Atlanta United FC 3 - 0 Charlotte Independence

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Charlotte Independence fell to regional foe and MLS side Atlanta United FC on Tuesday evening at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in the Round of 32 of the 2024 U.S. Open Cup. In the 10-year-old club's third matchup against MLS opposition and first since 2015, the Independence were outplayed on the offensive end of the pitch, as the hosts out-shot and out-possessed the Jacks by sizeable margins.

Following a scoreless first half, former New England Revolution II and Union Omaha midfielder Nick Firmino opened the scoring for the Five Stripes in the 52nd minute with his second goal for the senior team across all competitions. Firmino added a second to his side's tally in the 71st minute before Daniel Ríos tapped in Atlanta's third in the 85th minute.

Charlotte's trip to the Round of 32 marks the best finish in the U.S. Open Cup for the Jacks since advancing to the Round of 16 of the 2015 U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural season.

USLLEAGUEONE.COM PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Nick Firmino (ATL) – The 2020 USL League One All-League Second Team midfielder and 2021 USL League One champion has enjoyed a successful career within the Atlanta United FC organization. The 23-year-old Brazilian registered his sixth professional brace and completed 83% of his passes, created two chances and won six duels.

SCORING SUMMARY

ATL – Firmino (Edwards) 52' - WATCH
ATL – Firmino (Wiley) 71' - WATCH
ATL – Ríos (Silva) 85' - WATCH