KENNESAW, Ga. (July 9, 2025) - Atlanta United 2 played to a 0-0 draw to FC Cincinnati 2 before falling in the penalty shootout on a humid Wednesday evening at Fifth Third Stadium. Cayman Togashi made his return from injury as the 5-Stripes earned their third clean sheet of the season.
Both sides played between the boxes to open the game, but Atlanta had the match's first chance in the 12th minute. Javier Armas played Luke Brennan on the right-wing, who carried the ball centrally around five defenders before laying it off to Cooper Sanchez. The 17-year-old took a right-footed shot at the top of the box, but couldn't keep it on frame.
In the 40th minute Ronan Wynne found Nyk Sessock down the right sideline, who dribbled inside before cutting back to Armas at the top of the box. The Spaniard curled a one-time shot toward the top-right corner, but goalkeeper Nathan Crockford swatted the ball away before Cincinnati cleared.
Three minutes later, Brennan found himself with the ball once again on the right side and dribbled toward the endline before chipping it into the back post. Moises Tablante met the ball but his header rattled off the crossbar. Armas received the rebound at the top of the box and cut around two players before firing over to enter halftime scoreless.
Cincinnati had its best chance in the 63rd minute. The Cincinnati midfield won the ball from an Atlanta goalkick and Peter Mangione began the counter attack. Mangione played Tega Ikoba on the left, who was one-on-one with Jayden Hibbert. Ikoba attempted to slot the ball across the box for a teammate but missed everyone as Atlanta regained possession.
In the 70th minute, Armas delivered a corner to the top of the box and Sanchez had time and space to control. Sanchez took a touch and riffled a threatening shot but it landed just outside the top-left corner. Moments later, Rodrigo Neri connected off another set piece from Armas, but his one-time volley was saved by Crockford.
In stoppage time, Patrick Weah drove into space on a counter attack when Yorkaerff Caicedo fouled the Liberian from behind to receive his second yellow card and be dismissed from the game. Atlanta couldn't capitalize on the set piece and both sides went into a shootout. Armas and Kaiden Moore missed their attempts while Cincinnati scored four to take the extra point.
Atlanta United 2 (2-6-6, 15 points) returns to action Sunday, July 13 when it hosts Columbus Crew 2 at Fifth Third Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, MLSNEXTPro.com, Soccer Down Here). Some ATL UTD 2 matches are available with an MLS Season Pass subscription, located on the Apple TV app while the remainder of matches are streamed live on MLSNEXTPro.com.
