Atlanta United Draws Chattanooga FC In U.S. Open Cup

The official draw for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup took place on Friday, which determined Atlanta United’s opponent in the tournament. The club will face Chattanooga FC (NISA) in the third round and the date of the fixture will be between April 19-21.

The competition returns this year after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Atlanta United is the current champion and won the title in 2019. Since it's been awhile since the previous U.S. Open Cup, here's a brief refresher about the tournament.

What The U.S. Open Cup Is

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, referred to more commonly as the Open Cup, is a single-elimination competition that features teams from a variety of American soccer leagues, including MLS and USL. The Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S. and the third-longest-running open soccer tournament in the world.

More than 100 teams qualified for this year’s tournament. A look at the bracket can be a little overwhelming with that many teams competing, so it’s easier to think of it round-by-round. As an MLS club, Atlanta United enters the tournament in the third round, which will take place April 19-21. Rounds 1 and 2 have been completed and feature mostly lower division clubs.

In the third round, 17 of the 25 eligible MLS clubs enter the competition. A group of eight MLS clubs enter in the next round, the Round of 32.

The winner of the Open Cup will win prize money and earn an automatic spot in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League.

Atlanta United’s Participation

Atlanta United is the current champion of the Open Cup. In 2019, Atlanta United knocked off rival Orlando City 2-0 in the semifinals and Minnesota United 2-1 in the final to win the trophy and the first Open Cup title in club history.

Atlanta United enters this year’s tournament in the third round. Entrance into the third round means that Atlanta United will need to win six matches to be crowned champions.