By Billy McGee
April 27, 2026
Photo: Kurt Shackelford / CLTure
Charlotte FC will face southeastern foe Atlanta United in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 after coming out on top 6-0 against Charlotte Independence in the Round of 32 (the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs), with a chance to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in club history.
In the match against Independence, Charlotte FC fielded a rotated squad, giving younger and less-used players an opportunity to feature. Six different players scored for the Crown, including Henry Kessler, David Schnegg, Baye Coulibaly, and Nimfasha Berchimas, all of whom recorded their first goals for Charlotte. The match also marked the first start for Rodolfo Aloko, who went on to start the next three MLS matches for the club.
In the three MLS regular-season games leading up to the Open Cup match against Atlanta, Charlotte have been disappointing. They opened the stretch with a 2-1 win over New York City FC, with goals from Idan Toklomati and Kerwin Vargas, bouncing back in the second half after a poor first half in which they recorded zero shots.
The Crown then traveled to Orlando City for a midweek matchup and struggled again, conceding a season-high four goals in a loss, with the only consolation coming from Morrison Agyemang’s first goal for the club. They followed that up with a trip to Nashville to face the Eastern Conference leaders, but despite a stronger effort, Charlotte once again surrendered four goals in another defeat.
Charlotte FC seems to be trending in the wrong direction leading up to their matchup with Atlanta, having conceded eight of their season total of 18 goals allowed over a two-game span. However, this could be just the type of game they need to get back on track, with Atlanta struggling as well, having scored the second-fewest goals in MLS this season. Atlanta has won just two regular-season matches as they sit 13th in the MLS Eastern Conference, and their 3-1 win over Chattanooga FC in the U.S. Open Cup is their only other victory of the season.
There could be more squad rotation again for this match, but not to the extent of the Independence game, as they are further into the tournament with hopes of winning a trophy and are now facing top-division sides. Under head coach Dean Smith, Charlotte FC haven’t traditionally fielded their strongest XI in the U.S. Open Cup, instead prioritizing the MLS regular season. The match against Atlanta is the third consecutive midweek fixture for the Crown, so some rotation is still expected to keep legs fresh with a long season still ahead.
In order for Charlotte to win the match and advance to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup, they will need their defense to shake off recent poor performances and return to the form shown during their strong stretch in March and early April. As a team, they have allowed opponents a high volume of shots, ranking among the league’s worst in that category. However, many of those attempts have come from low-percentage areas, with Charlotte posting a relatively modest expected goals against (xGA) total compared to teams that have faced more shots, including Austin FC and Orlando City.
In the two most recent matches, that trend has continued, with Orlando City and Nashville both creating chances but Charlotte still conceding multiple goals despite relatively modest underlying xG allowed. Tim Ream has also missed the last two matches after coming off at halftime against New York City FC due to a groin injury. The reshuffling of the backline in his absence may be contributing to defensive instability and the increased goals conceded in recent weeks. In attack, players like Archie Goodwin, Rodolfo Aloko, and Idan Toklomati will need to step up and provide support alongside Biel and Wilfried Zaha if both feature.
If they win the match, it will be the first time the team has defeated a top-division side in an elimination round of a competition under Smith, having lost to D.C. United in the Round of 16 last season and knocked out of the playoffs in the first round in each of the past two seasons by Orlando City and New York City FC.
The match is set to be played on Tuesday, April 28, with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff at the Matthews Sportsplex. It will be available to watch on CBS Sports Network, Fubo Sports, and Paramount+ with tickets still available for purchase.
Following the match against Atlanta, Charlotte will hit the road to resume MLS play against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., with the match available to stream on Apple TV.
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