Marietta, Georgia (October 16, 2026) — CT United FC made history Friday evening, defeating Atlanta United 2, 1-0, in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground.
Making its first-ever postseason appearance, CT United secured the victory behind an early goal from Barnabás Tanyi and a determined defensive performance, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the club's inaugural season.
The Coywolves wasted little time making their mark. In the fifth minute, Tanyi found the back of the net with a right-footed finish from the center of the box, giving CT United an early 1-0 advantage.
Atlanta responded with sustained attacking pressure, generating 18 shots throughout the match. CT United's defense held firm, blocking nine Atlanta attempts and recording 15 clearances to preserve the clean sheet.
Goalkeeper Gunther Rankenburg made two saves, while the Coywolves continued to create opportunities on the counterattack. CT United finished with 12 shots, including three on target, compared to Atlanta's two shots on goal.
Head Coach Shavar Thomas made several second-half adjustments, introducing Daniel D'Ippolito and Robbie Mora in the 62nd minute, followed by Neo Che and Warren Agostoni in the 69th minute. Cauã Paixão entered in the 83rd minute as CT United looked to see out the historic result.
Despite Atlanta's late pressure and 13 minutes of second-half stoppage time, the Coywolves maintained their one-goal advantage through the final whistle. With the victory, CT United continues its historic campaign, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in its first MLS NEXT Pro postseason appearance.
CONNECTICUT UNITED FC GAME REPORT
Atlanta United 2 vs. CT United FC
Date: October 16, 2026
Competition: MLS NEXT Pro Quarterfinal
Venue: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground | Marietta, Georgia
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
Weather: Sunny
SCORING SUMMARY: ATL 0 – 1 CTU (FT)
ATL: 0 – 0 – 0
CTU: 1 – 0 – 1
LINEUPS
CTU (4-3-3): Gunther Rankenburg; Rickson van Hees, Justin Malou, Lukas Kamrath, Andre Applewhaite (Neo Che 69'); Bryan Destin (Daniel D'Ippolito 62'), Steven Sserwadda (Warren Agostoni 69'), Dylan Lacy; Alex Monis, Ernesto Gómez (Robbie Mora 62'), Barnabás Tanyi (Cauã Paixão 83').
Substitutes Not Used: Anthony Ramos, Darris Hyte, Jamison Ping, Jahvar Stephenson.
Head Coach: Shavar Thomas
ATL (3-4-3): Jayden Hibbert; Toto Majub (O. Fakiyesi 77'), Matthew Senanou, Andrew Jardines; Adrian Gill (J. Kwon 83'), Mohamed Cisset, Arif Kovac, Ignacio Suarez-Couri (S. Pita 58'); Dominik Chong Qui, Cameron Dunbar, Enzo Dovlo.
Substitutes Not Used: P. Weah, J. Ransom, D. Sibrian, A. Browne, A. Henry, G. Riveras.
Head Coach: Jose Silva
STATS SUMMARY: CTU/ATL
Shots: 12 / 18
Shots on Goal: 3 / 2
Saves: 2 / 2
Corner Kicks: 3 / 7
Fouls: 10 / 13
Offside: 1 / 1
Blocked Shots: 4 / 9
Total Passes: 341 / 586
Passing Accuracy: 78.9% / 87.5%
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
ATL: Matthew Senanou (80', Yellow Card)
ATL: Mohamed Cisset (90+13', Yellow Card)
OFFICIALS
Referee: Jaclyn Metz
Assistant Referee 1: Tom Felice
Assistant Referee 2: Melissa Beck
Fourth Official: Robert Vincze