The road to silverware officially begins for FC Cincinnati as we kick off the 2026 season with a full preseason recap, kit review, and season predictions. We break down matches against Brooklyn FC and Orlando City SC, highlighting encouraging attacking moments, lingering defensive questions, and key lineup experiments. We also give our in-person thoughts on the new Seven Hills Kit, discuss mixed fan and media reactions, touch on roster rumors and depth concerns, and preview a massive opening week featuring the Concacaf Champions Cup opener vs O&M FC and MLS Matchday 1 against Atlanta United, along with full competition and award predictions for the year ahead.

Favian Renkel joins us to lead the big-picture MLS season preview while we also break down FC Cincinnati’s first preseason win, a 1–0 result over Detroit City that raised as many questions as answers. Denkey stayed reliable from the spot, Bryan Ramirez made an encouraging first impression after joining the squad, and FCC showed some intriguing tactical looks that could point to a dual-playmaker setup or Evander pushing into a false 9 role — though final-third creativity is still a concern. Heavy rotation gave us a peek at depth battles across the roster, and off the field, the leaked 2026 kit has fans split, sparking another debate about club identity and whether orange should finally take center stage.

FC Cincinnati played to a 1–1 draw with Houston Dynamo in preseason match No. 2, leaving mixed feelings about progress versus preseason illusion. A rotated lineup struggled early under pressure, but Denkey stayed in form — first with a bicycle kick called offside, then scoring by capitalizing on a defensive mistake. The second-half group created chances, including a strong look from Bucha, yet FCC conceded late again in the 88th minute. Roman Celentano and Pat Noonan both pointed to gradual tactical growth, especially in building out from the back and testing midfield partnerships, but issues remain with handling pressure and creating consistently in the final third. Denkey’s form is a bright spot, Evander’s influence is still developing, and Miazga’s absence is noticeable, while Jabbari was held out and younger players continue to develop. Off the field, FCC are reportedly adding Liverpool goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek on loan, the club has launched a partnership with FC Porto, FCC2 signed Mathias Vazquez, and Cincinnati was ranked fifth among MLS teams most likely to win Champions Cup. Preseason continues February 7 against Detroit City FC.