FC Cincinnati saved their decisive blows for the closing stages, beating Atlanta United FC 3–1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, October 10. Kévin Denkey struck in the 52nd minute and again at 90+7′, while Tom Barlow’s 84th-minute goal restored the visitors’ advantage after Miguel Almirón had equalized in the 69th minute.

All four goals arrived after a goalless first half, with Cincinnati ultimately making their finishing count in an Eastern Conference fixture that remained level until the final six minutes of regulation.

Denkey breaks the deadlock, Almirón answers

Neither side found a breakthrough before the interval. Cincinnati defender Teenage Hadebe was booked in the second minute, and Atlanta’s Tomás Jacob followed into the referee’s notebook in the 43rd, but the teams headed into the dressing rooms at 0–0.

Denkey changed that seven minutes into the second half, opening the scoring in the 52nd minute to put Cincinnati ahead. Atlanta responded through Almirón in the 69th minute, restoring parity and setting up a finely balanced final stretch.

With the hosts back on terms, a draw remained a genuine possibility. Cincinnati, however, found two more goals to take all three points.

Barlow delivers the pivotal late goal

Barlow put Cincinnati back in front in the 84th minute, leaving Atlanta little time to respond. The visitors then had Julian Malatini booked in the 88th minute, before Barlow and Atlanta’s Mauricio Amaro both received yellow cards at 90+4′.

Denkey settled the result at 90+7′, completing his brace and giving Cincinnati a two-goal cushion deep into stoppage time. From 1–1 with six minutes of regulation remaining, the visitors had turned a tight contest into a clear away victory.

Finishing makes the difference

Atlanta held 56% possession and led the shot count 16–13, registering six efforts on target to Cincinnati’s four. Those advantages did not translate into the result: Cincinnati converted three of their four shots on target, while Atlanta finished with just Almirón’s equalizer.

The hosts also edged the corner count 5–4. Ultimately, though, Cincinnati’s greater return in front of goal—and their two late strikes—proved decisive.

Both clubs return to MLS action on Wednesday, October 14. Atlanta face CF Montréal, while Cincinnati meet New England Revolution, with both fixtures scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PDT.