Atlanta United will host Charlotte Independence in the Round of 32 in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Thursday's draw revealed.
The match will be home for the 5-Stripes and will be played at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw on May 7, at 7:30 pm.
Charlotte Independence plays in the USL League One and is coached by Mike Jeffries. The club is based in Charlotte, N.C. and joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. This season, Charlotte Independence currently ranks sixth out of 12 teams with a 2-1-0 record in league play.
Atlanta United and Charlotte Independence are in the Alonso Division in the U.S. Open Cup which also includes Charleston Battery and South Georgia Tormenta FC.
What is the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup?
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination competition that features teams from a variety of American soccer leagues, including MLS and USL. The tournament is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S. and the third-longest-running open soccer tournament in the world.
As one of eight MLS clubs participating in this year's tournament, Atlanta United enters in the Round of 32.
Atlanta United’s participation in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Atlanta United was crowned champions of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2019. Atlanta United knocked off rival Orlando City 2-0 in the semifinals, then beat Minnesota United 2-1 in the final to win the first Open Cup title in club history.
In 2023, Atlanta United entered the tournament as the defending champions. In 2022, the competition returned after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Atlanta United beat Chattanooga FC 6-0 in the third round at Fifth Third Stadium. In the Round of 32, Atlanta United went toe-to-toe with MLS side Nashville SC but lost in extra time 3-2 and was eliminated.
Last year, Atlanta United entered the tournament in the Third Round and lost to Memphis 901 FC in extra time.
Round | Date of Fixtures |
|---|---|
Round of 32 | May 7-8 |
Round of 16 | May 21-22 |
Quarterfinals | July 9-10 |
Semifinals | August 27-28 |
Final | Sept. 25 |
