FC Cincinnati delivered a decisive blow to Atlanta United, clinching a 2-0 victory in the opening week of the MLS. Kévin Denkey struck the first goal, propelling FC Cincinnati ahead in the 34th minute of the second half. Nick Hagglund extended the lead with a second goal just ten minutes later.
In a missed opportunity, Kévin Denkey hit the post with a shot at the 55th minute, denying FC Cincinnati the chance to solidify their lead.
Nick Hagglund’s performance was paramount in this match, earning him the title of standout player by scoring one goal. Another key player was Kévin Denkey, who not only scored but also took three shots throughout the game.
Midfielder Ender Echenique showcased his skills by nutmegging Atlanta’s Saba Lobjanidze in the 23rd minute of the first half, adding flair to FC Cincinnati’s attacking play.
Cincinnati’s head coach, Pat Noonan, implemented a 3-5-2 formation featuring Roman Celentano in goal, with Teenage Hadebe, Miles Robinson, and Nick Hagglund forming the defense. The midfield consisted of Evander, Samuel Gidi, Pavel Bucha, Bryan Ramírez, and Ender Echenique, while Kévin Denkey and Ayoub Jabbari led the attack.
On the other hand, Gerardo Martino’s Atlanta United deployed a 4-4-2 setup, with Lucas Hoyos in goal; Ronald Hernández, Elías Báez, Enea Mihaj, and Juan Berrocal in defense; and Steven Alzate, Saba Lobjanidze, Cooper Sanchez, and Tomás Jacob in midfield. Emmanuel Latte Lath and Miguel Ángel Almirón were the forwards.
Referee Rosendo Mendoza officiated the match at the TQL Stadium.
Looking ahead, FC Cincinnati will visit Minnesota United in their next fixture, while Atlanta will play away against San José Earthquakes.
Substitutions for FC Cincinnati
12’ 1T – Evander off for Gerardo Valenzuela
70’ 2T – Ayoub Jabbari off for Tom Barlow
71’ 2T – Teenage Hadebe off for Gilberto Flores
88’ 2T – Ender Echenique off for Alvas Powell
89’ 2T – Gerardo Valenzuela off for Obinna Nwobodo
Yellow Card for FC Cincinnati:
25’ 1T Bryan Ramírez (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Atlanta United
72’ 2T – Cooper Sanchez off for Tristan Muyumba and Saba Lobjanidze off for Aleksei Miranchuk
83’ 2T – Steven Alzate off for Luke Brennan
Yellow Cards for Atlanta United:
5’ 2T Tomás Jacob (Unsporting behavior) and 16’ 2T Steven Alzate (Unsporting behavior)