FC Cincinnati's Leagues Cup Collapse | Bucha’s Rise & Lack Of FCC Transfers + NYCFC/Seattle Previews

FC Cincinnati are fumbling opportunities — and there’s plenty to talk about on this episode of The Flyin Lion Podcast. We break down FC Cincinnati’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Atlas FC in Leagues Cup, where FCC held a 1-0 lead for most of the match and needed just one more win to secure a place in the Quarterfinals. Instead, Atlas scored twice late to complete the comeback and send FC Cincinnati home from the tournament. We go through the starting XI, Evander’s 13th goal of the season, his incredible run of 11 straight matches with a goal contribution, Kristian Fletcher making his first official appearance, and Pat Noonan’s postgame comments about the team letting an opportunity slip away.

Then, MLS play is back as FC Cincinnati traveled to face Orlando City and came away with a 1-1 draw. We break down Pavel Bucha’s goal, Tyrese Spicer’s equalizer, Tom Barlow returning to the starting XI, and what the result means for FCC as they remain sixth in the Eastern Conference. Bucha also reached a major milestone with his 20th career goal for FC Cincinnati, moving alone into eighth place on the club’s all-time scoring list and surpassing both Álvaro Barreal and Yuya Kubo.

We also get into some of the biggest storylines surrounding the club, including the latest refereeing controversy, Bucha officially becoming part of FC Cincinnati lore, and the defensive improvements that have come since the restart. After allowing seven goals across their first three matches back, FCC have now conceded just four goals across their last four matches.

The transfer window is also a major topic. We discuss FC Cincinnati’s continued search for a center-back, the reported lack of progress since the Mohamed Abdelmonem situation, and Pat Noonan’s explanation for why the club hasn't rushed into making a move. We also break down the latest Kevin Denkey transfer news after Hull City reportedly submitted an offer worth $15 million plus $5 million in add-ons for the FC Cincinnati striker — an offer the club rejected. Could another team come back with a bigger bid before the window closes?

Plus, we cover FCC2’s 3-2 loss to Connecticut United, Cards of the Week, Jersey Swap of the Week, our Trivia Question of the Week, and everything else happening around FC Cincinnati.

Finally, we look ahead to two huge MLS matches at TQL Stadium. FC Cincinnati host NYCFC on Wednesday night, with FCC looking for their first outright win over the Pigeons since the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. We break down NYCFC’s current form, injuries, summer additions and the threat of striker Nicolás Fernández. Then we preview Saturday’s matchup with the Seattle Sounders, who enter the match on a seven-game MLS losing streak and have scored just three goals in league play since the restart. We discuss Seattle’s injuries, their struggles, their transfer window and what FC Cincinnati could do to take advantage.