FC Cincinnati smells weakness as Atlanta United’s depth is exposed | OneFootball

FC Cincinnati fans have discovered that time is a valuable resource. But this week, the Orange and Blue got to breathe, train, and get themselves together stress-free. And that's the difference. For the first time in weeks, the club was able to spend an entire week preparing for one opponent: Atlanta United. Even after a couple of losses due to the FIFA window, the team comes into the game at TQL Stadium with a significant advantage — the clock is now in their favor.

Following thrusting through an eight-game period over 25 days, alternating between MLS play and Concacaf Champions Cup, FC Cincinnati finally got to rest body and mind. And that didn't go unnoticed within the club. Head coach Pat Noonan wasn't coy: the break was "refreshing," and despite some lingering fatigue earlier in the week, the team was able to find the energy to work on transitions, shape, and competitive acuity.

Defender Lukas Engel also praised the atypical full week. During a press conference, he said that the intense training made the team physically and mentally stronger. That kind of preparation could be a difference-maker, especially against a team that is not only up and down, but also coming in short-handed.

Atlanta United comes taped up and under pressure

While Cincinnati will be losing Kévin Denkey and young forward Chirila, called up by Togo and Romania respectively, Atlanta United is experiencing a wave of call-ups. Eight players were called up to their national teams, the league high for any team in this FIFA window.

Coach Ronny Deila will be forced to improvise. Without his best defenders available, the natural tactic would be to keep things tight and pray on the attacking exploits of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Saba Lobjanidze, and Alexey Miranchuk. Latte Lath in particular was a delight to watch in the last match against Inter Miami, back of the net with yet another headed score. Aside from that, Atlanta's 2025 performance has not quite scaled the heights people anticipated.

A spendy rebuild that hasn't panned out

Atlanta's off-season was far from quiet. Large signings, large spending, and the push to return atop the East. But the payoff hasn't materialized. Atlanta has just a single win in four games, tied with CF Charlotte, defeated by the New York Red Bulls, and beaten by Inter Miami.

So far, their only win was in the opener against CF Montreal. And since then, it's been a pattern of inconsistency, and more questions than answers. Even the return of club legend Miguel Almirón hasn't been sufficient to change things around.

Almirón returns: big name, little impact

After more than 180 games with Newcastle, Almirón came back to Atlanta surrounded by high hopes. But he hasn’t yet turned his European experience into a difference-maker in MLS. If he’s still finding his rhythm, the absence of key players could put even more weight on his shoulders, and expose his struggles.

Evander might be Cincinnati’s X-factor

Cincinnati has its own omissions, sure. But they did pick up a missing piece, too: Evander. The former Portland Timbers playmaker came in with a lot of hype and is likely to become the creative force in midfield. With the number 10 shirt, his stats last season tell us plenty. 34 direct goal involvements. And it's not an exaggeration to say that he could turn the game on its head if he gets into his stride.

With Denkey now out, the onus of building and finishing might fall more squarely on Evander. But the Brazilian has proved he can carry that load. Atlanta's defense will have to be concentrated all the way through, because one slip would send them to a highlight reel.

Past recent history has been with FC Cincinnati

It was since Pat Noonan took over as the boss that the Orange and Blue have not lost to Atlanta United. It's three wins and three draws. Cincinnati swept the series last season: a 2–1 comeback road victory and a 1–0 midweek home victory. To be certain, the team has won every home game at TQL Stadium so far in 2025. One of the very few MLS teams that remain unbeaten at home.