Atlanta United vs. Minnesota for U.S. Open Cup

ajc.com

In a competition between MLS expansion teams from 2017, Atlanta United will host Minnesota in championship of the U.S. Open Cup on Aug. 27 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The game will kickoff at 8 p.m. and be televised on ESPN-plus.

Atlanta United advanced by defeating Orlando, 2-0, on Tuesday.

Minnesota advanced by defeating Portland 2-1 on Tuesday.

It is the first U.S. Open Cup title game for either team. The winning team will receive $300,000 and a berth in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League.

The two teams have experienced different paths since their first seasons.

Atlanta United has been the darlings of the league, winning the MLS Cup last season and setting numerous attendance records. It is again battling for first place in the Eastern Conference this season, despite dealing with a bevy of injuries to starting players.

Minnesota struggled in its first season, famously losing its first meeting with Atlanta United, 6-1, in the snow at the University of Minnesota's football stadium, which was its home. That marked Atlanta United's first win.

But the Loons, led by manager Adrian Heath, kept tinkering with the lineup, moved into its new home Allianz Field and is putting together its best season in MLS. The Loons  are 11-7-5 and in second place in the Western Conference.

Minnesota features goalkeeper Vito Mannone, centerback Ike Opara, fullback Romain Metanire, midfielders Ossie Alonzo and Kevin Molino and striker Darwin Quintero.

The team have played once this season, with Atlanta United winning, 3-0, May 29 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on two goals by Josef Martinez and another by Franco Escobar.