Starting XI and roster notes: Martino swaps lines for Open Cup quarterfinals

In the second of two matches against rivals Orlando City SC, the chance for cup competition glory makes Tuesday night's battle a completely new affair. The 5-Stripes will kick off against the Lions at 7:30 p.m. ET, rolling out a different starting lineup than we've seen this year. 

Jayden Hibbert continues his run as Atlanta United's cup keeper in goal, defended by Pedro Amador, Matt Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández and Elías Báez. That's right, four natural fullbacks form what may look like a back five, a new setup for the 5-Stripes in recent matches. 

In the midfield, it's a trio of Homegrown talent in Will Reilly, Jay Fortune and Cooper Sanchez. They're all playing some of the best football of their young careers, and now is the perfect time in a rivalry match to show how much it means to them. 

Up front, Alexey Miranchuk and Emmanuel Latte Lath lead the lines. We'll see how they're positioned tactically, one in front of the other or two No. 9s or some other setup. As Orlando City faces its third match in almost a week's time, head coach Tata Martino and his staff are throwing them a curveball. 

Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United at Orlando City SC:

Jayden Hibbert, Pedro Amador, Matt Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández, Elías Báez, Jay Fortune, Will Reilly, Cooper Sanchez, Emmanuel Latte Lath, Alexey Miranchuk (C), 

Reserves: Lucas Hoyos, Juan Berrocal, Tomás Jacob, Tristan Muyumba, Matías Galarza, Saba Lobjanidze, Sergio Santos

Roster Notes:

-- Alexey Miranchuk starts and captains for Atlanta United. The forward leads the team with 8 goal contributions in all competitions this season. His curling effort into the top corner was voted the Goal of the Round of 16 in the Open Cup. Miranchuk also was voted onto the bench for the Team of the Round by U.S. Soccer.

-- Jay Fortune starts fresh off a second consecutive match with a goal against Orlando Saturday. The Homegrown midfielder earned Atlanta United a point in the 1-1 draw. 

-- Cooper Sanchez returns from an illness to start in the midfield. The 18-year-old scored the first goal of his Atlanta United career in the Round of 16 match against Charlotte FC April 28. 

-- Ronald Hernández is in line for his fourth start of the 2026 season, and first since the Round of 32 match against Chattanooga FC April 15. 

-- Back in 2019, Atlanta United defeated Orlando City 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium in the semifinals of the U.S Open Cup. This will be the second meeting between the sides in the historic competition.

-- The quarterfinals of this year's Open Cup features entirely MLS sides. Should they win Tuesday night, the 5-Stripes will face either Columbus Crew or New York City FC.