The 2026 Major League Soccer season began on Saturday with FC Cincinnati securing a 2-0 win against Atlanta United, thanks to a late match-winning goal from striker Kévin Denkey. The victory marked Cincinnati as the first team to claim a win in the new campaign, highlighting Denkey’s crucial impact early in the season.
How the Winning Goal Unfolded
With the match level at 0-0 in the 80th minute, Venezuelan wing-back Ender Echenique broke free down the right wing and raced towards goal. With only one defender remaining, Echenique delivered a precise low cross to Denkey. The Togolese forward patiently drew Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos off his line before slotting the ball low into the net to give Cincinnati the lead.
Nick Hagglund later secured the win by scoring the second goal in the 90th minute, sealing the 2-0 result for FC Cincinnati. Earlier the same day, Wilfried Zaha played a key role for Charlotte FC in a 1-1 draw with St. Louis City, showing competitive action across the league’s opening matches.
Denkey’s Rising Influence on FC Cincinnati
Denkey entered the 2026 season following a strong debut year that featured 18 goals in 37 appearances. Despite his and the team’s impressive regular season performance — finishing second in the Eastern Conference — FC Cincinnati’s playoff run ended abruptly with a 0-4 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the quarterfinals. This opening win signals a hopeful start as Denkey continues to be central to FC Cincinnati’s offensive efforts.
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