Atlanta - Atlanta United started today in 14th place looking for a 6 point switch against 10th place Cincinnati, who are one point from the final playoff spot. This is the first game of 3 games in 8 days for Atlanta. Cincinnati entered the match on a 6-game winless streak.
It’s wild that the stated goal from Mauricio Culebro for United is to make the playoffs and begin a new season. This game was scarcely attended, possibly because there were so many local events this weekend. Many of those events were canceled or delayed due to weather concerns. During the match, supporters in attendance paid tribute to our friend and brother Macaroni Tony, who was cruelly taken from the world 2 years ago. A minute of silence was held between minutes 3 and 4. We love you and miss you, Tony.
Starting Lineups
Atlanta left designated player Alexey Miranchuk on the bench. The starting goalkeeper is Lucas Hoyos. Backline from right to left is Jacob, Mihaj, Alonso, and Baez. 4 man midfield is Muyumba, Amaro, Galoppo, and Fortune. The two forwards are the captain Almiron and striker Embolo. Jay Fortune earns his 86th appearance, making him the most capped homegrown in Atlanta’s history. He passes former top homegrown defender Caleb Wiley.
Cincinnati is playing without their best player Evander. Starting goalkeeper is very green Evan Louro, who is playing their 2nd match of the season. Their back three are Hadebe, Robinson, and Smith. Clogging up the midfield is Malacia, Nwobodo, Bucha, Gidi, and Douděra. Forwards are Denkey and Barlow.
Match Report
The first half was painfully slow to watch. In attack, Cincinnati’s midfield forced the ball wide, which led to usually Baez or Jacob running up the flanks to send a low chance cross into the box. Cincy’s back 3 was taller and stronger and made simple work these attempts. The buildup was lethargic from Atlanta. There was no energy from the crowd to pick up the club either. It would have felt right if this was the 3rd game in 8 days, not the first. This team has no excuses for playing so effortlessly.
Cincinnati seemed happy to concede possession to Atlanta because the buildup was easy to pick apart. Atlanta always seemed outnumbered in midfield. When Hoyos had any pressure on him, the ball would be turned over if he attempted to play a mid to long length pass.
The best attack of the half was Embolo setting up a sprinting Jacob to played off to Muyumba. Great vision and work from Embolo, but it's worrisome to see the striker being so far away from the goal in the attack.
At the start of the second half, a missed header by Mihaj falls to Denkey, Mihaj recovers only to fall into Hoyos setting Atlanta back 0-1.
The best defensive play of the match happened when Mihaj was beat on a counterattack, leaving Hoyos to make a short-distance save with his shoulder. This would have fallen into goal if not for a goal line header clearance by Alonso.
Minutes later Almiron equalized the match with a rare right-footed goal from the Paraguayan. During the buildup, you see Alonso tell Baez to send the ball into the box, which he does. It falls kindly to Miggy, who finds control and shoots with his historically ineffective right foot for the goal.
Cincinnati proceeded with a goal by Barlow, assisted by Smith. The goal appeared to be from an offside position, but the VAR found Barlow was held on by Jacob. Please let us know in the comments if you feel this was onside. It was a great finish by Barlow nonetheless.
Cincinnati knived the hopes and dreams of Atlanta with a third goal in stoppage time. Jacob was beat by Denkey who received the ball in a position he will always score from. The assist was provided by Echenique.
Atlanta played better when Miranchuk was subbed on and the formation switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, which is the preferred attacking shape for a Tata Martino side. At the end of the match, boos rang through the nearly empty Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta played as if this was a preseason match, as they appear to have given up on the 2026 regular season. Atlanta’s next match will be Wednesday in Montreal. If you’re in the Atlanta area, please remember that Atlanta Pride will be tomorrow at Piedmont Park.
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