2026 US Open Cup Round of 16: Atlanta United gets “hard fought” win over Charlotte FC

Atlanta United’s squad found themselves playing their Southeastern rival earlier than anticipated when they were paired against Charlotte FC in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. In a game taking place a full three months before the Major League Soccer schedule had them meeting, it was Atlanta that was able to strike first blood. United earned a solid 2-0 victory at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, N.C. thanks to goals by Alexey Miranchuk and Cooper Sanchez and a clean sheet from goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert.

By handing Charlotte FC its first-ever home loss in Open Cup play, United advances to the Quarterfinals for the third time in club history (2019, 2024, 2026). The 2019 US Open Cup champions reach the quarters for the second tournament in a row after not entering last year’s competition due to their participation in the Leagues Cup.   

Both teams had dominant performances in the previous round of the Open Cup, with Charlotte FC winning 6-1 against Charlotte Independence, and Atlanta United winning 3-1 against Chattanooga FC. In MLS play, Charlotte FC faltered 4-2 against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC, while Atlanta United was able to secure a 2-1 win against Toronto FC. 

Atlanta United came out of the gate hot, forcing Charlotte FC goalkeeper Tyler Miller to save an early shot by Atlanta’s captain Miranchuk in the 8th minute. Missed attempts by Atlanta in the 17th and 19th minutes finally cleared the way for a goal in the 22nd minute. Miranchuk and Luke Brennan led an attack through the middle of the field with Miranchuk playing the ball to Brennan, who returned it to him just inside the top of the box. The Russian international paused momentarily, surveyed the goal and chipped it into the far left corner of the goal beyond Miller’s outstretched gloves in goal.

Atlanta United’s Assistant Coach Rodrigo Ríos, who was tied for the second leading scorer (3 goals, 3 assists) in the 2007 US Open Cup when he played for the Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL), was impressed by his team’s captain.

“I think all his talent is showing,” said Rios. “Everything that he can do with the ball, without the ball. How unselfish he is to help the team with whatever it takes.”

This is Miranchuk’s third season with Atlanta United, though this is his first year playing in the Open Cup.

The second half saw the shot counter lean in Charlotte’s favor, with their substitutions able to create more chances, but a defensive blunder between Charlotte defender Andrew Privett and goalkeeper Miller led to the second goal for the Five Stripes.

Sanchez saw his opportunity and took it in the 71st minute, only 8 minutes after having been substituted on. Sanchez has been with Atlanta United for two seasons after having played on Atlanta United 2, their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. Sanchez described the lead up to his first career Open Cup goal:

“I saw Hernandez with the ball. Brennan was staying so I decided to make a run to threaten the game. It was a little in front of me and the defender was in front of me but just never gave up on the play and ended up that they collided and just tapped it in.”

“I wouldn’t say that today was our prettiest football that we’ve played this year, but we came out with a 2-0 win – a hard fought win – and that’s the difference,” said Sanchez

After conceding two goals, the Crown couldn’t find their way back into the game. Shots by Nimfasha Berchimas and David Schnegg (both who were able to score in the Open Cup’s previous round) in stoppage time seemed like they were finally building into momentum, but it was too little too late and the final whistle blew.

Though Charlotte FC managed to possess the ball more than their southern neighbors, Atlanta United recorded more shots and in the end (10-8), their converted chances made all the difference.

Jayden Hibbert, Atlanta’s first round draft pick from 2024, had to make just two saves on the night as the United defense helped him earn a clean sheet. The Jamaican international earns his second straight Open Cup win.  

Atlanta United and Charlotte FC will play again in Charlotte on Wednesday, July 22. Charlotte FC will play their next MLS game this Saturday, May 2 as they travel to play the New England Revolution.  Atlanta United’s next MLS game is also this Saturday as they host CF Montreal. 

Atlanta’s next US Open Cup game will be in the Quarterfinals the week of May 19-20 with their opponent to be determined. The draw for the Quarterfinals will take place on Thursday.