Atlanta Advances with 2-0 Cup Win

Atlanta United continued its push in tournament play Tuesday night, defeating Charlotte FC 2-0 at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex to advance to the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Goals from Alexey Miranchuk and Cooper Sanchez powered Atlanta on the road, as the club delivered a composed performance on both sides of the ball.

Atlanta wasted little time creating danger, earning its first chance in the eighth minute. After a recycled corner, Enea Mihaj found Miranchuk inside the box, but his curling left-footed effort was turned away by Charlotte goalkeeper Tyler Miller.

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute, sparked by a sharp attacking sequence. Luke Brennan combined with Jay Fortune before linking up with Miranchuk on a give-and-go near the top of the box. Atlanta’s captain did the rest, curling a stunning left-footed strike into the top-left corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta continued to press for a second goal before halftime. Brennan remained active on the wing, delivering a cross that found Matías Galarza in the 25th minute, but his header sailed over the bar. Later, Miranchuk nearly added an assist off a set piece, finding Mihaj, whose close-range header just missed high as Atlanta carried its one-goal advantage into the break.

The Five Stripes came out aggressive in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Elías Báez nearly doubled the lead after racing onto a long diagonal ball from Mihaj, but his near-post attempt was denied by Miller.

Midway through the half, Atlanta’s substitutions proved decisive. Ronald Hernández delivered a long ball into the attacking third, where Sanchez applied pressure, forcing a collision between Miller and his defender. The loose ball fell kindly to the Homegrown midfielder, who calmly slotted it home for his first career Atlanta United goal, extending the lead to 2-0.

From there, Atlanta controlled the match, limiting Charlotte’s opportunities and closing out the clean sheet to secure its place in the next round.

Atlanta’s quarterfinal matchup will take place May 19 or 20 against an opponent to be determined in Thursday’s draw.

Atlanta United returns to MLS action on Saturday, May 2, when it hosts CF Montréal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.