Denkey Double Sinks Atlanta as Cincy Claim 3-1 Win

FC Cincinnati Stun Atlanta United 3-1 in MLS Showdown

FC Cincinnati silenced Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a ruthless 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in MLS Regular Season Week 28, as Kevin Denkey’s deadly double and Tom Barlow’s late strike overturned Miguel Almirón’s equalizer in a match that swung on clinical finishing.

Cincy Weather Early Storm

The hosts came flying out with 56% possession and 16 total shots, but found Cincinnati’s defense uncompromising. Teenage Hadebe’s 2nd-minute booking set the tone for a physical battle, while Atlanta’s Tomás Jacob joined him in the book before halftime after scything down a counterattack.

Denkey Delivers the First Blow

Against the run of play, Cincinnati struck in the 52nd minute. Barlow held up play perfectly before sliding in Denkey, who buried his chance past a helpless Luis Hoyos. The Togolese striker’s celebration in front of the travelling fans sparked pandemonium in the corner of the stadium.

Atlanta United’s Brief Resurgence

Four minutes after Breel Embolo replaced the ineffective Ajani Fortune, Atlanta leveled. The Swiss forward turned provider, squaring for Almirón to rifle home from 12 yards in the 69th minute. The roar from 42,000 home fans shook the rafters – but their joy was short-lived.

Cincinnati’s Masterstroke Substitutions

Pat Noonan’s triple change on 72 minutes proved decisive. Julian Malatini’s introduction shored up the defense, allowing Kyle Smith to push forward – and it was his resulting cross that found Barlow to crash home the 84th-minute winner. Denkey then put the game to bed in the 97th minute, slotting past Hoyos after a devastating counter.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Cincinnati, this statement victory keeps their playoff push alive, showing they can grind results against possession-dominant teams. Atlanta’s defensive frailties resurfaced at costly moments, leaving them vulnerable in the Eastern Conference scramble. With both sides fighting for postseason positions, these three points could prove priceless come November.

Key Moments

52′ ⚽ FC Cincinnati — Kevin Denkey (assist: Tom Barlow)

69′ ⚽ Atlanta United FC — Miguel Almirón (assist: Breel Embolo)

84′ ⚽ FC Cincinnati — Tom Barlow (assist: Kyle Smith)

90+7′ ⚽ FC Cincinnati — Kevin Denkey (assist: Ender Jesús Echenique Peña)