Hello, and welcome to this week’s edition of my mailbag! This one is slightly different from others – it’s my last one.
But before I get to answering your questions, I wanted to ask some myself. I shared these on June 4. Months later, we all have work to do to answer these:
- Am I listening and learning?
- What am I doing to create a better, equal world for my black friends, family, coworkers and neighbors?
- How can I prove #BlackLivesMatter isn’t just a hashtag, but a movement that delivers change?
- Am I holding the people accountable? Are those serving us protecting all people, or are they protecting themselves?
- What else can I do to become a more informed member of my community?
With that in mind, here are your questions:
Paul: When will the sod/grass start being laid in the WES?
That’ll be soon!
A lot of the construction to this point was on building the frame of the stadium, like pouring concrete and building the roof. But as attention shifts toward the interior – like designing the concourses and the premium areas – that means grass can start being grown where the cranes used to sit.
Evan: Will fans be allowed in the stadium at all this season?
Honestly, it’s too soon for a definitive yes or now. I know FC Cincinnati want to have fans if Nippert Stadium is a safe environment. How many fans would be permitted – or if they can – be permitted, isn’t set yet.
Also, the team needs approval from the local government, as well as the state government.
Kristen: When will Spencer Richey be back?
Richey has missed time with a concussion and won’t be available for a match until he clears all protocols.
Rose: What happened against Chicago?
I can’t speak for the players, but they had another slow start, similar to the home opener. Were both of their opening goals preventable? Sure. But FCC allowed two goals on Chicago Fire FC’s first two shots.
Given that’s something we haven’t seen from the club since the tactics shifted to a back five, I’d call the performance disappointing, but not overly concerning.
This Grand Life: When will Gyau play up top?
If and when FCC play a 4-3-3, Joseph-Claude Gyau will be deployed as a winger. That being said, I don’t see that happening as long as FCC keep a back five. Gyau’s been really, really solid as a right wing back, which speaks to his quality and adaptability as a player.
O3gs: What was your most memorable pregame show you did during the 2019 season?
Definitely the FC Dallas one last August. I’m not a golfer, but our view of the Stonebriar from the “Presidential suite” was phenomenal, and I loved speaking with Arman Kafai, a good friend who now works on the FCD technical staff.
O3gs: Why are you leaving Charlie?
I’m leaving my role as FCC’s Digital Host & Writer to relocate from Cincinnati. Working for my hometown soccer team has been an absolute privilege and a role I haven’t taken lightly! Thank you for reading my stories, watching my videos and listening to my podcast. This isn’t a permanent goodbye, just a little break.
