FC Cincinnati endured a week to forget, as a 2-0 defeat in Charlotte capped off a grueling 25-day stretch in which they played eight matches across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Their exit from the latter competition earlier in the week added to the frustration, and now they must regroup with a return to league play against Atlanta United at TQL Stadium.
Saturday’s clash in Charlotte saw FCC struggle to find their rhythm, with a first-half injury to Miles Robinson and a second-half red card to rookie center-back Gilberto Flores compounding their misery. It ensured Cincinnati will have to wait until at least 2026 or the MLS playoffs for their first win in the other Queen City.
Mistakes Cost Cincinnati as Charlotte Takes Advantage
Heading into the match, Charlotte ranked second-to-last in MLS in key passes—a stat that tracks passes leading directly to a shot on goal. Ironically, it was a misplaced header from Cincinnati that inadvertently set up Charlotte’s breakthrough goal.
Just three minutes into the second half, the visitors made a costly error, as Liel Abada latched onto a wayward back-pass and coolly slotted home the opener. Before Cincinnati could recover, Patrick Agyemang doubled Charlotte’s lead in the 51st minute, sprinting past Flores and firing past Roman Celentano after a slick passing move cut through the FCC defense.
Despite the disjointed performance, Cincinnati did create chances, tying a season-high with eight shots on target. Their best opportunity came in the 72nd minute, when Evander unleashed a 40-yard free kick that rattled the crossbar—an effort that showcased his elite ball-striking ability.
But ultimately, FCC’s struggles in midfield and inability to cope with Charlotte’s fast counterattacks left them empty-handed. Coming just four days after their Champions Cup exit, it was a justifiable loss to the better team on the day.
A Return to a Normal Schedule Could Help
With their congested start to the season now behind them, Cincinnati will finally return to a one-match-per-week schedule. That consistency could help Pat Noonan’s squad build the necessary chemistry and patterns of play that have been lacking.
Patterns of play and combination development between players require both minutes on the training ground and during game play, Cincinnati was short of the former during preseason, so supporters could be in for another month or so of growing pains.
Against Charlotte, Noonan opted for a four-man backline instead of the 3-5-2 formation that had been his default. Whether that decision was due to personnel limitations—with Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund still out injured and Teenage Hadebe struggling for form—or a tactical shift, it at least gave opponents something new to prepare for.
However, the new approach came at a cost. Robinson’s injury in the 30th minute forced an early change, with Flores stepping in alongside Hadebe. The inexperience showed, as Charlotte’s dynamic attack—led by Agyemang and Wilfried Zaha—exploited gaps in the makeshift backline.
Atlanta United: The Perfect Time to Strike?
FCC now turns its attention to Atlanta United, another team with big spending but inconsistent results. Cincinnati made waves this offseason with $28 million in signings, including Evander and Kevin Denkey, while Atlanta splashed $32 million to bring back Miguel Almirón from the Premier League and sign Emmanuel Latte Lath from England’s second tier.
Despite their investment, Atlanta has been struggling, failing to win a league match since February 22. They’ve scored just one goal in their last three MLS games, most recently falling 1-0 to Inter Miami after conceding in the 89th minute.
Saturday’s match could be an ideal moment for Cincinnati to capitalize on Atlanta’s poor form. Adding to FCC’s advantage is the fact that this weekend marks the first international window of the season.
While Cincinnati will be without Denkey, who is on international duty with Togo, Atlanta will be missing Almirón, two additional starters, and two more regulars who have played significant minutes this season.
After a frustrating start to the season, FCC now has a chance to reset and turn things around. The real work begins Saturday at TQL Stadium.
In other news, Atlanta United, FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, Portland Timbers and Inter Miami CF Players Fined by MLS Disciplinary Committee
