Atlanta United vs. Minnesota United | 2019 US Open Cup Final Preview

USOC - 2019 - ATLvMIN

2019 U.S. Open Cup — Final
Atlanta United vs. Minnesota United
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
August 27 â€” 8:00 PM ET


STREAMING: ESPN+


Atlanta United and Minnesota United square off Tuesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with both teams looking to win a first-ever U.S. Open Cup title.


It’s the first-ever Open Cup final for both teams, who share more than just a common moniker. The Five Stripes and Loons are also 2017 expansion siblings.


Atlanta United


Atlanta United are looking to win a third championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in eight months after defeating the Portland Timbers to win MLS Cup and Club America in the Campeones Cup. The Five Stripes defeated rival Orlando City SC, 2-0, in the semifinals at Exploria Stadium Aug. 6. Eric Remedi and Emerson Hyndman scored a goal in each half. 


Back in Orlando Friday night, Atlanta continued the dominance of their Southern foe and remained in first place in the Eastern Conference, beating the Lions 1-0 as part of Heineken Rivalry Week. Josef Martinez scored the lone goal in the 60th minute, extending his MLS record scoring streak to 12 consecutive games. It was also his seventh career goal against Orlando, the most he's scored against a single MLS opponent. 


Minnesota United


Minnesota United booked their spot in the final by defeating Western Conference foe Portland Timbers 2-1 at Allianz Field Aug. 7. Darwin Quintero opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute. His sixth goal of the competition came after a handball called against Claude Dielna. The Timbers equalized in first-half stoppage time when Brian Fernandez latched onto a Jeremy Ebobisse one-touch pass and tucked it inside the far post. Mason Toye struck for the winner in the 64th minute when the young striker collected a long ball from Kevin Molino and curled his shot inside of the far post. 


On Thursday, a rotated Loons squad fell to Sporting Kansas City 1-0 at Children's Mercy Park. Erik Hurtado netted the winner two minutes from full time. Minnesota United fell to fourth in the West following the result, and combined with others, one point behind Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC and one point ahead of the LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes.


Series Matchup


  • This is the first meeting between Atlanta United and Minnesota United in the U.S. Open Cup


Officials


  • To be announced