In this review, FC Cincinnati wins a match at long last. The Cincinnati Reds get pummeled in a seven-game home stand. While the legal feuding continues between John Brannen and his former employer.

FC Cincinnati gets first win of season

After a season opening draw and three-consecutive losses. FC Cincinnati beat CF Montreal on the road 2-1 last Saturday. In FC Cincinnati’s first win since October 14, 2020. After losing at their new TQL Stadium on May 16th to Inter Miami. FC Cincinnati indirectly avenged the loss through winning on Miami’s home pitch. Due to US-Canadian pandemic-related travel restrictions. Montreal is temporarily playing home matches at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium.

After a scoreless first half, Montreal was the first to score. Through Dorde Mihailovic’s goal in the 56^th minute. FC Cincinnati tied the game in the 70^th minute through a Jurgen Locadia header goal. Gustavo Vallecilla scored the game-winner through another header in the 86^th minute. Locadia and Vallecilla’s headers were the first goals for both this season.

FC Cincinnati will be back home this coming weekend. Playing the New England Revolution this Saturday at TQL Stadium. The match is set to begin at 3 PM Eastern. Similar to their home opener, capacity for the match will be capped at 6,000. For a stadium that can hold up to 26,000 spectators.

Poor pitching, injuries and losses haunt Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds went 1-6 in their home stand last week. Being swept by the San Francisco Giants in a four-game series. Including a historically abysmal 19-4 loss in last Thursday’s series finale. Cincinnati gave up the most runs in a game at Great American Ball Park. The Reds used two position players to close out the game on the mound. Alex Blandino and Max Schrock pitched in the final two innings. Marking the first time the Reds used two position players to pitch since 1902.

The Reds rebounded a day later with their lone win of the week. Walloping the Milwaukee Brewers 9-4; aided by three home runs from Jesse Winker. Shortly before Friday’s game, the Reds made numerous moves to deal with numerous injuries. Nick Senzel and Wade Miley were placed on the ten-day injured list. It’s the latest chapter in a career hampered by injuries so far for Senzel. While the Reds lost Miley two weeks after his no-hitter. The Reds also designated Carson Fulmer for assignment.

Miley and Senzel join Joey Votto, Mike Moustakas and Michael Lorenzen on the injured list. Cincinnati added outfielder Scott Heineman and pitchers Ashton Goudeau and Brad Brach. Last Saturday, the Reds seemed to be in a good position to win the series. Going into the sixth inning with a 2-1 lead. Through home runs from Scott Heineman and Jesse Winker in the third.

By the end of the sixth, the Reds and Brewers were tied at three runs each. After the Brewers took the lead in the top of the inning. As Reds starting pitcher Sonny Gray began to run out of steam. In one of the best pitching performances of the week for a Reds starter. During a mostly rough week for the Reds pitching staff. Tyler Stephenson hit a single that scored Nick Castellanos in the bottom of the inning. Daniel Robertson hit what turned out to be the game-winning home run in the seventh.

Sunday’s finale got away from the Reds before they even had a chance to bat. Through another poor start from Cincinnati pitcher Luis Castillo. The Reds gave up three runs in the top of the first. Castillo gave up five runs and four walks in five innings. The Reds bullpen did not do much better. Michael Feliz, Sean Doolittle and Brad Brach collectively gave up four runs.

After being claimed off waivers earlier this month. Ashton Goudeau made his Reds debut on Sunday. He was the only Reds pitcher to not give up a run. Offensively, familiar names produced the Reds four runs on Sunday. Winker hit his fifth solo home run of the series. Castellanos hit an RBI double in the fifth and a two run homer in the ninth. As the Reds lost the series finale against the Brewers 9-4.

After their dismal home stand, Monday is a well-needed day off for Cincinnati. The Reds will have a week-long road trip starting Tuesday. With a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday’s games start at 7:05 PM Eastern. The Reds will play the Chicago Cubs this weekend. Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s games are set to start at 2:20 PM Eastern time.

Brannen files lawsuit against University of Cincinnati

The legal feuding between John Brannen and the University of Cincinnati continued last week. Brannen filed a lawsuit last Friday against the university, athletic director John Cunningham and president Neville Pinto. The filing comes after he was fired by UC last April. After two seasons as the head coach of their men’s basketball team. Brannen’s attorneys claim his firing was the result of what they consider a “sham” investigation. Which they allege was conducted to find a way to fire Brannen for cause. So UC could avoid paying his over $5 million contract buyout.

Earlier this month, news surfaced that UC reported a violation they allege Brannen committed to the NCAA. Through the arrangement of outside counseling appointments for a player. According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, Brannen paid $135 for the mental health care of an unnamed player. A payment Brannen’s main attorney Tom Mars previously acknowledged to the media.