FC Cincinnati Beat Down in Nashville | CB Julián Malatini Latest Transfer News + DC United Preview

FC Cincinnati were handed one of their worst losses of the 2026 MLS season, falling 4-0 to Nashville SC at GEODIS Park. After entering the final match of August at 4-1-2 and riding an 18-match MLS scoring streak, Cincinnati were completely outplayed for much of the first half before seeing their chances go begging in the second. Roman Celentano kept FC Cincinnati in the game early, making all four of his saves in the opening half, but Nashville eventually broke through with Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar before adding two more late goals to put the match away.

We break down the entire FC Cincinnati vs Nashville SC match, including the defensive mistakes, the lack of control in midfield, and the massive chances Cincinnati created after halftime but couldn't finish. FC Cincinnati lost in Nashville for the first time since October 2021 and were shut out for the first time since March. The loss also ended Cincinnati's club-record streak of scoring in 18 consecutive MLS matches.

One of the biggest questions coming out of the match is Kévin Denkey. The FC Cincinnati striker has now gone eight straight matches without a goal in all competitions, and his recent involvement in the attack has dropped significantly. We look at Denkey's numbers over his last four MLS matches against Orlando City, NYCFC, Seattle Sounders and Nashville, including his shots, touches, touches in the opponent's box and FotMob ratings. Is Denkey simply going through a normal scoring drought, or is there something bigger going on with Cincinnati's Designated Player?

The defensive concerns are impossible to ignore. FC Cincinnati have now suffered three 4+ goal losses this season against the New England Revolution, Tigres and Nashville SC. Across those three matches, Cincinnati's opponents have taken 54 shots and scored 15 goals, while FC Cincinnati have taken 39 shots and scored just twice. The concerning part is that Cincinnati weren't completely starved of possession in any of those matches. We discuss why the team continues to allow manageable shot totals to turn into disastrous scorelines.

Then we turn to the latest FC Cincinnati transfer news, with Julián Malatini reportedly joining the club from Werder Bremen on loan through the end of the sprint season. The 6-foot-3, 25-year-old Argentine defender can play center back or right back and could give Pat Noonan another option in a defense that desperately needs consistency. Malatini has made 34 appearances for Werder Bremen across three seasons and is returning from ankle surgery after suffering a syndesmotic ligament tear in March. We break down his injury history, his potential role and exactly where he could fit into Cincinnati's lineup.

We also SHOW the potential FC Cincinnati starting lineups with Malatini. Could Cincinnati move back to a three-man defense? Does Malatini start alongside Miles Robinson and Matt Miazga? Could he be used at right back? And what happens to players like Ender Echenique, Samuel Gidi and other defenders competing for minutes?

Another major talking point is the controversial yellow card given to Nashville's Tagseth after a challenge on Evander. PRO determined the challenge was reckless but did not meet the clear-and-obvious threshold for a VAR review. Evander later called the challenge a clear red card on Instagram while also taking responsibility for Cincinnati's performance. We discuss whether Nashville should have been reduced to 10 men and whether the decision actually changed the game.

We also cover the latest FC Cincinnati transfer rumors, including reports connecting the club with Cristian Olivera of Grêmio and Matt Doyle's suggestion that Cincinnati should pursue Charlotte FC center back Andrew Privett. Would a cash transfer for Privett make sense for FC Cincinnati?

Plus, Evander remains near the top of the MLS MVP race. Sacha Kljestan has Evander ranked second behind Lionel Messi, calling the race a “neck-and-neck battle.” We discuss where Evander stands after another frustrating night in Nashville.

FC Cincinnati 2 also suffered a 3-2 loss to Philadelphia Union II, with Kristian Fletcher scoring, Fabian Mrozek making a costly mistake and Ademar Chavez finding the net too late to complete the comeback. We also discuss MLS NEXT Pro's transition to the new sprint-season calendar.

Finally, we preview FC Cincinnati vs DC United at TQL Stadium. Cincinnati host D.C. United Saturday at 7:30 PM in the first meeting between the clubs in 2026. DC currently sits 11th in the Eastern Conference, has just one win since May 9 and has scored only once in its last three matches. Can FC Cincinnati bounce back from the Nashville disaster and get back on track?