July 10 (2019)

MLS defending champion Atlanta United defeats St. Louis FC, 2-0, in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Ga. The defeat ends a storybook Open Cup campaign that saw second-division St. Louis FC defeat MLS opponents Chicago Fire and Cincinnati FC in the two previous rounds. St. Louis FC plays Atlanta United on almost even terms throughout much of the match. St. Louis FC goalkeeper Tomas Gomez makes several key saves in the first half. Teammate Sam Fink nearly scores in the 37th minute, but his header off a corner kick hits the near post. Atlanta United breaks through in the 52nd minute after Emerson Hyndman steals the ball and passes to Gonzalo Martinez for a shot and a goal. A goal on a penalty kick by Josef Martinez in stoppage time clinches the victory for Atlanta United. “I think the work the guys put in tonight was fantastic,” St. Louis FC head coach Anthony Pulis says. “Let’s have a bit of perspective. We’re playing against a top team with top players who can pull you apart and move the ball really quickly.” While St. Louis FC’s Open Cup journey ends, Atlanta United will go on to win the Open Cup by beating two MLS teams, Orlando City, 2-0, in the semifinals and Minnesota United, 2-1, in the final.