Atlanta United Dominates Atlas FC 4-1 in Leagues Cup Finale, Despite Elimination

ATLANTA — Atlanta United delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Atlas FC on Wednesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, closing out its Leagues Cup campaign with a statement win—albeit one not enough to advance the club to the knockout stage.

Four different goal-scorers—Jamal Thiaré, Alexey Miranchuk, Saba Lobjanidze, and Cayman Togashi—found the back of the net for the Five Stripes, who looked energized and composed throughout the night.

The match also marked a night of milestones, as Nyk Sessock earned his first career start with the First Team, while Sal Mazzaferro and Homegrown midfielder Cooper Sanchez made their senior team debuts. Forward Leo Afonso also logged his first minutes with Atlanta. In just his second First Team start, 18-year-old goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert shined, tying a franchise single-match record with nine saves.

First-Half Fireworks

Atlanta got on the board early, pressing Atlas with intensity from the opening whistle. The breakthrough came in the 6th minute when center back Stian Gregersen drew a penalty during a set piece. Thiaré stepped up and calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner for a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute.

Midway through the half, Miranchuk doubled the advantage in style. After springing Luke Brennan down the left wing with a perfectly weighted pass, the Russian midfielder continued his run and received the ball back in stride inside the box. He chipped it over Atlas goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to make it 2-0 in the 33rd minute.

Just five minutes later, Lobjanidze added a third in emphatic fashion. Following a handball call on Atlas defender Gaddi Aguirre just outside the area, the Georgian winger stepped up and curled a powerful free kick into the upper left corner—his first goal of the season in all competitions.

Togashi’s First, Sessock’s First Assist

Atlanta’s fourth and final goal came in the 68th minute, capping off a well-executed team sequence. Will Reilly sparked the attack with a long ball down the left wing to Togashi, who recycled play to Bartosz Slisz in midfield. Slisz quickly shifted the ball right to Sessock, who whipped an early cross into the box. Togashi rose up and powered a header into the top right corner—his first goal for the club. The assist marked Sessock’s first First Team contribution.

Late Atlas Response

Atlas managed to pull one back in the 83rd minute through a free kick from Diego Gonzalez. From a tight angle on the right flank, Gonzalez’s effort took a deflection off Togashi and floated past Hibbert into the far post to make it 4-1.

Despite the result, Atlanta was mathematically eliminated from Leagues Cup play due to earlier group stage outcomes.

What’s Next

Atlanta United (4-11-9, 21 points) returns to MLS Regular Season play on Saturday, Aug. 9, when it travels north to face CF Montréal at Stade Saputo. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass and 92.9 The Game.