Deadlock at Fifth Third: Atlanta United 2 and FC Cincinnati 2 Play to 0–0 Draw
- Caroline Hood
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Atlanta United 2 and FC Cincinnati 2 faced off once again in a tightly contested match that ended 0–0 in regulation before Cincinnati claimed the win in a penalty shootout. The matchup echoed their last meeting, another scoreless draw that also ended in a shootout loss for Atlanta. Despite the result, Atlanta United 2 showed positive flashes throughout the match and continues to hold three games in hand over both Cincinnati and the rest of the league.
The opening minutes were evenly paced. In the 10th minute, defender Noah Cobb made an early statement with a key stop to break up a Cincinnati advance. Moments later, Luke Brennan lit up the pitch with a solo run past five defenders before laying it off to Cooper Sanchez, whose shot from the edge of the box flew just over the crossbar.
In the 13th minute, Moises Tablante nearly connected with Cayman Togashi on a lofted cross, but the delivery had just a bit too much on it. Atlanta played a disciplined high line throughout the half, pressing effectively while showing great recovery speed to shut down Cincinnati counters. Nyk Sessock continued to impress down the right side, delivering several quality crosses, though none found the final touch needed to convert.
Cincinnati earned the game’s first yellow card in the 21st minute when Dylan Cortado went into the book for a late challenge. Atlanta responded with a dangerous moment two minutes later when Brennan sent in another dangerous ball, but forward Togashi couldn’t quite time his run to finish.
Atlanta found difficulty breaking through centrally, with Cincinnati stacking the midfield and the amount of players in the midfield, forcing United 2 to rely on wide build-ups. Ronan Wynne made a key defensive recovery in the 29th minute to prevent a Cincy breakaway. Late in the half, Sessock delivered a driven ball from outside the box that was deflected just wide. The team’s best sequence came in the 44th minute: Brennan once again served up a perfect ball to Tablante, whose header clanged off the top of the crossbar. The rebound fell to Javier Armas, who volleyed just over.
Atlanta made attacking changes in the second half, bringing on Rodrigo Neri, who nearly made an immediate impact in the 54th minute but couldn't quite get a foot to a loose ball in the box. Cincinnati had a big chance in the 63rd minute when Mangione teed up Ikoba at the top of the area. Ikoba’s cutback across the face of goal was perfectly placed, but no one from Cincinnati was there to finish.
Sanchez tried his luck again in the 70th minute with a laser left-footed strike from distance that just cleared the bar. Atlanta kept the pressure on with set pieces and buildup play but couldn’t find the final product. Armas whipped in a dangerous free kick in the 73rd that was well cleared by the Cincinnati defense.
Tensions rose in stoppage time as Cincinnati's Caicedo received a red card in the 93rd minute for a reckless challenge, reducing Cincinnati to 10 men. Atlanta tried to capitalize late, including a shot from Dominic Chiapetta Quiñones that forced a save, but the final whistle blew after 98 minutes with the score still locked at 0–0—sending the game into penalties.
The shootout was tense from the start. Armas struck the sidebar with Atlanta’s opening attempt, while Cincinnati calmly slotted in their first. Jayden Da leveled it for United, but Mangione buried Cincinnati’s second. Jayden Hibbert nearly got a hand on the third attempt but couldn’t keep it out. D.C. Quiñones kept hopes alive for Atlanta with a confident finish, and Cincinnati then missed their fourth attempt, sending it over the bar.
Atlanta had a chance to draw even, but C. Moore’s attempt also flew high, matching Cincinnati’s miss. Cincinnati converted their final kick, sealing the win in the shootout and handing Atlanta their sixth draw of the season.
Though the result stings, Atlanta United 2 continues to show resilience and moments of individual brilliance.
Atlanta United 2 is back in action this Sunday when Columbus Crew II come to the Proving Ground. Pregame coverage will start at 7:00 p.m. on soccerdownhere.mixlr.com with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m.
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