ATLANTA, Ga, – FC Cincinnati goalkeeper, Alec Kann pulled down six saves as the Orange and Blue left Mercedez-Benz stadium with a 0-0 draw against Atlanta United. FCC (2-1-4, 7 points) played down a man for the final 15 minutes of the match after Nick Hagglund was sent off with a red card in the 76th minute. Atlanta United (3-2-2) picked up its 11th point with the draw
FC Cincy was coming off a bye week and had scored three goals in their last outing in a 4-3 loss at home against CF Montreal. This week, the Orange and Blue were lacking in offense with no shots on goal in nine attempts.
Kann had his work cut out for him late in the second half as Atlanta tried to push their numerical advantage. The Cincinnati keeper finished the match with six saves while Atlanta United attempted 23 shots. The shutout was Kann’s first of the season.
Atlanta United’s best opportunity came in the 63rd minute on a penalty kick attempt from Marcelino Moreno that was blocked by Kann.
FC Cincinnati striker, Brenner, made his first start of the season and went 82 minutes with three shots in the match.
Atlanta United was forced to make a substitution at goalkeeper when starter Brad Guzan went down with an injury in the 70th minute. MLS veteran, Bobby Shuttleworth took over goalkeeping duties for the remainder of the match.
Ian Murphy made the start at center back to replace an injured Geoff Cameron. The Orange and Blue also saw the debut of defender John Nelson, who picked up 25 minutes late in the match.
Atlanta United led the way in possession in the first half, controlling the ball 65% of the time to the Orange and Blue’s 35%. Shots were fairly even in the first frame; 6-5 in favor of the home side.
FC Cincinnati had several good looks in the first half from Brenner, Acosta, and Vazquez but none of their shots tested ATL goalkeeper, Brad Guzan.
FCC will return to action Tuesday, April 19 in the third round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. at TQL Stadium. The Orange and Blue return to league play on Saturday, April 24 as they host LAFC at 5 p.m