This week’s review recaps FC Cincinnati’s first win of the season. A deadline for A.J. Green and the Cincinnati Bengals comes and goes. Plus, Tommy Tuberville might soon add the title Senator to his resume.

FC Cincinnati shuts out Atlanta for first win of the season

FC Cincinnati got their first win of the season last week. Beating Atlanta United last Thursday morning in a 1-0 shutout. It was the first win by a local team since March 7th. The win is also FC Cincinnati’s first since Jaap Stam became their manager. FCC took advantage of Atlanta playing a man down for most of the match. Due to Jake Mulraney getting a red card in the 26th minute. Atlanta’s JJ Williams also drew a red card in the 101st minute.

The Orange and Blue’s lone goal came in the second half. With Frankie Amaya scoring his first MLS career goal. FCC plays the New York Red Bulls this coming Wednesday. In their last group stage game of the MLS is Back Tournament. FCC needs a win to assure themselves a spot in the knockout stage.

Cincinnati and New York have 1-1 records in this tournament. Both teams were shutout by Columbus and beat Atlanta 1-0. New York has the advantage in the Group E standings. Through giving up two less goals compared to Cincinnati. Wednesday’s kickoff is set for 8 PM Eastern time on ESPN.

2020 Cincinnati Reds roster continues to develop

The Cincinnati Reds roster for this upcoming season continues to develop. With last Friday marking one week before Opening Day. Derek Dietrich returned after a bout with COVID-19. He’s one of two players that tested positive for COVID-19. That news broke just before the start of summer camp practices. Dietrich was re-assigned to the Reds’ alternative camp in Mason, OH. After quarantining in Goodyear, AZ; home to the Reds spring training complex.

UPDATE: The Reds released Derek Dietrich on Monday afternoon. Dietrich signed a one-year deal with the team back in February. He joined the Reds in 2019 after six seasons with the Miami Marlins. Dietrich hit a career-high 19 home runs last year. He also had 47 hits, 43 runs batted in and 41 runs in 2019.

Another roster move is a story for the local kid makes good file. Pendleton County, Kentucky native Nate Jones will be on Cincinnati’s Opening Day roster. Jones is a relief pitcher and an alumnus of Northern Kentucky University. He’s entering his ninth Major League Baseball season. Spending the last eight seasons with the Chicago White Sox. Despite a history of injuries, Jones has a 3.12 career ERA. He appeared in 13 games last year, striking out ten and being credited with a save.

Meanwhile, the Reds are making a first through one roster move. Through signing Jacob Hurtubise to a minor league contract. Hurtubise is a former Army outfielder and was their team captain. He’s the first service academy baseball player to receive a professional offer; in the wake of a new Department of Defense policy. Allowing service academy athletes to pursue a professional sports career after graduation.

Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green signs franchise tender

Wide receiver A.J. Green signed a one-year franchise tag worth $18.2 million last Friday. After the Cincinnati Bengals tagged Green in March. Green and the Bengals had until last Wednesday to agree on a long term deal. That deadline came and went without a deal as many expected. This upcoming season will be Green’s tenth in the NFL. Considered one of the league’s best receivers; Green missed the entire 2020 season with an ankle injury. He and fellow players are set to report for training camp on July 28th.

Horizon League delays start of fall season

The Horizon League announced the postponement of fall sports until October 1st. Meaning NKU Norse competitions will start roughly six weeks into their fall semester. The Horizon League was one of many conferences announcing fall schedule alterations last week. The Patriot League, CAA and MEAC conferences cancelled fall sports last week. Joining the Ivy League, which did so roughly two weeks ago.

Tommy Tuberville wins Senate primary

Former Cincinnati Football coach Tommy Tuberville made national news last week. Winning the Alabama Republican Senate primary runoff election. Beating former Senator and Attorney General Jeff Sessions in last Tuesday’s runoff. Tuberville will face Democratic incumbent Doug Jones in November. While Tuberville struggled at UC, his Auburn Football coaching days makes him a household name in Alabama.