Doyle on FCC, “The underlying metrics have them way, way underwater, literally the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference.” Yet ranked 2nd in the EC. Kinda bonkers season so far. As a fan I’m simultaneously grateful they’ve lucked into where they are and frustrated that they haven’t shown more.
We've hit the halfway mark of the 2025 @mls.bsky.social season.
Way I see it, there's 8 teams left with a legit shot at the Supporters' Shield. Here's a breakdown of what's gone right, what's gone wrong, and what they need to do to win the thing.
www.mlssoccer.com/news/support...
Way I see it, there's 8 teams left with a legit shot at the Supporters' Shield. Here's a breakdown of what's gone right, what's gone wrong, and what they need to do to win the thing.
www.mlssoccer.com/news/support...
June 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Doyle on FCC, “The underlying metrics have them way, way underwater, literally the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference.” Yet ranked 2nd in the EC. Kinda bonkers season so far. As a fan I’m simultaneously grateful they’ve lucked into where they are and frustrated that they haven’t shown more.
I feel like the body of evidence is pointing towards a 4 back as the best way forward. We don't have the CB and WB personnel to make a 3 back effective. A variation of a 4-3-1-2 gets our best players on the pitch together in places where they can succeed.
a pretty bad night for #fccincy in Atlanta. some thoughts on what went wrong but also some positives including Dado maybe making The Leap and Roman Celentano's excellent shot stopping through 15 games.
preseasonstreams.substack.com/p/cut-open-m...
preseasonstreams.substack.com/p/cut-open-m...
Cut Open: Monday Takeaways (5/26/25)
FCC sliced open in Atlanta, Dada and The Leap, plus Roman Celentano's shot stopping
preseasonstreams.substack.com
May 29, 2025 at 1:57 PM
I feel like the body of evidence is pointing towards a 4 back as the best way forward. We don't have the CB and WB personnel to make a 3 back effective. A variation of a 4-3-1-2 gets our best players on the pitch together in places where they can succeed.
I can't say the personnel and positioning made the results predictable, but it wasn't surprising. If PN is going to continue with the formation/tactics then I think Yedlin/Anunga become off/bench closers. Urgency for another quality CM is evident.
This week's #fccincy takeaways: I wrote about Pat Noonan playing the hits (two strikers) and getting closer to fitting the team's puzzle pieces to put everyone in the best positions to succeed.
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
Three Pairs: Monday Takeaways (5/12/25)
Lineup changes, two strikers, and asking what it means going forward
open.substack.com
May 12, 2025 at 12:34 PM
I can't say the personnel and positioning made the results predictable, but it wasn't surprising. If PN is going to continue with the formation/tactics then I think Yedlin/Anunga become off/bench closers. Urgency for another quality CM is evident.
@cincysoccertalk.bsky.social does your roster tracker include the $200K GAM from RSL for the Intl Roster spot?
April 24, 2025 at 6:25 PM
@cincysoccertalk.bsky.social does your roster tracker include the $200K GAM from RSL for the Intl Roster spot?
Swing and a miss. Amazing player and would have been grateful to see him in the 🔶🔷, but there's upside to not tying up resources into an aging player who may or may not make a successful leap to MLS.
A source confirms Bild's report that #FCCincy made a run at signing Thomas Müller, who is set to depart Bayern Munich after the Club World Cup. He declined their offer.
queencitypress.net/2025/04/23/s...
queencitypress.net/2025/04/23/s...
Source: FC Cincinnati made bid for German star Thomas Müller
FC Cincinnati is still swinging for the fences after a hefty spend on attackers this past offseason. A league source confirmed Wednesday the club submitted a fo
queencitypress.net
April 23, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Swing and a miss. Amazing player and would have been grateful to see him in the 🔶🔷, but there's upside to not tying up resources into an aging player who may or may not make a successful leap to MLS.
@nrgilman.bsky.social using stats to tell the story of how effective, and difficult to replicate, Bucha is for FCC. Also sneaks in an interesting suggestion re:Yedlin/Baird roles in the team. #allforcincy
Thursday edition posted in which I confirm how difficult it is for #allforcincy to find a U22 backup for Pavel Bucha. Plus some thoughts about why I'm curious to see DeAndre Yedlin staying further back when FCC has the ball.
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
Searching for Midfield Depth
Trying to play armchair GM plus a lineup I'm curious to see more
open.substack.com
March 27, 2025 at 3:29 PM
@nrgilman.bsky.social using stats to tell the story of how effective, and difficult to replicate, Bucha is for FCC. Also sneaks in an interesting suggestion re:Yedlin/Baird roles in the team. #allforcincy
@fccincytactalk.bsky.social Is it me or is FCC making an inordinate amount of poor passes and easy giveaways. It feels like a developing theme for this team. Can’t stop hurting themselves.
March 16, 2025 at 2:39 AM
@fccincytactalk.bsky.social Is it me or is FCC making an inordinate amount of poor passes and easy giveaways. It feels like a developing theme for this team. Can’t stop hurting themselves.
Laurel has been an excellent resource to the behind the scenes machinations this offseason. Not to mention very generous with her answers on social media. Lucky to have her and well worth the monthly subscription cost.
#FCCincy has been busy. Hours after trading Luciano Acosta to FC Dallas, the club has its replacement locked in. A source confirms FCC is finalizing a deal to acquire Evander from Portland for $12 million, as @tombogert.bsky.social reported late last night. queencitypress.net/2025/02/12/s...
Source: FC Cincinnati finalizing deal to acquire Evander
Luciano Acosta’s departure from FC Cincinnati opened the door for the club to close in on his replacement that was already waiting in the wings. A source confir
queencitypress.net
February 12, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Laurel has been an excellent resource to the behind the scenes machinations this offseason. Not to mention very generous with her answers on social media. Lucky to have her and well worth the monthly subscription cost.
I understand the Argentina transfer window closed on Jan 31. Any idea what the status of Lucho is at this time @tombogert.bsky.social ?
February 3, 2025 at 3:50 PM
I understand the Argentina transfer window closed on Jan 31. Any idea what the status of Lucho is at this time @tombogert.bsky.social ?
A couple of fun games out of this group. Appreciated Doyle's thoughts and this observation is spot on. "He (Pochettino) is, in short, putting his guys into spots where they can succeed." This kind of approach can really unlock things on the field so long as everyone is locked into the same vision.
Free newsletter: Diego "Big Balls" Luna was the star of the show. But don't overlook what we learned about structure, freedom and pragmatism from this USMNT camp.
I'm pretty impressed. And hopeful for what the next 18 months will bring.
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
I'm pretty impressed. And hopeful for what the next 18 months will bring.
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Camp Cupcake gave us fun moments & instructive goals
Freedom within the system
open.substack.com
January 23, 2025 at 2:05 PM
A couple of fun games out of this group. Appreciated Doyle's thoughts and this observation is spot on. "He (Pochettino) is, in short, putting his guys into spots where they can succeed." This kind of approach can really unlock things on the field so long as everyone is locked into the same vision.
Another great bit of analysis from Nate. Speaks to what I was saying about Roman last season. Good but not great. Young with potential to grow. I was critical midseason, but felt he made concerted efforts to improve (e.g. coming off the line more) as the seasoned waned and I 'felt' like it showed.
this week, I wrote about #allforcincy's number one Roman Celentano - his shot stopping, his passing, and his trickier roster context in 2025
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
Is there more to come from Roman Celentano?
Assessing FC Cincinnati's shot stopper going into 2025
open.substack.com
January 15, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Another great bit of analysis from Nate. Speaks to what I was saying about Roman last season. Good but not great. Young with potential to grow. I was critical midseason, but felt he made concerted efforts to improve (e.g. coming off the line more) as the seasoned waned and I 'felt' like it showed.
Reposted
I would guess the opposite FWIW.
January 4, 2025 at 8:08 PM
I would guess the opposite FWIW.
www.sportico.com/business/tea...
Looks like it’s officially over for Cincy ownership group (a missed opportunity for @nwslbot.bsky.social). Appetite is there, does the group explore opportunities with #USLSuperLeague
Looks like it’s officially over for Cincy ownership group (a missed opportunity for @nwslbot.bsky.social). Appetite is there, does the group explore opportunities with #USLSuperLeague
Denver Group Secures NWSL Team at Record $110M Expansion Fee
Denver has secured the 16th NWSL franchise. The group, led by Robert Cohen, made the first payment on a $110 million expansion fee this week.
www.sportico.com
January 2, 2025 at 8:28 PM
www.sportico.com/business/tea...
Looks like it’s officially over for Cincy ownership group (a missed opportunity for @nwslbot.bsky.social). Appetite is there, does the group explore opportunities with #USLSuperLeague
Looks like it’s officially over for Cincy ownership group (a missed opportunity for @nwslbot.bsky.social). Appetite is there, does the group explore opportunities with #USLSuperLeague
Reposted
Free newsletter: Local coverage is the lifeblood of pro sports. It’s true of the NFL, and it’s true of the EPL, and it’s been true of MLS since day one.
What I want for Christmas is for you all to find & support someone providing local coverage in 2025.
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
What I want for Christmas is for you all to find & support someone providing local coverage in 2025.
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Transfer window needs, GAM totals and, for some reason, barnyard animals
Our final Extratime of 2024 went off the rails
open.substack.com
December 22, 2024 at 5:33 PM
Free newsletter: Local coverage is the lifeblood of pro sports. It’s true of the NFL, and it’s true of the EPL, and it’s been true of MLS since day one.
What I want for Christmas is for you all to find & support someone providing local coverage in 2025.
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
What I want for Christmas is for you all to find & support someone providing local coverage in 2025.
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
As always, a quality piece from Nate.
some thoughts about maximizing a MLS roster up top then brief check-ins with some of #allforcincy 's top youth talent with Stefan Chirila leading the way
preseasonstreams.substack.com/p/youth-move...
preseasonstreams.substack.com/p/youth-move...
All-of-the-Above
The case for maximizing roster development options plus a look at some of the FC Cincinnati's young talent
preseasonstreams.substack.com
December 18, 2024 at 8:35 PM
As always, a quality piece from Nate.
All I want for Xmas is Kei to #FCCincy Exactly the player and salary needed for a proven depth piece at position we've struggled with the past couple of seasons. Make it happen Albright!
Happy opening day of MLS free agency to everyone celebrating around the world!
For @givemesport.bsky.social, I broke down the top 11 free agents available right now (for simplicity's sake, I didn't include anyone who I expect to return to their former team).
For @givemesport.bsky.social, I broke down the top 11 free agents available right now (for simplicity's sake, I didn't include anyone who I expect to return to their former team).
Top 11 MLS Free Agents Ahead of 2025 Season
With MLS Free Agency set to open on December 12, GIVEMESPORT's Ben Wright breaks down the best available players on the market.
buff.ly
December 12, 2024 at 2:50 PM
All I want for Xmas is Kei to #FCCincy Exactly the player and salary needed for a proven depth piece at position we've struggled with the past couple of seasons. Make it happen Albright!
Reposted
Luca Orellano will be an #allforcincy player in 2025. We saw what he can do mostly as a wingback but exactly how good can he be as a full-time attacker? And how can he be deployed to get the most out of his game? Dug into those questions and more here:
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
Soccer Art and Luca Orellano
A deeper dive into what Orellano's future in Orange and Blue might look like
open.substack.com
December 10, 2024 at 1:08 PM
Luca Orellano will be an #allforcincy player in 2025. We saw what he can do mostly as a wingback but exactly how good can he be as a full-time attacker? And how can he be deployed to get the most out of his game? Dug into those questions and more here:
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
"Is there a world...in which FCC lines up in a 3-4-3 with Barreal and Orellano flanking Denkey...?" If I squint, I can see a future where the trsfr $ are so below expectations that FCC sees more value in him returning and AB sees potential in boosting his stock by playing one more season here.
#fccincy announced roster decisions on Monday which answered some questions but raise lots of others. I spent some time unpacking what those decisions could mean for 2025 and the rest of this offseason.
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
Needed Clarity
Thoughts about FC Cincinnati's end-of-year roster decisions
open.substack.com
December 4, 2024 at 6:47 PM
"Is there a world...in which FCC lines up in a 3-4-3 with Barreal and Orellano flanking Denkey...?" If I squint, I can see a future where the trsfr $ are so below expectations that FCC sees more value in him returning and AB sees potential in boosting his stock by playing one more season here.
Just in time. I was feeling starved of #FCCincy content.
🆕📻| NEW Cincy PostCast Presented by Gold Star!
🔶 Sup with FC Cincinnati's end of season roster decisions?
🔷 Orellano and Kelsey's Status is...
🔶 Who should you root for in MLS Cup?
And plenty more! Listen today (or tomorrow) so your life can be enriched!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
🔶 Sup with FC Cincinnati's end of season roster decisions?
🔷 Orellano and Kelsey's Status is...
🔶 Who should you root for in MLS Cup?
And plenty more! Listen today (or tomorrow) so your life can be enriched!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Ep 224 - #LuchoWatch continues for FC Cincinnati fans, where are the roster decisions!? Chief and Grayson debate: who to root for in the MLS Cup Final? PLUS Acronyms for the offseason and Subway Talk
Podcast Episode · Cincy PostCast · 12/02/2024 · 2h 15m
podcasts.apple.com
December 2, 2024 at 5:38 PM
Just in time. I was feeling starved of #FCCincy content.
Does the fact that we've not heard anything about #FCCincy EoS roster moves yet mean something is brewing? Or simply that I'm bored and impatient and hate the offseason? @thepostcincy.com
December 2, 2024 at 4:06 PM
Does the fact that we've not heard anything about #FCCincy EoS roster moves yet mean something is brewing? Or simply that I'm bored and impatient and hate the offseason? @thepostcincy.com
Love the insights and hearing from Albright and learning about his staff and the process. Interesting and insightful.
Inside FC Cincinnati's pursuit and signing of Kevin Denkey from Brugge:
www.cincinnati.com/story/sports...
www.cincinnati.com/story/sports...
Cincinnati News, Sports and Things to Do | Cincinnati Enquirer
Breaking Cincinnati news, traffic, weather and local headlines from The Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper.
Cincinnati.com
November 27, 2024 at 1:02 PM
Love the insights and hearing from Albright and learning about his staff and the process. Interesting and insightful.
www.wlwt.com/article/cinc...
County putting 'show me' money in front of the league. Folks, I don't know how @fccincinnati.com isn't awarded this expansion team. Absolutely ready, willing and able to go forward the minute the announcement.
County putting 'show me' money in front of the league. Folks, I don't know how @fccincinnati.com isn't awarded this expansion team. Absolutely ready, willing and able to go forward the minute the announcement.
Hamilton County commissioners propose $5 million grant to help NWSL expansion bid
Cincinnati is on the cusp of bringing another professional sports team to the city, and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners has proposed funds to help make it happen.
www.wlwt.com
November 26, 2024 at 8:01 PM
www.wlwt.com/article/cinc...
County putting 'show me' money in front of the league. Folks, I don't know how @fccincinnati.com isn't awarded this expansion team. Absolutely ready, willing and able to go forward the minute the announcement.
County putting 'show me' money in front of the league. Folks, I don't know how @fccincinnati.com isn't awarded this expansion team. Absolutely ready, willing and able to go forward the minute the announcement.
Reposted
Canadians must feel like they live in an apartment above a meth lab😥
November 26, 2024 at 4:15 PM
Canadians must feel like they live in an apartment above a meth lab😥
Great article on Pavel. Recommend reading his other articles too. Looking forward to more.
Pavel Bucha was pretty good for #fccincy in 2024 but some tweaks in style next year could really put him in a position to thrive.
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
open.substack.com/pub/preseaso...
Pavel Bucha In Orange And Blue
Assessing the FC Cincinnati midfielder's first season in MLS and looking towards 2025
open.substack.com
November 26, 2024 at 2:44 PM
Great article on Pavel. Recommend reading his other articles too. Looking forward to more.
Feels like a match that SEA can win if they get one in first. #MLSPlayoffs #LAFCvsSEA
November 24, 2024 at 4:50 AM
Feels like a match that SEA can win if they get one in first. #MLSPlayoffs #LAFCvsSEA