Sources: FC Cincinnati signing former Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia by Queen City Press by Laurel Pfahler on Patreon. Join Queen City Press by Laurel Pfahler's community for exclusive cont...

The unexpected postponement on Saturday means that FC Cincinnati has had extra time to consider their side of the equation. Now they need to figure out a team that has suddenly resolved their own issues. The Orange & Blue face a revitalized Philadelphia Union squad that has rediscovered their chemistry. Undefeated since the World Cup break, the Union are suddenly world beaters again after a tumultuous start to the season.

Alt: Michigan are frauds

YouTube video by Cincinnati Soccer Talk

FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright described the summer transfer window as one that started a little slower with the World Cup but

The transfer portal has sealed itself shut. Everything we see from now on is permanent. If FC Cincinnati plans to make the big dance, it will have to do good with the date that brought them to the prom. They'll have to prove themselves against the current Wooden Spoon holders this weekend. Let's not jump to conclusions. D.C. United has done well to distance themselves from last year's performance.

YouTube video by Cincinnati Soccer Talk

Alt: Chris Alright cooked

A check in with FC Cincinnati's goalkeepers just after the halfway mark of the 2026 season

YouTube video by Cincinnati Soccer Talk

YouTube video by Cincinnati Soccer Talk

FC Cincinnati got out of the gate in the 2025 Leagues Cup group stage with an impressive 3-1 victory against a long-standing Liga MX stalwart. However, they stumbled early against their next two competitors and never fully recovered, crashing before the knockout stage. The next match will be a test to see if history repeats itself. Cincinnati (1-0-0, 3 pts.) will try to distance themselves from a crowded MLS peloton atop the table, hosting Pumas UNAM (0-0-1, 0 pts.) at TQL Stadium on Friday night.

FC Cincinnati (6-6-5, 23 pts.) are looking to put a bad performance in Columbus in the rear view mirror this weekend against a revitalized San Jose Earthquakes team. This is the final match in league play before the Leagues Cup starts in earnest, even though San Jose (10-4-3, 33 pts.) will not compete in the tournament. Both teams will be looking for the three points, but for totally separate reasons.

Alt: Will Ferrell Laughing: What An Idiot!

With the switch to a new calendar next year, FC Cincinnati friendlies could bring more opportunities to test preseason development against higher-caliber squads. Last night's friendly against one of England's oldest football teams might be a step in the right direction, at least for the remainer of the 2026 season. FC Cincinnati hosted EFL Championship squad Burnley FC in a toasty summer matchup at TQL Stadium Friday night.