Atlanta United begins the final stretch of their 2026 season at home against FC Cincinnati, a team that beat them 2-0 to open the campaign. While few people are talking playoffs at this point, it's at least a chance for Atlanta to keep itself at least somewhat in the hunt. For more on FC Cincy, we chatted with Geoff Tebbetts from Cincinnati Soccer Talk. We know this is a side that can definitely put the ball in the net. Evander is on 13g/13a this season while Kevin Denkey is on 14 goals and on pace to surpass his total from last year.

The sprint to the MLS Cup playoffs kicks back into full gear in a similar way the regular season started. FC Cincinnati began the 2026 voyage with a win over Atlanta United. However, since that first step, both teams have been struggling to match standards that made them past behemoths. The Cincinnati defense has been a constant concern with unproven methods.

In which I talk myself into Dado Valenzuela the midfielder, praise Kenji Mboma Dem, and dream about what Andrei Chirila might become anchoring the Orange and Blue's backline.

ALT: Chris Pratt Feeling Better

YouTube video by Cincinnati Soccer Talk

FC Cincinnati had just nine matches remaining going into their showdown with CF Montreal. FCC are hanging on to the last playoff spot in the east for dear life and desperately needed three points. The Rolling Stones said it best, you can't always get what you want. FC Cincinnati (8-9-9 33pts) fell 3-1 to second bottom in the entire MLS CF Montreal (6-6-15 24 pts), in a match where FCC badly needed three points.

For most of the major soccer leagues of the world, the newly instated 16-day international break allows for a chance for supporters to enjoy their stars representing their homelands. Typically, this window also offers chance for recuperation and additional tactical refinement. However MLS fixtures will bleed into the break, with Saturday's matches being the last until the majority of teams return to action on October 10th.

The international window is upon us, an event that takes a second meaning this weekend. While the USMNT take on the Canadian national team in a few weeks, FC Cincinnati cross the northern border for their own international dialogue with CF Montreal on Saturday. The team formerly known as the Impact have been floundering through another managerial change. However, Montreal still gave Cincinnati a scare in March, scoring three and forcing Cincinnati down to 10 men.

Examining the central question underpinning much of FC Cincinnati's team building strategy: will the perfect wing back(s) make everything work again?

ALT: Sxv Wtf: Man Blinking Reaction Meme

The gang recaps the Orange and Blue's late comeback draw in Texas. ...