Atlanta United managed to stay toe-to-toe with FC Cincinnati in its 2026 season opener before the bottom fell out in the final 10 minutes plus stoppage time in a 2-0 loss — with both goals scored after the 80th minute. It wasn’t a complete disaster of a performance as there were some promising signs in Tata Martino’s return to the Atlanta technical area since MLS Cup 2018, but there’s clearly plenty for the club to work on as the San Jose Earthquakes (and potentially Timo Werner) are up next.
It was also a night that began with a surprise: Cooper Sanchez received his first MLS start. Elías Báez also made his MLS debut along with Tomás Jacob and Lucas Hoyos. Sydney and Henry discuss how Sanchez and the newcomers did while giving their thoughts on the night overall, as match 1 of 34 in the 2026 regular season is in the books.
00:34 – What happened to Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati in the second half?
03:41 – How did Cooper Sanchez perform in his MLS debut for Atlanta United?
06:46 – How did newcomers like Elías Báez, Tomás Jacob, and Lucas Hoyos perform for Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati?
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