Atlanta United received a brief break from MLS play in their return to the U.S. Open Cup. Despite going down 1-0 early, Atlanta scored the next three to leave town with a 3-1 win over Chattanooga FC in the Round of 32. Saturday marks a return to league action against what will be an immensely tough opponent in Nashville SC, but let’s just enjoy the win for a little bit, right?
Here are some quick thoughts from Finley Stadium as Atlanta secures passage to the Round of 16 and a date with Charlotte FC:
A slow start, but a sweet finish
You knew that Chattanooga FC was going to be pushing for that first goal to take the wind out of Atlanta United’s sails. They did just that, through a goal in the 6th minute. From there, Atlanta fans couldn’t be blamed if they were fearing a one-and-done cupset just across the Tennessee border.
Fortunately, they kept their heads up and got the job done. Jay Fortune had a terrific match, setting up Cayman Togashi’s equalizer. Fafa Picault stuck with a ball in the box and gave Atlanta the lead just past the hour mark. Even Pedro Amador, whose form from 2024 has escaped him, got in on the action as he had all day to finish a Luke Brennan cross to give his team some breathing room.
MatÃas Galarza
This guy is good. The way he handles the ball, creates for others, and stays so poised under pressure is fantastic. When he signed for Atlanta on loan from River Plate, there were a few questions about how he’d do in MLS. In only a handful of matches, he’s shown what a valuable player he is in Atlanta’s midfield. It’s a given that his loan is going to be made permanent as he has a chance to be a strong building block for this club for years to come.
Survive and advance
The U.S. Open Cup is the easiest path to the Concacaf Champions Cup. Win five games and you’re in. As poorly as the MLS regular season has gone for Atlanta United, it would serve them well to make as heavy a push as possible and see if they can put together a deep run. While step one has been accomplished with tonight’s win at Chattanooga, Atlanta will face a much bigger challenge against Charlotte FC. Hopefully, they’ll give a good account of themselves and can make something out of a trip to North Carolina in a couple of weeks.
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Pedro’s form has not escaped him 😒 what has escaped is his ability to leave the bench for some reason😫
Wonder what kind of injury Almiron picked up and how serious it is. Will be interesting to see who lines up if he’s not ready for Saturday
I think its precautionary, but i could see Brennan and or Saba coming in for the start🤔