FC Cincinnati blows it in 88th minute after Evander’s insane MLS masterclass | OneFootball

FC Cincinnati had a rollercoaster night at TQL Stadium. From euphoria to despair within an hour, the 2–2 draw against Atlanta United showed both the highs and the lows of a team that is still searching for consistency in the 2025 MLS season. And if one name was going to emerge during all this, it was that of Evander — the one who lit up the second half with two strikes within a period of five minutes, only for it to all be unraveled by an error at the final whistle.

The match was started lifeless, almost robotic. The first half was one of those that makes the fans wonder if the ticket was even worth it. It was missing bite and was instead suffused with caution. It was as if both teams were more worried about doing something wrong rather than doing something right. But the second half. That's when the story came to life. And the script, as always, was written in the heat of the moment.

Evander stood out from the crowd

Evander was, without a doubt, the engine behind FC Cincinnati’s second-half surge. The number 10 proved why he's seen as one of the most technically gifted players on the squad and didn’t shy away from the moment when the team needed him most. His first goal, in the 70th minute, had a bit of luck, sure. The free kick deflected off Atlanta's wall, and Brad Guzan was left stumbling and off guard. But it wasn't fortune. It required guts to shoot it, trust the moment, and listen to take it in a grueling game. But the second goal.

That was art. Evander read the play like an ancient manuscript is read. As Pavel Bucha stole a game in midfield and laid on an astute pass, Evander was already out and about, perceiving the void. He received it with his stride, firing off balance yet with style. Bottom corner, bottom right. Keeper's only chance gone. Two goals inside five minutes. Two punches to the clock. FC Cincinnati seized control of the match in their fashion. Atlanta United and the backlash at the death.

Then came the old adage — and this time, it was up close and personal: if you don't kill the game, the game will kill you. Or at least bruise you. And FC Cincinnati left the door ajar. With two minutes to go, the retribution came, signed and sealed. Alvas Powell's own goal. The right back tried to clear a cross and ended up sending it soaring right into his own goal.

And the equalizer, which appeared nearly impossible a mere ten minutes before that, became a bitter, cold reality. Pat Noonan remains unbeaten against Atlanta, but the flavor is bitter Even with the draw, head coach Pat Noonan remains undefeated against Atlanta United — seven games, no losses, three wins and four draws. It sounds good on paper, but the truth is that the result of this weekend's game was a missed opportunity. At home, with the benefit and emotional boost, to surrender two points was the kind of moment that would come back to haunt you in the future.

FC Cincinnati currently boasts 7 points from five matches (2 victories, 2 draws, and 1 defeat) and is ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference. Mid-table. Too soon to panic yet, but warning signs are difficult to overlook.

Atlanta United still trying to find its footing, but demonstrated grit

Atlanta United, meanwhile, walked off the field relieved. With just a single win this season so far, the team is still finding their rhythm, but winning a point on the road is no pyrrhic victory.

Emmanuel Latte Lath opened the scoring with a beautiful low shot across the goal and, even when the lead was frittered away, the team did not crumble. They kept going. And they were rewarded with an equalizer created through sheer grit. It's still in development, no doubt. But that late-game comeback signals that there's grit in this team. Atlanta may be at 11th place in the standings with 5 points, but they established one thing: they're not going to be anyone's doormat.