Atlanta United loses to DC United on penalties in Leagues Cup opener

Atlanta’s 2024 Leagues Cup run began Friday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against fellow MLS side DC United in the group stage. A wild game that saw five goals scored in total in the first half ended on penalties after a 3-3 draw at the end of regulation.

DC United won the penalty shootout 6-5 to earn two points in the group standings. Atlanta United earned a point for the draw in regulation time.

The top two from the group of three will advance to the knockout stage. Atlanta United and DC United have yet to face Santos Laguna of Liga MX.

It took about four minutes for DC goal scorer and captain Christian Benteke to score his fourth goal of the season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A pass cleared by Josh Cohen, who had been named interim goalkeeper under Rob Valentino’s starting XI, failed to cross the penalty area after the Atlanta United keeper received a back pass. Dominique Badji headed the ball toward goal and Benteke leapt, evaded Cohen and slotted the ball into an open net. A lengthy video review gave Atlanta United fans some hope that the goal would be disallowed. However, VAR upheld the decisive goal for DC

After a 2-1 comeback win over defending MLS champion Columbus Crew, Atlanta looked a bit distraught in the first 20 minutes of Friday’s game. But that all changed when the home team responded in the 20th minute. Determined and focused, Atlanta had its first attacking chance of the game when Brooks Lennon sent a right-footed cross into the box. Daniel Ríos’ header, which was marked from close range, tied the game 1-1.