Atlanta United Shines in Leagues Cup Finale
Atlanta United closed out its 2025 Leagues Cup campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Atlas FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking the club’s first-ever Leagues Cup win. With both teams eliminated from knockout contention, the Five Stripes made the most of their final group stage match with clinical finishing, composed defending, and breakout moments for young talent.
Assistant coach Kenny Miller, filling in for suspended head coach Ronny Deila, praised the team’s effort:
“Every single one of them can go home and be really proud of the performance tonight… It’s important we finish strong in the last 10 games of the season.”
Fast Start and Early Goals
Atlanta United struck first in the 8th minute after Stian Gregersen was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. Jamal Thiaré calmly converted from the spot for his fourth goal of the season, giving the Five Stripes their first opening goal of this Leagues Cup.
They doubled the lead in the 34th minute with beautiful combination play: Bartosz Slisz, Alexey Miranchuk, and Luke Brennan worked down the left flank before Miranchuk finished with a clever chip past the keeper.
Just four minutes later, Saba Lobjanidze blasted in a free kick from the edge of the box, notching his first goal of the season and the club’s first direct free-kick goal of 2025.
Second-Half Standouts and Key Debuts
Enea Mihaj, Tristan Muyumba, and Cayman Togashi entered early in the second half. In the 68th minute, Nyk Sessock delivered a pinpoint cross to Togashi, who headed in his first goal for Atlanta United—his 50th career goal.
Debuts followed:
- Sal Mazzaferro (69’): Short-Term Agreement player from ATL UTD 2
- Leo Afonso (76’): Former Inter Miami forward
- Cooper Sanchez (85’): 17-year-old Homegrown product
Atlas pulled one back with a stunning free kick from Diego González in the 83rd minute, but it was too little too late.
Milestones and Highlights
- Atlanta United’s First Leagues Cup Win
- Jayden Hibbert: 9 saves in his second start of the season
- Nyk Sessock: First career start, first assist
- Cayman Togashi: First Atlanta United goal, 50th career goal
- Luke Brennan: First goal contribution of 2025
- Saba Lobjanidze: First goal of 2025, now 9 goal contributions (1 goal, 8 assists)
- Bartosz Slisz: Wore the captain’s armband for the first time in 2025
Despite having just 38.3% possession through 60 minutes, Atlanta countered sharply and finished efficiently—hallmarks of their best play this season.
Check out our full Leagues Cup coverage →
What This Means for Atlanta United
The win marks a positive end to a challenging tournament and gives emerging players confidence heading into the MLS season’s final stretch:
- Youth Integration: Five players with ATL UTD 2 experience made key contributions
- Squad Depth: Strong performances from Hibbert, Sessock, and Togashi strengthen the bench
- Momentum: A dominant win builds confidence ahead of Saturday’s MLS match
“We want to win the game first and foremost,” Miller said. “This is our chance to build momentum and positivity for the league run.”
What’s Next for Atlanta United
- Next Match: Saturday, Aug. 9 at CF Montréal, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Leagues Cup Recap & MLS Push: Follow full coverage on AtlantaSoccer.News
Your Turn: Who stood out most in Atlanta United’s big win over Atlas? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag us with #ATLUTD and #LeaguesCup!
