If you’re going to be exciting as hell, you won’t be able to close out every match. Devoid of its traditional defensive discipline and ability to routinely see out 1-0 wins in 2026, FC Cincinnati’s frailties resurfaced in the second half of Tuesday night’s 2-1 Leagues Cup group stage loss to Liga MX side Atlas. A half-full TQL Stadium was left soaked by the rain and stunned by two goals in the match’s final quarter.
Thanks to a pair of two-goal victories over Pachuca and Pumas, Cincinnati entered Tuesday in the fourth and final MLS knockout-stage advancement slot, level on six points with the teams in fifth and sixth. At minimum, a penalty-shootout triumph was needed for even a chance at progression, while a regulation victory would have almost assured advancement. Now the locals are all but eliminated, needing Austin and Chicago to lose by multiple goals as well as LAFC and a host of over teams to lose or draw.
While counting my lucky stars that I still had power despite Tuesday’s storms walloping the region, I came up with five reasons why the loss was a kick to the you-know-where for FCC supporters.
Leagues Cup history was at stake!
OK, that’s a bit melodramatic, but the Orange and Blue squandered a chance to advance to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals for the first time. The loss also removes another opportunity for silverware and at least a chance to play in the club’s first-ever final. Now Cincinnati’s only trophy shot is MLS Cup, which I would also argue is veering toward idealistic without defensive reinforcements.
FCC was hot
FC Cincinnati had won five of its past six matches, outscoring opponents by 10 over that period. It enjoyed a bit of goal luck in Leagues Cup play—FCC trailed its opponents 4-3 in expected goals prior to Tuesday—but the eyes could tell you the club had been (and may still be) on the upswing.
Atlas was already eliminated!
Credit to Atlas. Despite being knocked out of Leagues Cup after two matches, it put forth a strong lineup and disciplined showing. The Orange and Blue enjoyed the lion’s share of first-half possession but could not penetrate the visitors’ five-man back line. By the time FCC backup goalkeeper Evan Louro notched the match’s first save in the 36th minute, his compatriots had recorded five corner kicks but zero shots.
Mistakes and sloppiness cost FCC
The locals closed the first half with a flurry, tallying six shots over the final 11 minutes. Evander (who else?) broke the deadlock with a wicked strike that struck an Atlas player en route to the back of the net, the talisman’s 13th goal of the season in all competitions. A golden opportunity to go up 2-0 was fumbled seconds later off the restart, as Kenji Mboma Dem’s shot at a mostly open Atlas net clanged off the post.
Atlas held the upper hand in the second half, though, eventually making FC Cincinnati pay for its lack of precision. The teamwide downslide was highlighted by a pair of gaffes from Louro, who had earned his third straight start based on strong showings vs. Pachuca and Pumas.
Atlas’s goals in the 79th and 85th minutes were easy finishes because Louro’s initial saves were spilled back into dangerous areas. Again, I will reiterate that he wasn’t solely responsible; a clumsy giveaway kickstarted the attack leading to the first goal, and the second score was influenced by tired backtracking.
The end of the match simply twisted the knife
The match referee awarded a penalty to FCC in the 93rd minute based on a truly 50/50 foul on Ayoub Jabbari that originally went the home team’s way. That is, until VAR intervened; the referee changed his mind after consulting the pitchside monitor.
The Orange and Blue enjoyed one last golden opportunity, with Ender Echenique lining up a perfect cross to Tom Barlow, whose strike went straight at goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. His original save prior to the penalty foul was incredible, too.
FC Cincinnati will have to pick itself up for a return to MLS play Saturday in Orlando for its first match outside the state of Ohio since May 16.
Grant Freking is in his eighth year of FC Cincinnati coverage for Cincinnati Magazine.
