Kévin Denkey’s left-footed goal in the 80th minute and Nick Hagglund’s header in the 90th completely tipped the scales in FC Cincinnati’s favor, and was the difference in a 2-0 season-opening home win over Atlanta United on Saturday.

After nearly 80 minutes of no scoring, Cincinnati’s offense took off full throttle with goals from one of its top two goal scorers from last year in Denkey and homegrown product and fan favorite in Hagglund.

Despite losing All-Star forward Evander to an injury in the 11th minute, FC Cincinnati was still able to bank three points against an Eastern Conference rival that has been a thorn in their side for the last seven years.

Evander was holding his right knee when he went down, with no contact, but managed to walk off under his own power. He was subbed out in the 13th minute.

Cincinnati (1-0-0, 3 points) took control of the possession battle in the second half, ending with 55.3 percent of the possession battle. In addition, FC Cincinnati took nine shots and three on goal, with two converting.

Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano withstood multiple chances by Atlanta (0-1-0, 0 points) in the first half and finished with three saves and a clean sheet.

It was a very physical match, as both teams jockeyed for positioning on corner and free kicks.

The teams combined for three yellow cards and 28 fouls, along with 12 offsides calls.

Five Stripes goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos had help from the backline of Atlanta’s defense for most of the second half, but then the dam broke. Hoyos didn’t have any saves against his two goals allowed.

Atlanta’s offense also had nine shots and three shots on goal, but only managed two corner kicks and three total crosses throughout the match. The Five Stripes were also called for seven offsides and 18 fouls.

–Field Level Media