Atlanta United at Orlando City for U.S. Open semis
Atlanta United will play at Orlando in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup, according to the results of a blind draw held by U.S. Soccer at 2 p.m. Thursday.
The game will be played at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 6.
While the draw to host a semifinal didn’t go Atlanta United’s way, in another draw it did win first priority to host the U.S. Open Cup championship Aug. 27 or 28, should it defeat Orlando.
In the Western semifinal, Minnesota will host Portland.
Atlanta United will host the L.A. Galaxy on Aug. 3 and NYCFC on Aug. 11. Orlando City will host Dallas on Aug. 3 and will travel to Toronto on Aug. 10.
The team that wins the U.S. Open Cup will receive an automatic berth in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League and $300,000.
Atlanta United advanced to the semifinals with a 2-0 win against Saint Louis FC at Kennesaw State because of goals by Pity Martinez and Josef Martinez.
Orlando advanced past New York City FC 5-4 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Atlanta United is 5-0-2 against Orlando with victories punctuated by memorable moments:
- Hector Villalba's wonder strike, which was later voted the MLS goal of the year, to secure a 1-0 win in the first meeting in Orlando on July 21, 2017.
- The teams met on July 29, 2017 and Villalba salvaged a draw with a goal in the second minute of stoppage time.
- Josef Martinez setting the MLS single-season scoring record with his 28th goal in a 2-1 win at Orlando on Aug. 24, 2018.
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