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2
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FT
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0 |  |
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Randi Paterson (T. Yoshitake) 1’
Tsuyoshi Yoshitake (John Wilson) 32’
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28’ Sappia Venn – SENT OFF
66’ Robert Munilla – SENT OFF
69’ Leo Sandoval – SENT OFF
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Atlanta FC’s dream of a run in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup fell short as they unable to pull off the upset against the Charleston Battery (USL-1) falling 2-0 at Blackbaud Stadium. Goals from Randi Patterson and Tsuyoshi Yoshitake propelled the Battery to the Second Round.
The match, broadcast live on USLLive.com, was a tale of two different clubs. Atlanta FC, the first team to qualify out of Georgia since 1991 (Atlanta Datagraphics), were overpowered for a majority of the match against a Charleston Battery side who have participated in six straight Open Cups, and 10 of the last 11.
No sooner had the national anthem finished than Atlanta FC found themselves down one goal as a corner from Tsuyoshi Yoshitake found Randi Patterson in the box, heading in the first goal 37 seconds into the match. Charleston showed no signs of fatigue, having played three games in the last five days, as they controlled the match from the start. Atlanta FC soon settled down and maintained possession, but could not force a single shot on Battery keeper Keith Wiggans.
The match began to get scrappy in the 28th minute as Venn Sappia was ejected during an incident off the ball. Later, the report showed an apparent ’hand-to-face’ incident prompted the Sappia ejection.
After the situation calmed, the Battery did not waste time any time. John Wilson beat his man down the left flank and played a pinpoint cross into Yoshitake, who volleyed it home from six yards out, giving the Battery a 2-0 lead that they held until the halftime break.
The second half was more of the same, as Atlanta FC crippled their upset chances by earning two more red cards and finishing with only eight men. Atlanta FC’s coach was also sent off in the second half, as the NPSL side failed to gain any momentum and saw their US Open Cup run come to an end.
Charleston advance to the Second Round to take on Miami FC, 8pm ET at Tropical Park in Miami, Fla.