Denkey and Hagglund score late to give Cincinnati 2-0 win over Atlanta United in season opener

Kévin Denkey and Nick Hagglund scored late goals to lift FC Cincinnati to a 2-0 victory over Atlanta United FC in the MLS regular season opener for both teams on Saturday.

In the 80th minute, Denkey received an assist from Ender Echenique, passing goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos before finishing with his left foot between a pair of defenders.

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Hagglund doubled the lead with a header from Bryan Ramírez’s corner in the 90th minute. Hagglund suffered two broken ribs and a collapsed lung against Atlanta on May 25 last year, missing more than two months.

Cincinnati lost 2025 MVP finalist Evander to a hamstring injury 13 minutes into the game. He was replaced by Gerardo Valenzuela.

Denkey missed a golden opportunity in the 56th minute. After a turnover by central defender Juan Berrocal that fell to Denkey, he had a one-on-one chance with Hoyos, but hit the outside of the right post.

It was the first game for Atlanta United coach Gerardo “Tato” Martino, the former Argentina and Barcelona coach who most recently coached Inter Miami from 2023-24 and coached Lionel Messi in all three legs.

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