please note a correction to mention of Luciano Acosta's 17th goal -- he scored his 16th goal against Red Bulls and was one behind Denis Bouanga before Bouanga then added two more goals Saturday to move to 19 on the season.)

Then, look ahead to the current international break ahead of the regular-season finale Oct. 21 against Atlanta United, and take a deep dive into what Matt Miazga brings the team in this week's "Player Spotlight." Luciano Acosta provides the "Quote of the Week," and the Olimpico -- touching on something unique in soccer -- focuses on a way FC Cincinnati might benefit from having Lionel Messi in the league.

And the episode wraps up with a few mailbag questions to preview a written, longer version coming later this week.

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 founding sponsors:

Margot Atelier(@margotatelier.us), Hoist (@DrinkHoist), Rhinehaus (@RhinehausOTR), The Richards Firm, Hangar937 (@Hangar937) on behalf of Mike Bowman, the Cincinnati Lions (@AVFC_Cincinnati), Ryan Sparks (@TouchedArtist), Adam Weigand, The Stumpf Family, Roger Hayner, Mike Hudson, Duke Thomas (#UpTheGarys), Matt (@FCCincinnatus), Bryan Weigel, Brad Weigel, Nick Armstrong, Ryan De La Rosa, 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.

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.