Laurel Pfahler
@laurelpfahler.bsky.social
1.9K followers 160 following 1.5K posts
Covering #FCCincy at Queen City Press; freelance #Bengals writer for the Dayton Daily News. Past: The Athletic, WCPO, TCPalm.com, etc. ✝️ wife, mom, Ohio U alum, PFWA & NSRA member.
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laurelpfahler.bsky.social
#Bengals QB Joe Flacco is 11-11 vs the Steelers.

"I have so many great memories of playing these guys and so much respect for them as a team. Even though they've changed over the years, still a lot of those same guys, ... just a lot of respect for what they've been able to do."
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
I counted 10 players not in training today for #FCCincy, as five are still away for international duty and five are dealing with apparent injuries. Should have guys returning next couple days. www.patreon.com/posts/141205...
Week of 10.14.25: Notes from FC Cincinnati training | Laurel Pfahler
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laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Nah, I think there is a place for fan-generated content, bloggers and traditional media. It’s all good. I always advocate for more coverage, not less. We don’t see eye to eye at all, that’s fine. But I will always advocate for goid journalism. Have a nice day.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Sorry but this reads like “I don’t have access so no one should.”
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
And now I’m the only one still going to training every day.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
That’s not true. I wrote way more stories when I had open locker room with FCC than I do now. FCC had multiple reporters attending when we got coach twice a week and multiple interviews at practices. Last four years, they dropped the second coach interview and made it more difficult to get players.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
There are a lot of great stories not being told in MLS simply because we don’t have the access to find them.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Like it or not… For media in the US, no one is ever going to choose to cover MLS over another sport because it’s just not worth the time when they can get way more content from attending practices and games for other sports. Boots on the ground reporters do care about access.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
So you think MLS is thriving and doesn’t need more coverage?
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
They agreed to the access in the CBA.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Wrote something a little different during the break that I hope MLS PR considers, as national outlets keep decreasing coverage and now AI content is replacing writers. Someone had to say something before media access just gets worse. (Free post) www.patreon.com/posts/141166...
A reporter's letter to Major League Soccer | Laurel Pfahler
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laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Check out the latest episode of Queen City Press Podcast, as we break down the standings and what #FCCincy needs to do on Decision Day. Plus, hear an interview with Obinna Nwobodo, who could make his return Saturday vs. Montreal. www.patreon.com/posts/141144...
Queen City Press Podcast Ep. 143: Down to Decision Day | Laurel Pfahler
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laurelpfahler.bsky.social
#FCCincy forward Kei Kamara has announced his “for-real-this-time”retirement from the Sierra Leone national team.
Kei Kamara posted on Instagram about his retirement from his Sierra Leone national team. Tomorrow will be his last national team game.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
#Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Ja’Marr Chase is questionable with illness. Dylan Fairchild questionable (Dalton Risner will play if he can’t). Shemar Stewart (ankle) is doubtful.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
“It's already a win (training) b/c I know how long it was & how tough it was, but hopefully I will continue to get stronger and be ready for the game.”

#FCCincy DM Obinna Nwobodo was determined to get back on the pitch in ‘25 & could return next weekend.

www.patreon.com/posts/140871...
Nwobodo determined to make impact for FC Cincinnati in playoffs | Laurel Pfahler
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laurelpfahler.bsky.social
OTD in 2022, I ate a microwaved media meal for the first and hopefully last time, watched Brenner score a hat trick to help FC Cincinnati make the playoffs for the first time and then made it up to Baltimore just in time for Sunday Night Football and a disappointing Bengals loss. Where were you?
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Jake Browning took questions at his locker. Said "this sucks," but taking it like a pro. "I have a little more pride than that to just be walking around sulking everywhere. I'm just staying prepared and doing what I've got to do." #Bengals
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Joe Flacco heading to his first practice with the #Bengals.
Joe Flacco
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Bengals had someone drive Joe Flacco and his wife here yesterday. Taylor said they spoke on the phone during the drive and were able to get a jump on getting him up to speed on the offense.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
#Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Joe Flacco will start Sunday at Green Bay.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Some notes from #FCCincy training today after two players came off with injuries Saturday at #RBNY and seven players departed for international duty. No game this week but getting extra work in ahead of Decision Day. www.patreon.com/posts/140748...
Week of 10.8.25: Notes from FC Cincinnati training | Laurel Pfahler
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Asked what traits he thinks are needed most in evaluating potential options at QB, #Bengals coach Zac Taylor said that's not in his wheelhouse right now.
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
"We'll see where it goes" - #Bengals coach Zac Taylor when asked if Jake Browning will start Sunday at Green Bay
laurelpfahler.bsky.social
Zac Taylor said he understands being asked about play calling duties after how things have gone with the offense lately, but he will retain those duties. Has always leaned on the offensive coaches for input and that will continue. #Bengals