Postmatch Press Conference | Pat Noonan | 10/18/26

FC Cincinnati Head Coach Pat Noonan meets with the media following the match against Columbus Crew, discussing the result, the team’s performance and the need to turn positive stretches of play into wins as the MLS regular season approaches its closing stages.

Noonan addresses FC Cincinnati’s chance creation and possession, stressing that the final score remains the most important measure despite encouraging moments in the team’s play. He discusses the need for greater urgency when attacking spaces and breaking down a compact opponent, while making clear that the issue was not a lack of effort. Noonan also reflects on defending key moments, including the sequence that led to Columbus scoring while Tyrell Malacia was undergoing a concussion assessment.

The FC Cincinnati coach also discusses managing minutes across a demanding stretch of the schedule and the injury that forced Julian Malatini from the match. Noonan speaks about Nick Hagglund’s performance off the bench, the introductions of Ender Echenique and Kenji Mboma Dem, and later substitutions involving Ayoub Jabbari and Gerardo Valenzuela. He also addresses the workload for Teenage Hadebe, Malacia and Evander. The discussion closes with Noonan emphasizing the need to stay focused on the next opportunity, manage key moments better and, above all, find ways to win games.

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