FC Cincinnati’s offseason is officially in full swing and this episode is loaded with roster movement, analysis, and big-picture questions as preseason gets underway. We start by breaking down FCC’s signing of veteran striker Tom Barlow, a 30-year-old forward arriving from Chicago Fire FC after two seasons and 50 MLS appearances, including a memorable hat trick against D.C. United last year. We discuss his production in Chicago and New York, his contract running through 2027 with an option for 2028, his role as a supplemental roster player, and what fans can realistically expect from a high-work-rate, 6’2” striker whose finishing has been debated by Red Bulls and Fire supporters alike. From there, we dive into FC Cincinnati’s buy-low addition of Kristian Fletcher, a 20-year-old center forward/winger acquired after FCC traded for D.C. United’s right of first refusal. We break down the GAM structure of the deal, Fletcher’s recovery timeline from ACL surgery, his limited MLS experience, his loans with Nottingham Forest and Swansea City U21s, and the upside he brings if he returns to form — including the fun fact that his first MLS start and goal came against FCC back in 2022.
We then shift to the latest on Bryan Ramirez, with reports out of Ecuador indicating he is already in Cincinnati while visa issues continue to delay his official announcement, and react to his emotional farewell post to LDU on Instagram. Goalkeeper news follows, as FC Cincinnati reportedly loan Paul Walters to Bohemian FC in Ireland for the season, opening up roster flexibility while raising questions about the club’s third goalkeeper spot and FCC 2’s depth, including the surprise appearance of 15-year-old academy keeper Connor Dale in first-team training. We also discuss how recent signings impact supplemental roster spots and what that could mean for players like Hagglund and Anunga. Player numbers are another point of intrigue, with several traditional numbers now available as new signings settle in.
The episode also reacts to Luca Orellano’s official transfer to Monterrey for a reported multi-million dollar fee, closing the book on his two-season stint in Cincinnati where he totaled 15 goals and 14 assists in 77 appearances. With Orellano gone, we debate whether the striker room is now truly set, examine how Denkey, Jabbari, Barlow, and Fletcher fit together, and analyze Chris Albright’s comments about Jabbari being signed as a starter, the midfield being solidified, and remaining work needed along the backline. Tactical conversations follow, including whether FCC has the personnel for a back four and potential alternatives such as using Evander as a false nine with Bucha and Gidi as dual 8s and Obi sitting at the 6.
We also break down Albright’s broader comments from his press conference, including the importance of getting signings done early with the World Cup affecting the schedule, the heavy Wednesday/Saturday load to start the season, the summer build-up period, and the desire to give new signings more time to gel. After the break, we run through FC Cincinnati’s full preseason schedule, including training in Cincinnati and Clearwater, Florida, matchups against New England, Houston, Detroit City, and Orlando City, and what these games could reveal about lineup choices and tactical plans. We also touch on upcoming dates like the kit release, the Concacaf Champions Cup opener in the Dominican Republic, and the MLS season opener at TQL Stadium against Atlanta United.
Finally, we round out the show with additional club news, including FCC hiring Brett Uttley as an assistant coach, his championship background with Austin FC II, his tactical reputation, and Albright’s praise for his analytical approach, while noting the club is still searching for a dedicated set-piece coach. We close with a full FCC 2 update covering the signings of academy standout Mize, Colombian forward Deiver Mosquera, and Honduran striker Mathías Vázquez, plus the trade of goalkeeper Nathan Crockford’s rights to San Jose, before hitting on notable MLS news around the league.
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