Welcome to this week’s iteration of the Nati Report! Summer is really winding down and we’re starting to move towards the fall sports season. Xavier wrapped up summer practice this week, while many of the remaining schools will finish up this week. Hell was real for Cincinnati on Saturday night in Columbus, the Reds appear to be sellers, we’re still awaiting news on any trades, and the Bengals camp will open up soon!
Pro Sports
FC Cincinnati
FCC got off to a hot start after the World Cup break this week, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory over Vancouver. The defense was a struggle, as usual, but the offense managed to push them past the Whitecaps. Bucha starred at RWB with 2 goals, while both Denkey and Evander added goals to seal the win.
Saturday was nowhere near as fun. Despite jumping out to an early 1-0 lead on Columbus, FCC was thoroughly outplayed over the course of 90 minutes and fell 2-1. Denkey was the lone goal scorer, and the team struggled to find their footing. Overall, it was a disappointing showing, highlighted by a Gerardo Valenzuela red card deep into stoppage time. After the whistle, frustrations spilled over into the locker rooms, and an FCC squad that hadn’t shown much toughness or fight for 90 minutes suddenly found the energy to get into an altercation with Columbus. If you have enough reserve energy to fight post-game, maybe reflect inward?
The transfer window has been extremely quiet, and we are eagerly awaiting any incoming talent to the Nati. Both Evander and Denkey have been linked to high-level European sides. If FCC allows these transfers to happen, they will have to add multiple attacking threats while also solidifying the defense, which remains an absolute priority right now.
Reds
The Reds have been linked as the infamous sellers as we move toward the trade deadline. However, per Nick Krall, it appears the team will look to “retool” for 2027. Fans are sick of hearing the term retool, and personally, I agree. Here’s who could move:
- Tyler Stephenson – Rumored to the White Sox and Yankees.
- Brady Singer – White Sox have been the heaviest connected suitor.
- Eugenio Suarez – Nationals have been linked.
- Spencer Steer – The Mariners are reportedly pursuing Steer, and this could command a huge return package.
- Nathaniel Lowe, Brock Burke, and Caleb Ferguson are names to keep an eye on.
Could the Reds move on from star Hunter Greene? The elite arm is under team control until 2029; however, he’s spent way too much time on the IL over his career. If a team were to make a lucrative offer out of desperation, the Reds need to be ready to pounce on the opportunity.
The Reds are now 48-55 and have had a solid week. They took 2 of 3 from Seattle and St. Louis to go 4-2 this week! They remain last in the division, and the rest of this year is about development and figuring out who is worth retaining next season.
Bengals:
Training camp starts this week, and I know we’re all stoked to have a reason for excitement this fall!
College Sports
Northern Kentucky:
It was an extremely busy week for the Sansom Sports Media coverage of NKU!
Hunter sat down to talk with incoming NKU AD Mike Odom, here:
Media were welcomed into practice on Tuesday to get an inside look at this year’s Norse!
Tyce Jarvis was on campus for his visit as a decision looms:
Jalen Tate signed a deal with Club Baloncesto Tizona in Spain!
Xavier:
X has finished up their summer workouts. Players get a couple of weeks off before returning to campus for the school year and workouts before the season kicks off. I’ve had a couple of questions about it: Pozzato is working his way back and will be healthy by the time school starts. He was in action towards the end of the summer period and figures to be the 6th man on this year’s roster.
X released their full non-conference schedule, and you can find a review of it here:
As we’re in peak offseason time, here are @thexav1’s thoughts on a perfect starting 5 from the last 11 years:
Cincinnati
The Bearcat staff has confirmed that they are proceeding with MJ Collins as a member of the roster until told otherwise. You can read more about his impact here:
The Bearcats are headed to the Bahamas and will play two games!
8/4 vs. the University of Victoria – 2:30 PM ET on FloSports
8/1 vs. the University of Calgary – 2:00 PM ET on FloSports
This trip is an invaluable experience and one that should help them come together as a team quickly, giving them a leg up heading into November. Look for UC’s non-conference schedule to be finalized shortly!
Louisville:
The Cards will also head to the Bahamas to play one game vs. The Bahamas national team. That will take place at 2:00 PM and does not appear to be televised. Several players will not be participating, and the team decided to shorten the trip to just the single game.
Read a full review of Louisville’s roster here from @masonsedel
Indiana
Indiana’s basketball team continues to represent the USA in the summer games. Eli and I will have a breakdown once those games are complete!
Catch everything you need to know about weeks 5 and 6 of the IU football season here:
Miami (OH)
Continuing to trek through the RedHawks roster, this time via the running backs! How do they replace 73% of their rushing production from last year?
We will have more coming from Kentucky, Ohio State, Wright State, and Dayton soon!
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