In the last of their three Leagues Cup matches this season, Atlanta United paired clinical finishing with composed defending to win 4-1 over Atlas FC. The 5-Stripes scored some memorable goals with smooth combination play and a stunning set-play strike. Faces new and old made their marks on the match from top to bottom, with myriad milestones for debutants and long-time players alike throughout the night.
Quote from assistant coach Kenny Miller: "It gave us an opportunity tonight to rest people, guys who have had a lot of minutes over the course of the season and give guys who have been knocking on the door a chance ... Every single one of them can go home and be really proud of the performance tonight ... It's important we finish strong in the last 10 games of the season."
What happened: Atlanta United started off on the right foot, as Jamal Thiaré slipped in behind after Saba Lobjanidze intercepted a pass in the fourth minute. Thiaré's cross found Miranchuk, whose shot was blocked, and Brooks Lennon's second attempt from outside the box flew just wide of the right post.
The 5-Stripes earned a free kick just a minute later, and after the ball bounced up in the air a couple times following the cross, Stian Gregersen had a prime header from just outside the 6-yard box. An Atlas defender came crashing in and brought the Norwegian down before he even had the chance to hit the ball, and Atlanta United earned a penalty kick.
Jamal Thiaré stepped up to take the spot kick and scored his fourth goal of the 2025 season with a pinged strike into the bottom right corner. The 5-Stripes picked up the lead in the eighth minute, scoring the opening goal of the match for the first time in their Leagues Cup campaign this season.
Gregersen stayed active in the air and nearly had a second for his squad in the 17th minute. He got on the end of a well-whipped Alexey Miranchuk corner kick, but his header ripped over the frame.
Miranchuk's first half was an excellent show of precise passing, feeding runners down the wings with precise through balls that led to free crossing opportunities. Nyk Sessock, in his first ever start for Atlanta United, put one of those crosses on the money to Thiaré in the 29th minute, but his header was stuffed at the source.
A beautiful bit of combination down the left side saw the 5-Stripes get their second in the 34th minute. Bartosz Slisz exchanged play with Miranchuk, who tucked in between defenders and found Luke Brennan in between lines. The winger cut the ball back, and Miranchuk ran onto it one-on-one with the keeper. His finish was intelligent, a light chip out of the reach of the Atlas keeper to make it 2-0.
In the 38th minute, Saba Lobjanidze made history on the season. He put his right foot on a free kick from just outside the left corner of the 18-yard box, and the ball flew in off the goalkeeper's hand. It was Atlanta United's first goal scored directly from a free kick of the 2025 season and Saba's first of the year as well.
Atlas fought out a couple of half chances as the time ran out in the first half, but nothing materialized, and Atlanta United went into the break with a 3-0. It was the most goals they had led by this season at any point in time.
Stian Gregersen and Alexey Miranchuk exited after the first 45 as the coaching staff looked to keep their legs fresh for a weekend match. Enea Mihaj and Tristan Muyumba entered the match to see the match out. Jamal Thiaré made way for Cayman Togashi in the 56th minute likely for the same reason.
The 5-Stripes maintained their firm grasp on the match throughout the second half as a breeze filled the open-roofed Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United caught their own second wind in the 68th minute, when Sessock placed a cross perfectly to Togashi, who looped a header into the top right corner of the goal. The substitute had his first goal with Atlanta United's First Team since he signed with the club over the offseason, and his fist pump celebration showed just how much it meant.
Sal Mazzaferro, an Atlanta United 2 player on a Short-Term Agreement for the match, made his senior debut coming on in the 69th minute. Leo Afonso, a recent acquisition from Inter Miami, made his Atlanta United debut as well when he entered the match in the 76th minute.
Atlas got one goal back with a stunning free kick of their own from far out on the right side of the 18-yard box. Diego González swung his left foot around the ball, and it curled over defenders and Hibbert's head to make it 4-1 in the 83rd minute.
Another debutant trotted onto the pitch for Atlanta United in the 85th minute, newly signed 17-year-old Cooper Sanchez. He, Mazzaferro, Togashi and Sessock have all seen significant game time for Atlanta United 2 this season, and they all played roles in what turned out to be a comfortable 4-1 win for the 5-Stripes Wednesday night.
Key stat: Who needs possession anyway? Despite having just 38.3 percent of the ball through 60 minutes of play, Atlanta United had near complete control of the match and a three-goal advantage. They countered quickly and directly and took advantage of set plays on multiple occasions, the kind of scrappy and resourceful play the 5-Stripes have embodied in their best moments this season.
Standouts: Saba Lobjanidze's first goal of the season came from set play, but he was dangerous all night long in open buildup as well. He's been known for making a lot of sprints this season, and Wednesday night was no different, earning his service in behind with timely runs and effective cutbacks.
Even amongst all the scoring, goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert had himself a fine day in the net. He saved nine shots, five in the first half alone, making those stops from a variety of angles. In his second start of the season, the former MLS SuperDraft selection proved a steady backup for Brad Guzan once again.
Milestones:
-- Bartosz Slisz captained the 5-Stripes for the first time this season, becoming the third Atlanta United player to start with the armband in a competitive match in 2025.
-- Jamal Thiaré scored his fourth goal of the 2025 season with his first penalty kick.
-- Luke Brennan picked up his first goal contribution of the 2025 season, an assist in the 34th minute
-- Saba Lobjanidze scored his first goal of the 2025 season from a rocket of a free kick in the 38th minute. He now has nine goal contributions this season, eight of which are assists.
-- Nyk Sessock made his first career start with Atlanta United's First Team. He played all 90 minutes and picked up his first career assist.
-- Cayman Togashi scored his first goal of the season and first in his time with Atlanta United. The headed effort was also his 50th career goal.
-- Atlanta United won in a Leagues Cup match for the first time in its history.
Up next: Atlanta United will turn around quickly to a road match with CF Montréal Saturday night. The 5-Stripes will kick off at 7:30 p.m. in an all-important MLS fixture as they look to push for playoff contention.
