In the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16, Atlanta United defeated USL Championship team Charleston Battery in penalty kicks on Tuesday night. The match’s victor was determined by a penalty shootout following regulation and extra time in a close match that ended in a 0-0 draw. Atlanta United advanced to the competition’s quarterfinals when goalie Josh Cohen deflected Charleston’s final kick over the crossbar.
“I’m super happy,” Atlanta United head coach Gonzalo Pineda said in his postmatch press conference.
On Tuesday, Atlanta United faced a challenge. The Charleston Battery, under the direction of head coach Ben Pirmann, came into the game riding high in the USL Championship Eastern Conference and undefeated in league action. The game proceeded in that manner as well, with Atlanta United starting a number of reserves, including two who were brought up on a temporary basis. For the full 120 minutes, the teams traded opportunities, but neither team was able to score.
Pineda’s starting lineup consisted of a combination of first and second team players, just like in the Round of 32 in the victory over Charlotte Independence. For Atlanta United, Cohen made his second start of the season in goal and recorded his second clean sheet. Two of the four players brought up on short-term contracts were Matt Edwards and Ashton Gordon, and they both got the start.
Atlanta United advances to the U.S. quarterfinals as a result. Open Cup, which has not occurred since 2019. The draw, which takes place on Wednesday night at 10 p.m. and is live-streamed on the official U.S. YouTube channel, will determine the details of the next match and opponent. football. Games in the quarterfinals are slated on July 9–10.
