CINCINNATI, Ohio — Atlanta United fell to FC Cincinnati 1-0 Wednesday night at TQL Stadium. An early FC Cincinnati goal was the difference in a tightly contested defensive match.
FC Cincinnati jumped in front early from a broken play in Atlanta's half. Luciano Acosta gathered a loose ball from a blocked shot near the end line and found Kevin Kelsy at the back post. The young Venezuelan striker easily headed in Acosta's cross for a 1-0 lead in the 7th minute.
Minutes later, Atlanta was forced to make a substitution in the 16th minute, bringing on Xande Silva for Thiago Almada, who injured his left calf. The two sides played an even final half hour in the first half with Atlanta getting its best chance from an attempt from Giorgos Giakoumakis in the 34th minute that forced a save from Roman Celentano.
Atlanta made a pair of double substitutions in the second half to bring on fresh legs. Jamal Thiaré and Stian Gregersen, both coming off an injury, came on in the 61st minute. Edwin Mosquera and Tristan Muyumba joined in the 74th minute as Atlanta continued to push to find an equalizing goal.
Atlanta's best chance came from a free kick in the 78th minute. Bartosz Slisz's initial attempt was blocked wide and the ensuing cross found Mosquera, but his attempt sailed wide.
