Match Preview: Atlanta United travels to Ohio to face FC Cincinnati in Eastern Conference clash 

First Touches

• Atlanta United will wear the Resurgens kit | See the colors and learn the story
• This match against Cincinnati is the first in a double matchweek. The 5-Stripes play on the road against Nashville SC on Saturday for Rivalry Week.
• The 5-Stripes are in the busiest stretch of the season so far, coming off a midweek Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup victory against Charlotte Independence and a 3-2 Saturday loss to D.C. United.
• The last two road matches for Atlanta have ended in a draw.
• “Nothing is changing; the messaging is staying the same. Every individual needs to step up" | Brooks Lennon, Gonzalo Pineda discuss how to right the ship to get three points.

Match Details

• Date: Wednesday, May 15
• Kickoff time: 7:30 pm
• Location: TQL Stadium

Staying in Atlanta? Check out some of our local pub partners and watch the match with fellow 17s!

Traveling to Wednesday’s match in Cincinnati? View the Traveling Supporters Guide

How to watch, stream, and listen to Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati

• TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
• Live stream: Stream on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app or visit https://tv.apple.com/
• Listen: Local radio 92.9 The Game and La Mejor
• Follow along: Follow the match with real time stats and live play-by-play on our Matchday Hub page

Series History and Last Meeting

Atlanta United has a 5-3-5 record against FC Cincinnati. The last time these two clubs met was less than a month ago at Mercedes Benz-Stadium. Thiago Almada got the 5-Stripes on the board in the second half of the match, after runs from Edwin Mosquera and Caleb Wiley freed up space for the Argentine midfielder. Atlanta unfortunately did not hold the lead long, surrendering two quick goals to Luca Orellano and Luciano Acosta. The last three meetings, including the one in April, have ended in a loss or draw for Atlanta United.

Recent Form

Atlanta United is looking to get back into winning form as they head out on the road. Despite the strong start to the season, April and the beginning of May have not gone as planned for the 5-Stripes. They did get a win against Charlotte Independence to move onto the next round of the Open Cup but remain winless in their last six MLS games. On the other hand, FC Cincinnati is on a four-match winning streak. The most recent win came against in-state rival and defending MLS Cup Champion, Columbus Crew, in the Hell is Real derby.

Players to Watch

Thiago Almada (Atlanta United) – As the 2023 MLS Young Player of the Year, it is no surprise that Almada has the ability to break a game open. He scored the first goal against D.C. United off a penalty kick. Almada ramping his game up would go far for the 5-Stripes

“He is a great player. I think simplifying is a part of that. He is a guy who really, really loves to win; so competitive. He loves competing. When he sees the team is not winning, he tries to put all of that on himself,” said head coach Gonzalo Pineda.

Luciano ‘Lucho’ Acosta (FC Cincinnati) – On Monday, Acosta was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday. The seventh time this season, and the 29^th time since he has arrived in Cincinnati. Much like how Almada scored in the last match against these two clubs, as did Acosta. He currently leads the team in scoring with six goals, six assists, and 29 shots taken.