Atlanta United dominates in 3-0 win over Charlotte Independence in US Open Cup

“The first (goal) was very important,” Nick Firmino said after the match. “The more we let them hang around, 0-0 in the 60th or 70th minute, the more confidence they have. As far as goals are concerned, these are our principles: overload the wings, try to cross into the box. I was in good places and they found me.”

Bartosz Slisz and Xande Silva both replaced Dax McCarty and Brennan respectively in the 72nd. Atlanta continued to look for that third goal. Daniel Rios was rewarded for his hard work of the evening by scoring Atlanta’s final goal. Silva, who missed time due to injury, got back into shape by winning a tight pass in the box to Rios.

As time went on, the match turned into a keep away game for all 5 cushions as they battled to get a clean sheet for Josh Cohen, who made his Atlanta United debut in this match . In the 88th minute, Adyn Torres came on in place of Firmino.

With just two minutes of stoppage time to add, Atlanta United was able to get back into the win column and advance to the next round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in dominant fashion.