Atlanta United is ushering in a new chapter, marking the return of a familiar and successful figure, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, to the coaching helm. After a challenging 2025 season that saw the club finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and miss the playoffs, the focus is squarely on revitalizing the team's performance, particularly its defense. Their first test of the 2026 season comes against FC Cincinnati, an Eastern Conference rival that demonstrated strong form last year, setting the stage for an intriguing opening match.
FC Cincinnati enters the 2026 season with high expectations following a commendable 2025 campaign where they secured second place in the Eastern Conference. Their playoff journey saw them overcome archrival Columbus Crew in the first round, a significant achievement for the club. However, their aspirations for an MLS Cup were cut short in the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they suffered a decisive 4-0 defeat to the eventual champions, Inter Miami. Despite this playoff exit, head coach Pat Noonan remains focused on continuous improvement, emphasizing tactical play and keeping his squad prepared for each upcoming challenge.
The strength of Cincinnati's team lies in its balanced roster. Offensively, the dynamic duo of Evander and Kevin Denkey is back, having collectively netted an impressive 33 goals in the 2025 season. Their offensive prowess is complemented by a formidable defensive line anchored by Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson, and local talent Nick Hagglund. This defensive unit was a key factor in their success, limiting opponents to just 40 goals throughout the regular season, averaging a mere 1.18 goals conceded per game. This combination of offensive firepower and defensive solidity positions Cincinnati as a strong contender once again.
In contrast, Atlanta United endured a difficult 2025 season, finishing with only 28 points and missing the MLS playoffs for only the third time in their nine-season history. This prompted the club to re-engage Gerardo Martino, the coach who previously guided them to an MLS Cup title in 2018, remarkably in only their second year of existence. Martino's immediate priority is to address the team's defensive vulnerabilities, as Atlanta conceded a concerning 63 goals in the 2025 regular season while only managing to score 38. The upcoming match against Cincinnati will be a crucial early indicator of how effectively Martino can reshape the team's defensive strategy and overall performance.
The previous encounters between these two teams in 2025 offered mixed results, hinting at the competitive nature of their rivalry. They played to a 2-2 draw in Cincinnati in March, followed by Atlanta securing a 4-2 victory at home in May. As Martino steps back into the spotlight, he acknowledges the need for his team to be competitive from the outset. He specifically highlighted the challenge of containing Cincinnati's key player, Evander, recognizing his ability to create significant attacking opportunities due to his free-roaming playstyle. The tactical battle to neutralize such a pivotal opponent will be central to Atlanta's efforts to kickstart their season on a positive note.
The return of Gerardo Martino signifies a strategic move by Atlanta United to reclaim their competitive edge, particularly by fortifying their defense. Facing FC Cincinnati, a team known for its potent offense and robust backline, will serve as an early litmus test for Atlanta's renewed ambitions under their former championship-winning coach. Both teams are poised for a compelling match as they commence their 2026 MLS season campaigns.