Noonan: Cincinnati not good enough to overlook anybody in playoff hunt

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Pat Noonan hinted at a growing concern about the engagement and energy within his FC Cincinnati team as their regular season draws closer to its conclusion.

Cincinnati’s winless league run extended to five matches going into the international break, losing 3-1 away to Eastern Conference strugglers CF Montreal.

Tom Barlow had cancelled out Daniel Rios’ early goal, but two strikes in the space of three second-half minutes from Prince Owusu was enough for the victory at Stade Saputo.

It’s a run of results that have seen Cincinnati’s playoff hopes put at risk. They are 10th in the East, sitting outside the postseason spots but level on points with New York City FC.

Cincinnati last failed to make the playoffs in 2021, and Noonan believes if the attitude does not change in his squad, then they will miss out on reaching the postseason.

“We’re not good enough to overlook anybody,” he said. “Missing players or not, they were in a more dire situation, and that’s why it’s confusing to not have more energy to play.

“There are guys that we could probably make changes with. That’s something to look at to see how you bring life and shake things up to see how we get out of that funk.

“Some guys looked tired. Some guys look uncertain of themselves on the field, and it doesn’t matter where you are in the standings, it doesn’t matter talent level, you have to care, and you have to bring the energy and the confidence in your play.”

Final. #AllForCincy | #MTLvCIN | 3-1 https://t.co/6OiQotUAG0

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 27, 2026

Cincinnati’s next clash sees them make the trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face an Atlanta United side that are also in with an outside chance of reaching the playoffs.

Atlanta are 14th in the East but only six points adrift of the postseason places, having come from behind twice to draw 2-2 with NYCFC in their last league match.

Elias Baez has enjoyed a strong first season since joining the Five Stripes from San Lorenzo in February, and he remains confident his team can reach the playoffs.

“We’re going to fight to make the playoffs,” Baez said.

“We want all the people to come for these matches, that it’s going to be a great help for us to have a crowd at home that makes us stronger.”

When asked about making a new start in the United States, Baez added: “It’s about adapting to the country, the club, how things are here.

“I think gradually adapting [to a new country] will help you grow personally as a player.”

Atlanta United – Giuliano Galoppo

Galoppo scored just 10 minutes into his first career regular-season home game for Atlanta, netting in their draw with NYCFC last month.

He is one of 10 players to score in his first regular-season home match for the Five Stripes, something no player has done in their first two.

Evander has 26 goal contributions this season (13 goals, 13 assists), second in MLS behind only Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi (34).

This is the third straight season Evander has recorded at least 13 goals and 13 assists, one of two players to do so in three straight seasons in MLS history (Messi 2024-26).

From the training ground. https://t.co/QwduGNx0wn

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) October 7, 2026

Atlanta have lost two of eight all-time home games against Cincinnati (W4 D2). The two defeats, 2-1 losses in 2023 and 2024, were the only two home matches in which Atlanta has trailed at all against them, going behind for a total of 46 minutes, 16 seconds over the eight matches.

The Five Stripes also avoided defeat for the fourth time in five matches with a 2–2 draw against NYCFC on September 26 (W1 D3). Atlanta have scored multiple goals in eight of their last 12 regular-season matches (18 goals) after finding the net more than once in just four of their first 15 league games this year (14 goals).

Cincinnati, meanwhile, have won only one of their 14 regular-season away matches (D6 L7) in 2026, including going winless in eight straight on the road (D4 L4). From 2023 to 2025, they had 29 regular-season away wins, six more than any other team over that time (Orlando City – 23).

MLS News

Sorensen accepts blame as Vancouver suffer defeat at Chicago

MLS News

Sorensen: Vancouver cannot ‘flip a coin’ against Chicago

MLS News

Wicky excited to see Sporting KC’s confidence build

MLS News

‘Concern has never been a thing’ for St. Louis boss Damet

MLS News

Muller extends Vancouver stay through 2027 MLS Sprint Season

MLS News

Gonzalez fumes at ‘refereeing mistakes’ in Miami’s defeat to Columbus

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.