November 11, 2025 • 12 mins
FC Cincinnati Head Coach Pat Noonan joined us to discuss his team's playoff win over Columbus, and the Eastern Conference Semifinal tilt with Miami.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Entered this nationwide keyword on our website.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Cash.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
That's cash enter it now.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
No one coach the Bengals like ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati
Sports Station. There you go.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
It's four minutes after flock. This is thirteen thirty four.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Thank you so much for listening.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Today.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
We are posting on that Oakley Greens where you can
watch FC Cincinnati versus Miami a week from Sunday, the
Orange and Blue advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals after
a stirring victory over Columbus on Saturday night at TQL Stadium.
The atmosphere for that match was awesome. The head coach
(00:41):
of FC Cincinnati, who was always kind enough to join
us whenever we ask, Pat Newton, is with us. Coach,
congratulations on advancing to the Eastern semis. It's awesome to
have you.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
How are you, thanks, mo, I appreciate you having me
doing well? So happy?
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Yeah, no, me too.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
So. Game two could could not have gone more poorly.
And you hear it in all sports, right burn the tape?
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Was that?
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Was that?
Speaker 3 (01:06):
The approach? Was it something you dwelled on? How did
you handle the aftermath of that second game?
Speaker 2 (01:14):
I would say we burned half the tape. You know,
there were still things that we wanted to take away
from that game, as far as how how we started,
and you know some of the things that led up to, uh,
you know, the two goals that we conceded and going
down a man. But you know, after that, you're just
looking for how guys respond and how they how they
perform when things aren't going their way, which was the
(01:36):
remainder of the game. And yeah, the outcome wasn't good.
We conceded a few more goals, but I think the
guys went about it the right way, and the message
was to quickly forget about it because the season's still
going and we have a chance to respond in a
good way. And I think the guys certainly did that
on Saturday. Really pleased with the performance and of course
(01:57):
the outcome.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
So you talk about responding. Columbus scores in the sixty
third minute. This is easy to say because you score
four minutes later. I know as a fan it's panic, right,
You're in the second half, there's roughly thirty minutes to go,
your season is hanging in the balance.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
But I didn't detect panic.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
It felt to me like, all right, we've got our
work cut out for us. Obviously, it's a team that's
really good at possessing the ball. I've seen clubs where
it feels like in that scenario there was panic. That
didn't feel like the case on Saturday.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
No, I think there was a quick recognition of you know,
we got to move on, and to be honest with
how we conceded the goal and what looked to be
pretty clear outside. You know, I think our emotions on
the sideline could have you know, made the players uneasy
and on edge. But the message was we need to
move on and we didn't get the call, so how
(02:53):
do we respond? And you saw it with the players.
They I think understood that the aftermath of conceding that
goal was to be so vital and us get an outcome.
You know, of course, the how quickly we get that
goal is is so important. But even after we con
see guys you know, put their head down and you know,
it wasn't like we took on immediate pressure. We found
(03:14):
a way to get you know, a corner and a
set piece, and so that immediately shifts the momentum back
in our favor, which was huge, and obviously I think
we carried that momentum into the to the second goal,
and you know it could have been a little bit better,
and how we saw the game out with the lead.
But like I said that that immediate stretch after conceding
(03:38):
the goal was you know why we have the feeling
we do right now, why we were able to experience
a victory.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
The goals are scored by Brenner. You'll take him from anybody,
but it is it is a cool story after you
acquire him during the transfer window, walk me.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Through your role in that process late summer.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Well, when his name was brought up, it was kind
of a smirk of you know, are we are we
serious here? And you know, how do we make this possible?
And then really it was we need to get on
a call. We need to be on a zoom call
with Brenner and and just see where he's at. You know,
you don't always get the answers, but it was important
that we delivered a message of intent and he understood
(04:20):
what our expectations were. We could get a better feel
for where he was at and why this could work.
And so from that call, or you know, the few
calls that we had, it felt like this was a
good opportunity and you know, I don't want to call
it a risk, but a chance to take on a
(04:40):
player that maybe left the wrong way, but we felt
could come back in a better way. And he certainly
has showed that. That time at say helped him mature,
It helped him appreciate maybe what he had here, and
you know, we're really pleased with the Brenner that we've
seen since he's returned.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
A coach is always going to turn the page as
quickly as possible, and you've got your hands full of
week from Sunday that said, know you advance, which you
didn't do last year. You beat Columbus. We all knew
everything that from the past that hung over that series.
How gratifying was at Home, in particular to advance and
(05:19):
beat the side that you guys were able to knock
out of the postseason.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
It was massive. You know, I struggle at times to
really be in the moment and enjoy a big win
like that, but I think, you know, going into the
international break, who we beat, I enjoyed that moment, you know,
with the staff, the players, the fans, owner, everybody that
was you know, a part of that atmosphere at TQO.
(05:44):
You know, I think more than I have in the past.
And even the days after, you know, we had a
couple of days off. I enjoyed time with my family,
I got some stuff done on the to do list
that doesn't require work related tasks, and then you know,
we're back to work today. But it was just a
special moment. And you know, I maybe didn't live in
(06:06):
the past the way some others had, as far as
the disappointment from twenty three, but I understand how much
it means to this city and these fans, and so
to see, you know, the joy that it brought them
and to hear, you know, after the fact, just what
it means to people, it is, you know, it's satisfying.
It's it's nice that you know, everybody's experiencing this high together.
(06:28):
And what I said after the game was, while this
is a very important win, it wasn't our goal. Our
goal wasn't to get past the first round of the
playoffs whoever we were playing. So now we have our
next challenge, which is Miami, and it's going to be
just as difficult, and I'm excited to see how our guys.
You know, I don't want to say respond, but step
(06:49):
up again because that's what it's going to take for
us to go and do it in.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
Advance after a best of three series. Is the international
break welcome or would it be better for your team
in particular if the game were this weekend.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
I think for everybody the following weekend, just with the
momentum with you know, I think fan engagement, you know,
I often you know, hear from family members, friends, it's
the confusion around the next game. In these international breaks,
during the playoffs and during the end of the season,
it kind of throws off the rhythm. So I think
(07:26):
if you ask most people, myself included, let's go again
the next week and try to, you know, maintain that
momentum and energy and attention to our team. And so
I think it just kind of maybe takes a little
bit of the wind out of the sales with not
having a game this weekend. But you know, that's that's
our reality, not just ours but everybody who's still in
(07:48):
the playoffs. So hopefully down the road we figure out
how to, you know, come up with a platform where
you're just not sitting around for so long.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
You mentioned having a non work to do list when
you sit down to plan for Miami, and they they
have a player some have heard of named Lionel Messi.
What does the to do list look like for for
you over the course of the next week and a
half as you get set for next Sunday.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Well, it's it's no different. We're analyzing, you know, their
recent games. Maybe we'll look back at our last matchup
to see what we can take out of that game.
If if some of the structural you know stuff has
remained the same, They're certainly improved. They got a couple
of different pieces on the field in different positions that
(08:34):
weren't a part of you know, our game or our
two games. So, you know, try to make sure that
we put an emphasis on us and what we need
to do to succeed, but always reminding our guys of
you know, of the threat of our opponent, and certainly
you mentioned Messi. We're going to have to do a
really good job of womiting his his touches is involvement
(08:57):
in the final third and you know, I say that,
but you know he's done in his entire career. It's
how many times can you limit it and can you
keep them away from you know, having time and space
to make, you know, the plays that he's capable of making.
So it's a great challenge for our guys. And you know,
they've stepped up in the past, and this will be
(09:17):
an even bigger moment and a bigger challenge, And I'm
excited for the opportunity for all these guys.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
No nobody wants to make a match like this about
two individual players, but you have I think two of
the signature stars of Major League soccer.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Obviously and Messi, but also a Vander.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
And you joined me just prior to the season beginning,
and you had just acquired a Vander. We've seen how
good he has been for you. But but take me
behind the scenes. Give me an area where he's impacted
your club that that maybe we're not as as privy to.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
I think his maturity, you know, let's we'll go away
from the field. I think it's it's how he goes about,
you know, his pro feshion and and what kind of
teammate he is. You know, we look, all the eyes
are on the player on the field and what they're
capable of doing, and certainly he's capable of the spectacular.
(10:10):
But when people don't see the behind the scenes if Yeah,
there's a lot of great players that aren't great teammates
and and see stepped foot in the building. He's tried
to connect in the right ways with his teammates, with
staff members and very respectful. You know, he's he's a
fairly i would say quiet guy as far as you
(10:32):
know his demeanor. But you know, the way he interacts
with his teammates and connects with different cultures is the
staff members. He's got a good sense of humor, he's
got bite, but he's just he's a He's so pleasant
to be around because it's he's a natural star as
far as being a part of the team and just
(10:52):
wanting to help.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
Sounds awesome. Great answer. Congratulations. I know you have a
ton going on, so I appreciate you doing this. Best
of luck a week from Sunday and beyond, and it's
always awesome A heavy coach, Thanks.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
So much, Thanks Mel, appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
That's Pat Noonan FC Cincinnati playing Miami Massive Tilt Eastern
Conference Semifinals at TQL Stadium a week from Sunday. That
game on Saturday evening was awesome. And I'll be honest
with you, if you're a Cincinnati sports fan. When Columbus
scored in the sixty third minute, I think we all
(11:32):
just thought, like, this is how it goes. This is
how it goes. It's how it went last year. They
come back and they.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Win, BRender scoring the two goals. We all know how
it ended for him two years ago.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
We all kind of asked the same thing when they
acquired him in early September, is this really gonna work?
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Well? On Saturday?
Speaker 3 (11:47):
It did sixteen minutes after four o'clock ESPN fifteen thirty.
We're broadcasting from Oakley Greens. You know, you can watch
FC Cincinnati at Oakley Greens. You can watch college basketball
this season at Oakley Greens. You could have your holiday
party at Oakley Greens. You can come hang out with
us every Tuesday at Oakley Greens. The twenty twenty six
(12:08):
Reds Hall of Fame Modern Player ballot is out.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Will take a look at it next
Entered this nationwide keyword on our website.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Cash.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
That's cash enter it now.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
No one coach the Bengals like ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati
Sports Station. There you go.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
It's four minutes after flock. This is thirteen thirty four.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Thank you so much for listening.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Today.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
We are posting on that Oakley Greens where you can
watch FC Cincinnati versus Miami a week from Sunday, the
Orange and Blue advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals after
a stirring victory over Columbus on Saturday night at TQL Stadium.
The atmosphere for that match was awesome. The head coach
(00:41):
of FC Cincinnati, who was always kind enough to join
us whenever we ask, Pat Newton, is with us. Coach,
congratulations on advancing to the Eastern semis. It's awesome to
have you.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
How are you, thanks, mo, I appreciate you having me
doing well? So happy?
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Yeah, no, me too.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
So. Game two could could not have gone more poorly.
And you hear it in all sports, right burn the tape?
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Was that?
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Was that?
Speaker 3 (01:06):
The approach? Was it something you dwelled on? How did
you handle the aftermath of that second game?
Speaker 2 (01:14):
I would say we burned half the tape. You know,
there were still things that we wanted to take away
from that game, as far as how how we started,
and you know some of the things that led up to, uh,
you know, the two goals that we conceded and going
down a man. But you know, after that, you're just
looking for how guys respond and how they how they
perform when things aren't going their way, which was the
(01:36):
remainder of the game. And yeah, the outcome wasn't good.
We conceded a few more goals, but I think the
guys went about it the right way, and the message
was to quickly forget about it because the season's still
going and we have a chance to respond in a
good way. And I think the guys certainly did that
on Saturday. Really pleased with the performance and of course
(01:57):
the outcome.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
So you talk about responding. Columbus scores in the sixty
third minute. This is easy to say because you score
four minutes later. I know as a fan it's panic, right,
You're in the second half, there's roughly thirty minutes to go,
your season is hanging in the balance.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
But I didn't detect panic.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
It felt to me like, all right, we've got our
work cut out for us. Obviously, it's a team that's
really good at possessing the ball. I've seen clubs where
it feels like in that scenario there was panic. That
didn't feel like the case on Saturday.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
No, I think there was a quick recognition of you know,
we got to move on, and to be honest with
how we conceded the goal and what looked to be
pretty clear outside. You know, I think our emotions on
the sideline could have you know, made the players uneasy
and on edge. But the message was we need to
move on and we didn't get the call, so how
(02:53):
do we respond? And you saw it with the players.
They I think understood that the aftermath of conceding that
goal was to be so vital and us get an outcome.
You know, of course, the how quickly we get that
goal is is so important. But even after we con
see guys you know, put their head down and you know,
it wasn't like we took on immediate pressure. We found
(03:14):
a way to get you know, a corner and a
set piece, and so that immediately shifts the momentum back
in our favor, which was huge, and obviously I think
we carried that momentum into the to the second goal,
and you know it could have been a little bit better,
and how we saw the game out with the lead.
But like I said that that immediate stretch after conceding
(03:38):
the goal was you know why we have the feeling
we do right now, why we were able to experience
a victory.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
The goals are scored by Brenner. You'll take him from anybody,
but it is it is a cool story after you
acquire him during the transfer window, walk me.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Through your role in that process late summer.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Well, when his name was brought up, it was kind
of a smirk of you know, are we are we
serious here? And you know, how do we make this possible?
And then really it was we need to get on
a call. We need to be on a zoom call
with Brenner and and just see where he's at. You know,
you don't always get the answers, but it was important
that we delivered a message of intent and he understood
(04:20):
what our expectations were. We could get a better feel
for where he was at and why this could work.
And so from that call, or you know, the few
calls that we had, it felt like this was a
good opportunity and you know, I don't want to call
it a risk, but a chance to take on a
(04:40):
player that maybe left the wrong way, but we felt
could come back in a better way. And he certainly
has showed that. That time at say helped him mature,
It helped him appreciate maybe what he had here, and
you know, we're really pleased with the Brenner that we've
seen since he's returned.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
A coach is always going to turn the page as
quickly as possible, and you've got your hands full of
week from Sunday that said, know you advance, which you
didn't do last year. You beat Columbus. We all knew
everything that from the past that hung over that series.
How gratifying was at Home, in particular to advance and
(05:19):
beat the side that you guys were able to knock
out of the postseason.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
It was massive. You know, I struggle at times to
really be in the moment and enjoy a big win
like that, but I think, you know, going into the
international break, who we beat, I enjoyed that moment, you know,
with the staff, the players, the fans, owner, everybody that
was you know, a part of that atmosphere at TQO.
(05:44):
You know, I think more than I have in the past.
And even the days after, you know, we had a
couple of days off. I enjoyed time with my family,
I got some stuff done on the to do list
that doesn't require work related tasks, and then you know,
we're back to work today. But it was just a
special moment. And you know, I maybe didn't live in
(06:06):
the past the way some others had, as far as
the disappointment from twenty three, but I understand how much
it means to this city and these fans, and so
to see, you know, the joy that it brought them
and to hear, you know, after the fact, just what
it means to people, it is, you know, it's satisfying.
It's it's nice that you know, everybody's experiencing this high together.
(06:28):
And what I said after the game was, while this
is a very important win, it wasn't our goal. Our
goal wasn't to get past the first round of the
playoffs whoever we were playing. So now we have our
next challenge, which is Miami, and it's going to be
just as difficult, and I'm excited to see how our guys.
You know, I don't want to say respond, but step
(06:49):
up again because that's what it's going to take for
us to go and do it in.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
Advance after a best of three series. Is the international
break welcome or would it be better for your team
in particular if the game were this weekend.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
I think for everybody the following weekend, just with the
momentum with you know, I think fan engagement, you know,
I often you know, hear from family members, friends, it's
the confusion around the next game. In these international breaks,
during the playoffs and during the end of the season,
it kind of throws off the rhythm. So I think
(07:26):
if you ask most people, myself included, let's go again
the next week and try to, you know, maintain that
momentum and energy and attention to our team. And so
I think it just kind of maybe takes a little
bit of the wind out of the sales with not
having a game this weekend. But you know, that's that's
our reality, not just ours but everybody who's still in
(07:48):
the playoffs. So hopefully down the road we figure out
how to, you know, come up with a platform where
you're just not sitting around for so long.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
You mentioned having a non work to do list when
you sit down to plan for Miami, and they they
have a player some have heard of named Lionel Messi.
What does the to do list look like for for
you over the course of the next week and a
half as you get set for next Sunday.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Well, it's it's no different. We're analyzing, you know, their
recent games. Maybe we'll look back at our last matchup
to see what we can take out of that game.
If if some of the structural you know stuff has
remained the same, They're certainly improved. They got a couple
of different pieces on the field in different positions that
(08:34):
weren't a part of you know, our game or our
two games. So, you know, try to make sure that
we put an emphasis on us and what we need
to do to succeed, but always reminding our guys of
you know, of the threat of our opponent, and certainly
you mentioned Messi. We're going to have to do a
really good job of womiting his his touches is involvement
(08:57):
in the final third and you know, I say that,
but you know he's done in his entire career. It's
how many times can you limit it and can you
keep them away from you know, having time and space
to make, you know, the plays that he's capable of making.
So it's a great challenge for our guys. And you know,
they've stepped up in the past, and this will be
(09:17):
an even bigger moment and a bigger challenge, And I'm
excited for the opportunity for all these guys.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
No nobody wants to make a match like this about
two individual players, but you have I think two of
the signature stars of Major League soccer.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Obviously and Messi, but also a Vander.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
And you joined me just prior to the season beginning,
and you had just acquired a Vander. We've seen how
good he has been for you. But but take me
behind the scenes. Give me an area where he's impacted
your club that that maybe we're not as as privy to.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
I think his maturity, you know, let's we'll go away
from the field. I think it's it's how he goes about,
you know, his pro feshion and and what kind of
teammate he is. You know, we look, all the eyes
are on the player on the field and what they're
capable of doing, and certainly he's capable of the spectacular.
(10:10):
But when people don't see the behind the scenes if Yeah,
there's a lot of great players that aren't great teammates
and and see stepped foot in the building. He's tried
to connect in the right ways with his teammates, with
staff members and very respectful. You know, he's he's a
fairly i would say quiet guy as far as you
(10:32):
know his demeanor. But you know, the way he interacts
with his teammates and connects with different cultures is the
staff members. He's got a good sense of humor, he's
got bite, but he's just he's a He's so pleasant
to be around because it's he's a natural star as
far as being a part of the team and just
(10:52):
wanting to help.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
Sounds awesome. Great answer. Congratulations. I know you have a
ton going on, so I appreciate you doing this. Best
of luck a week from Sunday and beyond, and it's
always awesome A heavy coach, Thanks.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
So much, Thanks Mel, appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
That's Pat Noonan FC Cincinnati playing Miami Massive Tilt Eastern
Conference Semifinals at TQL Stadium a week from Sunday. That
game on Saturday evening was awesome. And I'll be honest
with you, if you're a Cincinnati sports fan. When Columbus
scored in the sixty third minute, I think we all
(11:32):
just thought, like, this is how it goes. This is
how it goes. It's how it went last year. They
come back and they.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Win, BRender scoring the two goals. We all know how
it ended for him two years ago.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
We all kind of asked the same thing when they
acquired him in early September, is this really gonna work?
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Well? On Saturday?
Speaker 3 (11:47):
It did sixteen minutes after four o'clock ESPN fifteen thirty.
We're broadcasting from Oakley Greens. You know, you can watch
FC Cincinnati at Oakley Greens. You can watch college basketball
this season at Oakley Greens. You could have your holiday
party at Oakley Greens. You can come hang out with
us every Tuesday at Oakley Greens. The twenty twenty six
(12:08):
Reds Hall of Fame Modern Player ballot is out.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Will take a look at it next
Mo Egger News
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