Charlotte FC's Elimination by Atlanta United in Yesterday’s Open Cup

April 28, 2026

It was a night that promised momentum but ended in frustration for Charlotte FC.

In yesterday’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup clash, The Crown fell 2-0 to Atlanta United FC, bringing their cup run to an abrupt halt.

The match quickly tilted in Atlanta’s favor. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute, when Aleksei Miranchuk fired a precise left-footed strike into the top corner, giving the visitors early control. Charlotte struggled to respond, unable to convert possession into meaningful chances.

The second blow arrived in the 68th minute. Midfielder Cooper Sanchez capitalized on a defensive lapse, doubling Atlanta’s lead and effectively sealing the result. 

For Charlotte FC, the defeat is significant beyond the scoreboard. The club had entered the match riding mixed form in MLS, including a recent 2-1 loss to Nashville SC and a narrow win over New York City FC. The Open Cup offered a chance to reset momentum and push for silverware, something that remains a key benchmark for growth in their fifth MLS season. 

Instead, questions now turn to consistency. Under head coach Dean Smith, Charlotte has shown flashes of attacking quality this year, including a six-goal performance earlier in the season. But defensive lapses and missed opportunities continue to define their toughest nights.

Cup competitions often reveal a team’s identity under pressure. For Charlotte FC, this loss underscores the gap between potential and execution. While the MLS campaign still offers time to recover, the opportunity for a deep cup run and the statement it could have made has slipped away.

Now, the focus shifts back to league play, where The Crown must regroup quickly to keep its season on track.