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FC Cincinnati Beats Atlanta United 2-0 in Season Opener
Denkey and Hagglund score late goals to give Cincinnati the win
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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FC Cincinnati defeated Atlanta United 2-0 in their season opener, with goals from Kévin Denkey in the 80th minute and Nick Hagglund in the 90th minute sealing the victory. Despite losing star forward Evander to an injury early in the match, Cincinnati was able to control possession and create chances in the second half to earn the three points against their Eastern Conference rival.
Why it matters
This win gives FC Cincinnati an important early-season victory over a team that has historically given them trouble. It also shows the team's resilience in overcoming the loss of a key player and demonstrates their ability to grind out a result against a tough opponent.
The details
Denkey's left-footed goal in the 80th minute and Hagglund's header in the 90th minute proved to be the difference for FC Cincinnati. The match was physical throughout, with the teams combining for 28 fouls and three yellow cards. Atlanta United had their chances, taking nine shots and three on goal, but Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano was able to preserve the clean sheet.
- The match was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
- Evander was subbed out in the 13th minute due to a right knee injury.
- Denkey scored the opening goal for Cincinnati in the 80th minute.
- Hagglund scored the second goal for Cincinnati in the 90th minute.
The players
Kévin Denkey
One of FC Cincinnati's top goal scorers from last season, Denkey scored the opening goal in the 80th minute to give his team the lead.
Nick Hagglund
A homegrown product and fan favorite for FC Cincinnati, Hagglund scored the insurance goal in the 90th minute to seal the win for his team.
Evander
Atlanta United's All-Star forward, Evander was forced to leave the match in the 11th minute due to a right knee injury.
Roman Celentano
The goalkeeper for FC Cincinnati, Celentano recorded a clean sheet with three saves to preserve the 2-0 victory.
Lucas Hoyos
The goalkeeper for Atlanta United, Hoyos was unable to make any saves against the two goals scored by Cincinnati.
What they’re saying
“We knew it was going to be a tough match against a quality opponent, but the guys really stepped up and got the job done. I'm proud of the effort and resilience they showed, especially after losing Evander early on.”
— Pat Noonan, FC Cincinnati Head Coach (Field Level Media)
What’s next
FC Cincinnati will look to build on this win as they continue their season, while Atlanta United will try to bounce back from the loss in their next match.
The takeaway
This victory demonstrates FC Cincinnati's ability to overcome adversity and earn important points against a conference rival, setting them up for a promising start to the season.
