Atlanta United Advances in U.S. Open Cup with 3–1 Win Over Chattanooga

Atlanta United found its rhythm when it mattered most.

The Five Stripes knocked off Chattanooga FC 3–1 Wednesday night at Finley Stadium, getting goals from Cayman Togashi, Fafa Picault and Pedro Amador to punch their ticket to the Round of 16. With the win, Atlanta moves on to face Charlotte FC on the road later this month.

It didn’t start smoothly.

Chattanooga came out aggressive and struck early in the sixth minute. Tate Robertson sent a long ball down the right side, and Yves Tcheuyap ran onto it before firing a shot into the upper corner to give the home side a quick 1–0 lead.

Atlanta needed a response — and found one.

After an early chance from Togashi was handled by goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, the forward came through in the 21st minute. Jay Fortune created the moment, slipping past a defender on the left before sending a low cross toward the back post. Togashi met it with a sliding finish, leveling the match and grabbing his first goal of the season.

From there, Atlanta settled in.

The visitors controlled possession and tempo for long stretches, nearly taking the lead just before halftime when Ronald Hernández stepped forward and ripped a long-range effort that clipped the outside of the post.

The breakthrough finally came in the second half.

In the 64th minute, a well-worked sequence moved Atlanta in front. Juan Berrocal started the play with a line-breaking pass to Miguel Almirón, who drove into the box and laid it off. Togashi’s initial shot was blocked, but Picault was in the right place at the right time, calmly finishing off the post for his first goal in an Atlanta shirt.

Atlanta didn’t let up.

Pedro Amador added a third in the 75th minute, finishing off a sharp buildup that started down the right side. Luke Brennan’s cutback found Amador in space, and the defender made no mistake with a composed left-footed strike.

From there, Atlanta managed the match and saw out the result — a performance that showed composure after an early setback and efficiency when chances came.

Atlanta United now turns its attention back to league play, hosting Nashville SC on Saturday, April 18 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET), carrying momentum and a spot secured in the next round of the Open Cup.