Coywolves face Atlanta United 2 in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on October 16 at 6 PM ET.
Connecticut (October 14, 2026) - CT United FC’s inaugural season continues onto the postseason stage Friday, as the Coywolves travel to face Atlanta United 2 in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 6 PM ET at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta, Georgia, with live coverage on MLSNEXTPro.com and OneFootball. Local broadcast available at WWAX-TV. Watching from Connecticut? Join the pack at CT United’s official watch parties at Blind Rhino in Milford and Harp and Dragon in Norwich. Find details below.
After earning a playoff berth in its first season, CT United now has an opportunity to take another step forward. The seventh-seeded Coywolves will face third-seeded Atlanta, which selected Connecticut during the league’s Pick-Your-Opponent process. Both clubs are making their MLS NEXT Pro playoff debuts.
CT United punched its postseason ticket with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Inter Miami CF II on Decision Day in Bridgeport. Bryan Destin and Barnabás Tanyi each scored a hat trick, while Daniel D’Ippolito added a stoppage-time goal to cap the afternoon. After Miami drew level early in the second half, the Coywolves answered with five consecutive goals to secure their place in the playoffs.
That performance offers an encouraging foundation heading into Friday. CT United generated 29 shots, including 13 on target, against Miami, showing the attacking threat it will look to carry into the postseason. For head coach Shavar Thomas’ side, the challenge will be pairing that threat with the defensive discipline needed to advance on the road.
At the back, Lukas Kamrath has been a constant for the Coywolves, appearing in all 28 regular-season matches and leading the team with 2,363 minutes played. Behind him, goalkeeper Gunther Rankenburg recorded 66 saves and three clean sheets across 22 starts. Both will be important to Connecticut’s efforts to contain Atlanta’s attack and keep its inaugural playoff run moving forward.
Atlanta presents a demanding test. The hosts finished the regular season with 48 points and feature Golden Boot winner Arif Kovac, who scored 20 goals, alongside Playmaker of the Year Cameron Dunbar, whose 13 assists tied the league’s single-season record. Limiting the time and space available to that attacking duo will be a key part of Connecticut’s task.
Friday also brings a return to the site of the teams’ only regular-season meeting. Atlanta won that September 8 encounter 4-1, with CT United playing much of the second half with 10 men. D’Ippolito scored for the Coywolves in the 79th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1 before Atlanta added two late goals.
Three to Watch
Barnabás Tanyi | 16 goals, 7 assists
CT United’s leading scorer enters the postseason following a Decision Day hat trick. His ability to finish chances and create opportunities for teammates makes him a central figure in the Coywolves’ attack.
Bryan Destin | 8 goals in 8 appearances
Destin made an immediate impact during the regular season and delivered when the stakes were highest, scoring three times in the playoff-clinching win over Miami. His scoring form gives Connecticut another dangerous option in front of goal.
Lukas Kamrath | 28 matches, 2,363 minutes
The team’s leader in minutes played has provided continuity at the heart of the defense throughout the inaugural season. His positioning and ability to break up attacks will be important against an Atlanta side featuring two of the league’s top attacking performers.
The rematch offers Connecticut a fresh opportunity with its season on the line. A composed start, sharp execution in front of goal and concentration through the closing minutes will be central to the Coywolves’ pursuit of their first postseason victory.
An inaugural season that has already delivered a playoff berth now reaches its next defining moment.
Watch With the Pack
CT United will host two watch parties for Friday’s playoff match, bringing Coywolves fans together to cheer on the club in its first postseason appearance:
- Blind Rhino — Milford, CT
- Harp and Dragon — Norwich, CT
Bring your crew, wear your purple and join fellow supporters as CT United takes on Atlanta United 2. Kickoff is at 6 PM ET on Friday, October 16.