May 20, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery are set to host MLS side Atlanta United on Tue., May 21, in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. Kickoff at Patriots Point is 7 p.m. ET and the match will stream for free via the U.S. Soccer website.
Charleston and Atlanta meet for the fourth time in the U.S. Open Cup and the first time in Charleston. Atlanta won the previous three meetings in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 editions of the tournament.
The Battery advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating South Georgia Tormenta FC, 3-2, after extra time. MD Myers was the hero of the day with a hat trick, including the match-winner in the 121st minute, the only minute of stoppage time issued by the referee. It’s the Battery’s first trip to the Round of 16 since 2013.
Atlanta arrive in the Lowcountry after cruising to victory over Charlotte Independence with a 3-0 win in Kennesaw. The match was scoreless at halftime, but United found the net three times in the second half and were powered by Nicolas Firmino’s brace. Atlanta reached the Round of 16 for the first time since 2019, when they went on to win the U.S. Open Cup.
Looking at the respective league tables, the Battery are first in the USL Championship and Atlanta are 20th in the MLS Supporters’ Shield (overall league) standings.
Storylines of the Match
Battery’s Quarterfinal Quest – Charleston have not reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup since the 2010 tournament. That year, the Battery defeated MLS’ Chicago Fire in the Round of 16 to progress to the quarterfinals. Charleston have reached the quarterfinals six times in club history (1999, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010).
Star Alumni Return – Several Battery greats plan to be in attendance for Tuesday’s game. The slate of alumni includes Ozzie Alonso as the honorary captain, along with Ian Fuller, John Wilson and Michael Anhaeuser, to name a few. Fans can expect more names to be announced prior to the match.
Past Atlanta Ties – Current Battery players Chris Allan and Jackson Conway have plenty of familiarity with the Atlanta United organization. Allan spent his rookie season with Atlanta United 2 in 2021. Conway rose through the ranks from the Atlanta academy to the first team from 2016 to 2023 and was their ninth Homegrown signing. While never part of the United organization, Academy midfielder Matthew Dean hails from Kennesaw, just outside of Atlanta.
The Doctor…