FC Cincinnati Rolling In Leagues Cup! Bucha’s Breakout + Noonan’s 100th Win | Atlas/Orlando Previews

FC Cincinnati are making a serious push in Leagues Cup 2026! The Orange and Blue picked up a massive 2-0 victory over UNAM Pumas in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, putting FC Cincinnati in a strong position to advance to the Leagues Cup Knockout Rounds. In this episode of The Flyin Lion Podcast, Kenta and Sam break down everything from the win, including Pavel Bucha’s fantastic first-half finish, Kenji Mboma Dem’s late goal, Evan Louro’s big performance in goal, and a defensive effort that produced FC Cincinnati’s first clean sheet since April 25. The victory was also historic for head coach Pat Noonan, who picked up his 100th career win with FC Cincinnati. We discuss what that milestone means for Noonan’s tenure, his impact on the club, and where the current FC Cincinnati era ranks in club history.

We also dive into Pavel Bucha’s incredible form since the World Cup break. After contributing two goals and four assists across the first part of the season, Bucha has now added four more goals in just five matches since May 23. Is Bucha playing the best soccer of his FC Cincinnati career? We also discuss Evander’s ridiculous run of form, including his streak of 11 straight matches with a goal contribution and his place among the best creators in Leagues Cup history. FC Cincinnati’s defense gets plenty of attention as well, with Kyle Smith turning in arguably his best performance in an FC Cincinnati jersey and Andrei Chirila once again being part of a starting lineup that produced a clean sheet. Can this defensive performance finally be the beginning of a turnaround for the backline?

With FC Cincinnati sitting near the top of the Leagues Cup standings, we break down the current tournament picture, what FCC needs against Atlas, and what a potential quarterfinal matchup could look like. We also preview Tuesday night’s FC Cincinnati vs. Atlas matchup, including Jorge Sánchez, Camilo Vargas and Rodrigo Schlegel, Atlas’ struggles through the first two Leagues Cup matches, the unusual managerial changes surrounding all three of FC Cincinnati’s Phase One opponents, and what Pat Noonan could do with the starting XI. Could FC Cincinnati secure their place in the knockout rounds with another strong performance?

Beyond Leagues Cup, we discuss the latest FC Cincinnati transfer news and rumors, including European interest in Kévin Denkey, reports surrounding Real Betis, Hull City and Marseille, the continued Brenner saga involving Vasco da Gama and the Columbus Crew, and what FC Cincinnati realistically need to accomplish during the transfer window. We also take a look at FC Cincinnati 2’s 2-1 loss to Philadelphia Union II, their upcoming matchup against Connecticut United, and give a shoutout to FCC2 defender Felix Samson after his impressive run with Canada’s U20 national team.

Finally, MLS action is almost back! We preview FC Cincinnati vs. Orlando City on Saturday, including Orlando’s major additions of Antoine Griezmann, Daryl Dike and Nicolás Rodríguez, the last meeting between these two teams when FCC won 6-2 at TQL Stadium, potential starting lineups, and our score predictions. Plus, we have this week’s Trivia Question of the Week, Jersey Swap of the Week, Cards of the Week, and plenty more FC Cincinnati discussion.