Atlanta United spent Monday’s training session and media availability away from, but not too far from, their usual spot at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. The team spent the morning traveling a few exits up I-75 in Kennesaw as they prepared for a midweek match in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Josh Cohen and other players who are not the regular starters could find playing time during the Open Cup encounter, which is scheduled between Atlanta United’s two Saturday MLS home games.
According to the plan, which was made available to the public on Monday, Cohen would get playing time on Tuesday night. This offseason, the goalie joined with Atlanta United, and he would be playing with the first squad for the first time.
“It’s different training versus games, so I’m really excited to get on the field with the guys,” Cohen said.
The 31-year-old has had two excellent performances for Atlanta United 2, an MLS NEXT Pro team. Cohen most recently made five stops in regulation during the 2s’ victory over New York City FC, including a fantastic stop on a free kick in the 39th minute.
I’mIn the penalty shootout, he added two more saves as he blocked the second and third attempts to give Atlanta a 4-2 victory.
Prior to making his debut appearance with the first team, the 6-foot-1 goalie gained confidence by recording back-to-back clean sheets in MLS NEXT Pro.
Cohen has received assistance from an experienced goalie room and has practiced with the first team the all season.
The youngest goalkeeper on the squad has received strong backing from the group that includes seasoned players Brad Guzan and Quentin Westberg as well as Liam Curran, who has been the first team goalkeepers coach since 2020.
The opportunity for Cohen arrives as Atlanta United prepares to face an opponent from a lower division. Charlotte Independence, which Atlanta United hosts in the Round of 32 on Tuesday night, plays in USL League One.
It’s part of the Open Cup’s DNA to feature teams from a variety of American soccer leagues. MLS teams will only play lower division opponents until it can’t be avoided, enhancing the tournament’s drama and appeal. Cohen, who has additional experience playing for USL sides and major soccer franchises overseas, knows what it’s like to be on either side of matchups like Tuesday’s in Kennesaw.
Cohen’s chance presents itself as Atlanta United gets ready to play a team in a lower level.
USL League One team Charlotte Independence will host Atlanta United in the Round of 32 on Tuesday night.
The Open Cup has always included clubs from different American soccer leagues. MLS teams will only face lower division opponents if they have no other choice, which will heighten the drama and allure of the competition.
Cohen, who has more experience playing soccer for large foreign soccer teams and USL teams, understands what it’s like to be on the winning or losing side of games like Tuesday’s in Kennesaw.
