From one regional rival to another, the Five Stripes are back on the road tonight as they head up to Bank of America Stadium for the first time since March of 2025. That second match of last year’s expectation filled MLS season still feels vivid, as Charlotte would go on to hand Atlanta their first of many losses on the schedule.
That wasn’t the last time Atlanta United made a trip up I-85, however. A U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 matchup in Matthews, North Carolina went in Atlanta’s favor back on April 28th to the tune of a 2-0 win against a somewhat rotated Charlotte lineup. This one might look a little different, but that elimination match should still be somewhat fresh in mind for both sides.
Let’s begin with some head-to-head stats, courtesy of stats.scarvesandspikes.com:
The Five Stripes have historically found more success on the road in the all-time head to head than at home against The Crown, but the series is still neck and neck as we enter the tenth meeting between the two teams. While Atlanta got back into the swing of things last Friday in a narrow 1-0 loss to league leading Nashville, this match will mark Charlotte FC’s first match in nearly two months due to the World Cup break.
Some changes were made over the break for Charlotte, the biggest being Wilfried Zaha departing the club after the conclusion of his loan at the end of June. The club worked quickly to sort a new Designated Player, former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin, but he will be not yet be available as his visa is sorted out.
A visa was sorted for one of Atlanta’s new signings, defender Júnior Alonso, which will help combat Atlanta’s ever growing injury list made even longer following the Nashville match. Stian Gregersen is available once again, but a hamstring injury to Jay Fortune will see him sidelined up to four weeks. Pedro Amador and Sergio Santos are also listed “out”, while Matt Edwards is questionable with a hamstring strain of his own. Another new face, Paulo Díaz, is still on visa watch.
Due to the steadily decreasing squad depth, Atlanta has decided to keep Cooper Sanchez with the squad, rather than release him for the U.S.’s U-19 Men’s National Team. He should be expected to feature in both of this week’s matches.
Before we get into this one, check out our 3 Questions series for tonight’s match with Charlotte Footy’s Colin Cerniglia:
Atlanta United at Charlotte FC: 3 questions about Charlotte with Colin Cerniglia
The scoop on Charlotte FC from Colin Cerniglia of Charlotte Footy.
Kickoff’s set for 8:15 PM ET tonight in Charlotte, again nationally televised on FS1 this time, or Apple TV as per usual. If audio is more your vibe, 92.9 The Game has your English language coverage, while La Mejor is your go-to for Spanish radio.
No matter where you are, or how things look on the pitch, feel free to chime in on the match down below in our match thread as the Five Stripes go again this evening.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Charlotte FC’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Kickoff Time: Wednesday, July 22nd, 8:15 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: FS1, FOX Deportes, Apple TV
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
This thread will be your match thread. We don’t have many rules here. We just ask that you don’t insult each other personally and treat each other with respect. Debates can get heated and that’s fine, but name-calling and petty insults will get you banned. If you see a comment that you feel is out of line, please report it and it will be dealt with.
I don’t understand the tactics in stoppage time. Hoyas just clearing with the hope we win a ball. ATL was lucky that Charlotte was unlucky with their shots. With our position in the table we should be playing to win.
Well done. As good as could have hoped I guess, when expecting a loss
Okay Miggy.
Both wingbacks really doing their jobs tonight.
Baez? Did not see that coming
Going to be another high xG low actual G game. 🙄
Why didn’t any more help on defense. This team is full of players that just don’t want to play for ATL. Also why can’t this team take shots rather than playing around in the final third. Surely they practice for scoring chances? I am a huge fan but can’t stomach the continued poor tactics.
No ELL at all?
possible outgoing transfer, there’s an article posted on it. Team is pretty non-committal except to say some conversations are being had.
Because it’s nationally televised, is the real kickoff at 8:30 with pregame from 8:15 or kick at 8:15 with pregame from 8?
yes 🙁
*sigh*
Would it be too much to ask for some measure of hope?