Full-Time
After the Houston equlizer both sides make furious last second efforts to find a winner but nothing comes of it. This one ends the same as the last one, a 1-1 draw.
Thank you all for reading along today and participating in this live blog! I hope you enjoyed reading it as I do writing it!
We will speak with Pat Noonan later today about the match, and I will try to snag some of the players to get their thoughts as well.
FC Cincinnati take a short break from action now, the one really extended period of rest this whole camp, but will be back in action soon after that. You will hear from me before then, but until that time comes, thank you!
FCC is undefeated in preseason, and I'm Carter Chapley, signing off.
88' Houston Equalize
Houston get a goal of their own and level this one up as some choas on a break puts the ball near the top of the FC Cincinnati box and the Houston attacker puts it on frame and past Evan Louro.
I was pretty far away but the way that ball spun I'd tell you it was deflected or tipped at least once. There was something off about the spin but Evan's dive just wasn't enough.
Not long now to final whistle.
87'
FC Cincinnati finally break out and get themselves a chance in the attack, and it ends up looking nearly the same as near goal from earlier in the day just mirrored on the sides. Bucha arrives late and Dado finds him for a pass, but it's tipped over for a corner.
81'
One place this group has struggled with, kinda like the opening parts of the game for the first group, is maintaining possesion and settling down the game when they do win the ball back.
It has felt like, too often, they have done well to defend and retake the ball in their own end, but then try to play super quick with a long ball over the top. It's definitly worked on occation, and it's clear the players are on the same page as there is some one making the run, but the pass itself just doesn't give the runner a chance to recover.
But that's what preseason is for, to work out the kinks. But it hasn't made things easy on themselves.
76'
More of the same thus far as things progress, but Evan Louro does indeed register a a save here as he collects a low shot and falls on it. The critique from Pat Noonan of the second group from last friendly was it lacked creativity, and while I won't speak as to how creative Noonan things group has been, they haven't had the chance to be much in the last, say, 10 or so minutes.
But the defense has been very solid.
A brief stoppage here as Alvas Powell is checked out, but he's good and back to his feet.
67'
FC Cincinnati's dangerous moments have slowed down as Houston starts to get their foot more in the door of this second half. No really danger for Evan Louro to deal with directly yet, but the game has moved to a more even distribution of the field thus far.
A problem that was mostly erradicated in the first half has kinda peaked back on in this half, with a lot of FCC possesion oppertunties ending in
59'
I'm going to start calling Nick Hagglund "The Conductor" or "John Williams" the way he's talking and leading the orchestra from the back line today. Both informative communication and words of encouragement to keep his young side connected.
For example, Stefan Chirila gets called offside on a through ball run but slows up when the flag does up and ends up not quiet finishing the play. Hagglund hollers to remind him to always finish things off because while there's no VAR today, there will be in the future and to build the habit.
Speaking of John Williams, did you know the St. Pete/Clearwater area has been home to over 200 hollywood film shoots? I invited several FCC staff members over to watch one of those films last week, Ocean's 11, and had a great time. I dare Letterboxd to give a 6th star for that particular picture.
Ok back to the action, because as Danny and Tess know, in this Live Blog, there's always someone watching.
54'
Another good chance comes as Pavel Bucha arrives to the top of the box and takes a strong attempt but the keeper tips it over the bar for a corner. Great look from the team as Stiven Jimenez does really well to pick out the running Bucha and put it right into stride for him.
50'
First chance comes early for FC Cincinnati, but it's probably more of a half chance as Dado Valenzuela puts a firm shot on frame from just outsdie the box but the Houston keeper sees it the whole way and absorbs the attempt.
48'
Teams have switched sides (expected but never a given in preseason) so I will be on the FC Cincinnati attacking end this half.
Of note from first observations, and honeslty it hadn't even dawned on me to check for game one or half one today, but Pavel Bucha comes onto the field wearing the captains armband for this group. Pretty cool!
As a personal update, it seems I rolled high enough to pass my perception check and I've sucsessfully avoided the sprinklers today.
Ok, back to the game...
46' - back underway
The second half begins and we do indeed have a full change of players for this group. The following is the group on the field for FC Cincinnati:
Brian Anunga
Pavel Bucha
Stefan Chirila
Kenji Mboma Dem
Nick Hagglund
Stiven Jimenez
Ayoub Lahjar
Evan Louro
Alvas Powell
Kyle Smith
Gerardo Valenzuela
A real combo of youth and experiance here, and the afformentioned builder of Al Lang Stadium, Evan Louro, returns to his former spot between the posts for the second half.
45' - Halftime
By my stopwatch the ref calls for the break at exactly 45 minutes. We will take a break before what looks to be a full line change will occur. We will see though. Not certain how long this break is either though.
43'
As we get towards the end of the first half FCC really have flipped the run of play in this game after a really challanging opening 20 or so minutes. It's not been perfect, but Roman Celentano really hasn't seen much action since that first flurry.
Andrei Chirila continues to hold his own, but the Dynamo have really attacked that part of the field. He's done well to move the ball quicker now, rather than get stuck and trapped by the Houston press. That has helped alot.
38'
Somehwhere between coming off and the restart of the goal, Gilberto Flores returned to action and appears to be a-ok. He was the player who had trainers were out to help with earlier. Didn't see when he came back on though, but he's out there now.
36' GOAL FC CINCINNATI, KÉVIN DENKEY MAKES IT 1-0
There it is! Kévin Denkey makes good a few minutes later when he poaches a soft pass along the back line and intercepts the ball in the Houston box. He gets a touch that takes him around the keeper and he rolls it into the back of the net!
That's his second goal of preseason.
35'
Pause in the action comes here in the aftermath of the offside goal FCC win a corner kick and on the take an FCC player is down with what the ref motions as being a head injury. So we pause while that is sorted. Can't see who it is right now.
31' GOAL FC CINCI... oh it's offside
An absolute beauty is called off as Ender Echenique crosses in a beauty to Kévin Denkey, who leaps and half bikes a ball that is perfectly placed and past the keeper for a goal.
But the offside flag is up. I can't see from here who was offside or when they were but the flag is up none the less. That takes the first goal off the board but wow, what a combo of skill from Ender and Kévin.
28'
Ok FCC have been far more in control now, so the second 15 minutes aren't all FCC's but certainly the last nine or so minutes have been almost all in the Houston end. The passing between players has been far cleaner, and the movement up the field more in control.
Another chance for FCC caps a could sequence where Evander is fouled after interplay with Sami Gidi and Ender Echenqiue. Evander blasts the free kick but it's blocked before it reaches the net.
23'
Things are settling down now for FC Cincinnati as they've pulled themselves out of being pinned in their own end and given themselves some breathing room. They finally get a clean look on net when Ender Echenique races up the line to the corner flag before cutting in and sending a pacey pass to the top of the box.
Kévin Denkey is there but he gets just under the one touch shot and it soars over the bar.
Progress though, for sure.
17’
Not a great first quarter hour for The Orange and Blue, and despite the score still being even at nil-nil, it’s been almost all Houston thus far. Just too often FCC are turning balls over before they can create anything of their own and the Dynamo aren’t wasting time pushing forward. Miles Robinson and Obi Nwobodo have been playing the role of fire chiefs today and putting out plenty of fires.
Best chance of the game for either side comes on a free kick curled to the far post, taken by the Dynamo just steps outside the box. Roman Celentano’s dive gets enough fingers to it to tip it up, off the bar, and eventually into his control.
7'
The corner is cleared by a Nwobodo header and the regular run of play continues.
6'
Houston applying pressure early and really keying in on Andrei Chirila by forcing the ball his way then pressing him relentlessly. He's held up ok thus far, but it's really kept things stuck in the FCC end.
Their also not doing themselves any favors by then overcooking longer passes that look to break the Houston back line that the forwards really have no chance in catching up to in time.
No shots on frame yet for either side but a Houston corner is coming.
1'
We are underway from Al Lang Stadium!
Taking the field – 12:59 p.m. – Kickoff Imminent
Both sides are taking the field here and FC Cincinnati is once again outfitted in their Legacy Kit Blue’s. The Dynamo are kitted in grey training gear with black shorts.
FCC will be attacking towards what used to be the left field foul pole and defending the first base dugout side. Looks like Houston will kick things off today though.
One note ahead of the game today is that Teenage Hadebe, Ayoub Jabbari and Matt Miazga will all not appear in today’s friendly for load management reasons. We’ll hear more from Pat Noonan when he speaks later this afternoon.
Lineups are out! – 12:50 p.m. - About 10 minutes to kickoff
Folks we have an XI! Here is how FC Cincinnati are opening the match, as always, in the way it’s been provided to me. Alphabetical order.
Tom Barlow
Roman Celentano
Andrei Chirila
Kévin Denkey
Ender Echenique
Evander
Gilberto Flores
Samuel Gidi
Obinna Nwobodo
Miles Robinson
Trialist
There is some change from the group that started the first game, but preseason matches are for preparation, progress and development ahead of the regular season, so utilizing new combinations is hardly a radical idea or one to overly analyze.
Samuel Gidi, who started most of the matches for FCC down the stretch in 2025, opens this game after coming on in the second group last game. Newcomer Tom Barlow, who was praised by his head coach after game one, also opens this game. Similarly, Andrei Chirila, 17, joins the opening group after a standout first game of preseason, with Pat Noonan specifically naming him as a high performer against New England. The younger of the two Chirila brothers with FC Cincinnati is the only signed FC Cincinnati 2 outfield player with the camp in preseason this year. He signed with FCC 2 out of the FC Cincinnati Academy towards the end of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season and played the second most minutes on the team in 2025.
Inspections - 12:25 p.m. - About 35 minutes to kickoff
I have taken a walk to inspect my surroundings and I believe I am either A.) in the clear for sprinklers, or B.) a safe enough distance away from the sprinkler heads I could find. I should be safe...but I will reamin any vigilent from any Irregation related attacks.
Anyway, FCC players are coming on for warmups now.
Arrivals - 12:15 p.m. - About 45 minutes to kickoff
I'm a tad late to reporting that FC Cincinnati players have arrived to Al Lang Stadium (I was seeing if our hosts would let me put my lawn chair on top of the third base dugout and let me report that way...they won't, something about safety or what not) but they are here and keepers have started their warmups.
As some players arrived though, the chatter amongst the group, and by chatter I mean loudly informing the young and new players, is that this is "The House Evan Louro Built" and they should "Respect it as such."
That's all true, Al Lang Stadium is the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and where Evan Louro won the USL Golden Gloves Award in 2021 prior to joining FC Cincinnati. He earned 14 clean sheets that season and had a 0.74 goals against average.
Al Lang Stadium is also, by happen stance, the home of Turn 5 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and the IndyCar series race is set to get their engines started in about a months time running from February 27 to March 1.
Hello and welcome back! - 11:53 a.m. - about 67 minutes from kickoff
In the words of the guy who once asked me to hit “Lobby, please” in a hotel elevator in Milwaukee… so basically my very good friend – “Hello Friends, welcome to this tradition unlike any other.” Welcome back to the preseason Live Blog here at FCCincinnati.com.
I am Carter Chapley, your eyes and ears for the day, and I am live (in the third base dugout) at Al Lang Stadium in wonderful St. Petersburg, Florida, preparing for this 90 minute friendly between FC Cincinnati and Houston Dynamo FC. Kickoff here is set for 1 p.m. and conditions are relatively fair here in the St. Pete marina. We’ve got temps in the low 50’s, plenty of sun, and some brisk wind that’s blowing out to Tampa Bay.
Lineups are still a ways away, but when they are shared with me I will be sure to update them promptly. What is known though is how this game is organized, and unlike game one, this match is a little more standard. FCC and Houston will play a traditional 90 minute match with two 45 minute halves. In game one the opening XI played around 52 minutes, typically we see groups go longer and longer minutes as preseason goes on but with only 90 minutes it will be interesting to see what develops here.
With some of those details out of the way, I can now, again, get to some of the typical disclaimers of the Live Blog. If you’ve read these before or are familiar with these Live Blogs, welcome back! I value your repeated patronage. For the newcomers, I hope this experience can be informative and entertaining!
I will be updating this page as frequently as possible with updates, commentary, color and information as frequently as I can with timestamps (gotta stay organized), so refresh this page to stay as current as possible. That said, and I ask that this consideration apply on multiple fronts, these preseason games take place far outside the typical viewing experience of a Major League Soccer match. I am sitting at field level, with no clock, no replay or stream to watch and trying to track the game all while typing furiously into this blog. This game is even more unique as I’m back to my roots and sitting in a dugout of a former baseball stadium. The last time FC Cincinnati played a preseason match at Al Lang Stadium (2024 vs Austin FC if memory serves) the sun was so punitive that I had to hide my laptop in the tunnel to the clubhouse and run back and forth from the top steps to the shaded halls so as to not bake my computer and effectively end the blog 80 minutes early.
That’s not a concern today (yet) but the point stands, it’s a unique experience.
With that in mind, every effort for accuracy will be made, and should there need to be corrections they will be made as promptly as possible with clarity as to those corrections when needed. The same goes with any sort of typo, corrections and edits will be made on the fly but I appreciate your patience and understanding.
The update speed and information sharing is valuable, but correct information is paramount!
Lineups will be provided as they become available and updates in game won’t be fed to me, but I will convey any info I can see or glean from my observations. As previously stated though, I am rolling for perception with disadvantage (but I do have +5 wisdom, so, it’s not bad even as just a Bard).
I have learned in prior years, and from new Twitter followers on the morning of matches, that “visiting” fans often find their way to us here at FCCincinnati.com, and welcome! I am more than happy to have you! Unfortunately though, those curious about updates on the Dynamo today, I am not in contact with their communications representatives and therefore can’t promise prompt or 100 percent accurate information. Similarly, a lot of the time teams are wearing kits with no names or numbers, so using that as a fact checking method is not possible. Therefore, unless information is passed along, I will refrain from speculation or guesswork. But should observations be made that you find informative or entertaining arise, so be it. And hey, sometimes as kickoff approaches contact is made with a representative from the other side and they do provide updates, so anything is possible today. Just don’t hold your breath.
This Live Blog will also exist far beyond we are live for posterity, so if you’re coming to this running diary of preseason friendly 2, read on! But for information and followups after this Live Blog ends, you can find me on Twitter @CarterChapley. While I can’t promise anything, if there are questions you have about this match you can ask me there and who knows, maybe that question will be featured.
Alright, enough disclaimers! Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and the next time this blog will be updated is when lineups, or if any other new pertinent information, becomes available. So check back in and thank you again for reading! New information will be at the bottom of this page so as to have a chronological reading experience.