A method for assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes providing a combustor having a combustor liner assembly defining a combustion chamber. An outer combustor liner includes a radially extending first end that defines a combustion chamber input opening. An axially extending second end of the outer combustor liner defines a combustion chamber output opening. The first end transitions into the second end to form an arcuate cross-sectional shape of the outer combustor liner. A dome assembly is coupled to the first end of the combustor liner that extends downstream from the dome assembly. A fuel nozzle is positioned within a cyclone formed on the dome assembly and configured in a radial configuration.