:2019 U.S. Open Cup final

{{further|2019 U.S. Open Cup}}

The U.S. Open Cup is an annual soccer competition open to adult teams in the United States that are affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation. Its 84 participants include professional and amateur teams, with the exception of reserve and academy teams that are directly owned and operated by Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs.{{cite news |date=May 6, 2019 |title=Five Things to Know About the 2019 Open Cup |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/05/five-things-to-know-about-the-2019-open-cup |publisher=U.S. Soccer |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809061220/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/05/five-things-to-know-about-the-2019-open-cup |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Rodriguez |first=Alicia |date=January 31, 2019 |title=2019 US Open Cup format and schedule released |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/01/31/2019-us-open-cup-format-and-schedule-released |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809135835/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/01/31/2019-us-open-cup-format-and-schedule-released |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} The 2019 tournament was the 106th edition of the U.S. Open Cup, the oldest ongoing soccer tournament in the United States.{{cite news |last=Fontela |first=Jonah |date=August 5, 2019 |title=Then There Were Four: USOC 2019 Semifinal Preview |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/then-there-were-four-usoc2019-semifinal-preview |publisher=U.S. Soccer |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809061220/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/then-there-were-four-usoc2019-semifinal-preview |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} The 21 eligible MLS teams entered in the fourth round, facing teams from the USL Championship and National Premier Soccer League.{{cite news |last=Dyer |first=Kristian |date=June 10, 2019 |title=U.S. Open Cup fourth round preview: Will MLS teams show their superiority? |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-open-cup/0/blog/post/3872629/us-open-cup-fourth-round-preview-will-mls-teams-show-their-superiority |publisher=ESPN |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809061218/https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-open-cup/0/blog/post/3872629/us-open-cup-fourth-round-preview-will-mls-teams-show-their-superiority |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=May 30, 2019 |title=Exciting Rivalry Matches Highlight 2019 U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round Pairings |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/05/exciting-rivalry-matches-highlight-2019-us-open-cup-fourth-round-pairings |publisher=U.S. Soccer |access-date=December 13, 2019}}

The finalists, Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC, both play in MLS and entered the league during the 2017 season as expansion teams.{{cite news |last=Eliason |first=Kyle |date=August 8, 2019 |title=Minnesota United tops Portland Timbers to advance to U.S. Open Cup final |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/minnesota-united-fc/minnesota-united-final-win-portland-timbers-quintero-toye-heath-usoc/ |work=Pro Soccer USA |publisher=Tribune Publishing |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809061909/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/minnesota-united-fc/minnesota-united-final-win-portland-timbers-quintero-toye-heath-usoc/ |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} Both teams represented states that had never sent a team to a U.S. Open Cup final.{{cite news |last=De Witt |first=Matthew |date=August 8, 2019 |title=2019 US Open Cup Semifinals: Mason Toye's winner sends Minnesota United past Timbers, into first-ever Final |url=https://thecup.us/2019/08/08/2019-us-open-cup-semifinals-mason-toyes-winner-sends-minnesota-united-past-timbers-into-first-ever-final/ |work=TheCup.us |access-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810041538/https://thecup.us/2019/08/08/2019-us-open-cup-semifinals-mason-toyes-winner-sends-minnesota-united-past-timbers-into-first-ever-final/ |archive-date=August 10, 2019 |url-status=live }} Their most recent meeting, played in May at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ended in a 3–0 victory for Atlanta.{{cite news |last=Boehm |first=Charles |date=August 8, 2019 |title=Atlanta vs. Minnesota: Your early US Open Cup final preview |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/08/08/atlanta-vs-minnesota-your-early-us-open-cup-final-preview |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 13, 2019}}

Atlanta United FC, the defending MLS Cup champions,{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Atlanta United tops Orlando, will play for U.S. Open Cup title |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-tops-orlando-will-play-for-open-cup-title/XQ4tWl1uVqBxJMN9gFHdjP/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807144114/https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-tops-orlando-will-play-for-open-cup-title/XQ4tWl1uVqBxJMN9gFHdjP/ |archive-date=August 7, 2019 |url-status=live }} were eliminated by the Chicago Fire in the Round of 16 during the previous edition of the U.S. Open Cup. The match was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and set a new attendance record for the competition, with 41,012 spectators.{{cite news |last=Northam |first=Mitchaell |date=June 20, 2018 |title=Nikolić goal pushes Chicago Fire past Atlanta United in U.S. Open Cup |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/us-soccer/chicago-fire-atlanta-united-us-open-cup-nikolic/ |work=Pro Soccer USA |publisher=Tribune Publishing |access-date=August 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808043758/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/us-soccer/chicago-fire-atlanta-united-us-open-cup-nikolic/ |archive-date=August 8, 2019 |url-status=live }} They were scheduled to play their first match of the 2019 tournament on June 11 against the Charleston Battery in Charleston, South Carolina, but field conditions caused by heavy rain forced it to be moved to Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia.{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=June 11, 2019 |title=Atlanta United vs. Charleston postponed |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-charleston-postponed/jigY4okiSGQGUXMIwAD3NP/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=December 14, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Atlanta United will play Charleston in Kennesaw in a closed game |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-will-host-charleston-open-cup/7s7oxO74lqKXZDHN7guktI/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=August 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808043759/https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-will-host-charleston-open-cup/7s7oxO74lqKXZDHN7guktI/ |archive-date=August 8, 2019 |url-status=live }} The match was played behind closed doors on June 13 and ended in a 3–1 victory for Atlanta United. The hosts fell behind in the 20th minute to a goal by Charleston's Ian Svantesson, but equalized through Romario Williams in the 79th minute. In extra time, substitute striker Brandon Vazquez scored twice to earn his team a place in the Round of 16.{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Atlanta United gets late rally—two goals from Vazquez—to advance in U.S. Open Cup |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-advances-open-cup/hXbwGH41qb4Q4lCUe1W3pO/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=December 14, 2019}}

Atlanta played away to the Columbus Crew in the Round of 16 after being drawn into the Mideast regional bracket.{{cite news |date=June 13, 2019 |title=2019 US Open Cup Tournament Bracket Round of 16 schedule set |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/06/2019-us-open-cup-tournament-bracket-round-of-16-schedule-set |publisher=U.S. Soccer |access-date=December 14, 2019}} Atlanta took a 2–0 lead in the opening fourteen minutes, with Vazquez scoring his third goal of the tournament and defender Miles Robinson scored his first professional goal.{{cite news |last=Fuhrmeister |first=Chris |date=June 19, 2019 |title=Miles Robinson's first Atlanta United goal was no stroke of luck |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/miles-robinson-first-goal-atlanta-united/ |work=Pro Soccer USA |publisher=Tribune Publishing |access-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719165852/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/miles-robinson-first-goal-atlanta-united/ |url-status=dead }} David Accam scored for Columbus before halftime, but Vazquez added a third goal for Atlanta in the 65th minute to maintain the two-goal lead. Six minutes later, a cross from the Crew's Waylon Francis was deflected by Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan into his own net for an own goal. After an hour-long rain delay, Atlanta United held on to win 3–2 and advance to the quarterfinals.{{cite news |last=Jardy |first=Adam |date=June 18, 2019 |title=Atlanta United 3, Crew SC 2: US Open Cup run comes to an end |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20190618/atlanta-united-3-crew-sc-2--us-open-cup-run-comes-to-end |work=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-date=August 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826051418/https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20190618/atlanta-united-3-crew-sc-2--us-open-cup-run-comes-to-end |url-status=dead }} Atlanta fielded most of its first team in the quarterfinals against Saint Louis FC, a USL team that had eliminated two MLS teams in prior rounds of the tournament.{{cite news |date=July 11, 2019 |title=STLFC knocked out of Open Cup with loss to Atlanta United |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/soccer/stlfc-knocked-out-of-open-cup-with-loss-to-atlanta/article_9728b152-3a07-5048-8eb0-a109bc48a210.html |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809063503/https://www.stltoday.com/sports/soccer/stlfc-knocked-out-of-open-cup-with-loss-to-atlanta/article_9728b152-3a07-5048-8eb0-a109bc48a210.html |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} Atlanta outshot Saint Louis 21–11 and had the majority of possession, but were unable to score in the first half. The scoreless match was broken in the 53rd minute, when Pity Martínez scored from within the penalty area. A penalty kick, awarded to Atlanta during stoppage time after a foul on Dion Pereira, was converted by Josef Martínez to end the match with a 2–0 victory.{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=July 10, 2019 |title=Pity Martinez goal lifts Atlanta United to U.S. Open Cup semis |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/pity-martinez-goal-lifts-atlanta-united-open-cup-semis/LH5QnKCc5G2MskgfBLX0XN/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809063504/https://www.ajc.com/sports/pity-martinez-goal-lifts-atlanta-united-open-cup-semis/LH5QnKCc5G2MskgfBLX0XN/ |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In its semifinal fixture against Orlando City SC, Atlanta took the lead in the 37th minute through a goal by Eric Remedi after his initial shot was saved by goalkeeper Adam Grinwis. After two chances to equalize were missed by Orlando, Atlanta's Emerson Hyndman scored his first goal for the club, giving the visitors a 2–0 win and their first berth to the U.S. Open Cup final.{{cite news |last=Poe |first=Julia |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Orlando City falls 2–0 to Atlanta United in semifinals of U.S. Open Cup |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/orlando-city-sc/orlando-city-falls-2-0-to-atlanta-united-in-semifinals-of-u-s-open-cup/ |work=Pro Soccer USA |publisher=Tribune Publishing |access-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-date=August 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807095003/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/orlando-city-sc/orlando-city-falls-2-0-to-atlanta-united-in-semifinals-of-u-s-open-cup/ |url-status=dead }}

Minnesota United FC, nicknamed the Loons, began their U.S. Open Cup campaign in the fourth round with a match against Sporting Kansas City at their home stadium, Allianz Field. Minnesota took the lead in the second minute through a goal by Ángelo Rodríguez, but Kansas City's Gerso Fernandes scored an equalizer in the 27th minute to keep the teams level at halftime. In the first 20 minutes of the second half, Minnesota scored three goals to clinch their place in the Round of 16, including a brace by Darwin Quintero.{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Megan |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Minnesota United advances in U.S. Open Cup with 4–1 win over Sporting Kansas City |url=http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-advances-in-u-s-open-cup-with-4-1-win-over-sporting-kansas-city/511219902/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=August 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808043759/http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-advances-in-u-s-open-cup-with-4-1-win-over-sporting-kansas-city/511219902/ |archive-date=August 8, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In the Round of 16, the Loons played away to the defending U.S. Open Cup champions, the Houston Dynamo. The fixture was a rematch of the 2018 U.S. Open Cup's Round of 16, in which Houston eliminated Minnesota. The Dynamo took a 2–0 lead in the first half with goals by Ronaldo Peña and Tomás Martínez. Quintero scored another brace to equalize for Minnesota, with goals in the 66th minute and in the 82nd minute from long range. Substitute forward Mason Toye scored on a tap-in in the 89th minute to complete a 3–2 comeback victory for Minnesota United as they advanced to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals for the first time in club history.{{cite news |last=Dart |first=Tom |date=June 19, 2019 |title=Minnesota United mounts late comeback to top Houston 3–2 in U.S. Open Cup |url=http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-mounts-late-comeback-to-top-houston-3-2-in-u-s-open-cup/511491302/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810014942/http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-mounts-late-comeback-to-top-houston-3-2-in-u-s-open-cup/511491302/ |archive-date=August 10, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=June 19, 2019 |title=Road Warriors Atlanta United, Minnesota United Advance on Opening Night of 2019 U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/06/atlanta-minnesota-united-advance-opening-night-2019-us-open-cup-round-of-16 |publisher=U.S. Soccer |access-date=December 15, 2019}}

In the quarterfinals, Minnesota United hosted USL side New Mexico United, who had defeated two MLS teams in earlier rounds and arranged a special charter flight for 400 of their fans to attend the match at Allianz Field.{{cite news |last=Yodice |first=James |date=July 6, 2019 |title=NM United becomes major local attraction |url=https://www.abqjournal.com/1337170/nm-united-becomes-major-local-attraction.html |work=Albuquerque Journal |access-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810020844/https://www.abqjournal.com/1337170/nm-united-becomes-major-local-attraction.html |archive-date=August 10, 2019 |url-status=live }} Santi Moar scored the opening goal for New Mexico in the seventh minute, but the Loons responded with five goals before halftime and an additional goal in the second half.{{cite news |last=Tomasson |first=Chris |date=July 10, 2019 |title=United's U.S. Open Cup run comes to an end |url=https://www.abqjournal.com/1338865/uniteds-u-s-open-cup-run-comes-to-an-end.html |work=Albuquerque Journal |access-date=December 15, 2019}} The equalizer for Minnesota was scored in the tenth minute by Ángelo Rodríguez, who went on to earn a first-half hat-trick to add to goals by teammates Darwin Quintero and Ján Greguš; Miguel Ibarra was the lone goalscorer in the second half, finishing his first home goal of the season in the 62nd minute.{{cite news |last=Greder |first=Andy |date=July 10, 2019 |title=Loons run in U.S. Open Cup continues with 6–1 win over New Mexico |url=https://www.twincities.com/2019/07/10/minnesota-uniteds-run-in-u-s-open-cup-continues-with-6-1-win-over-new-mexico/ |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |access-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712185014/https://www.twincities.com/2019/07/10/minnesota-uniteds-run-in-u-s-open-cup-continues-with-6-1-win-over-new-mexico/ |archive-date=July 12, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Eliason |first=Kyle |date=July 10, 2019 |title=Minnesota United scores six, ending New Mexico United's U.S. Open Cup hopes |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/minnesota-united-fc/minnesota-new-mexico-united-open-cup-final-score-mls-usl/ |work=Pro Soccer USA |publisher=Tribune Publishing |access-date=December 15, 2019 |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216071707/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/minnesota-united-fc/minnesota-new-mexico-united-open-cup-final-score-mls-usl/ |url-status=dead }}

Minnesota hosted the Portland Timbers in the semifinals in a rematch of an MLS fixture three days earlier at Allianz Field that ended in a 1–0 victory for the hosts.{{cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Jamie |date=August 7, 2019 |title=Portland Timbers ousted by Minnesota United in semifinals of U.S. Open Cup |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2019/08/portland-timbers-ousted-by-minnesota-united-in-semifinals-of-us-open-cup.html |work=The Oregonian |access-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809125814/https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2019/08/portland-timbers-ousted-by-minnesota-united-in-semifinals-of-us-open-cup.html |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} The Loons took the lead in the 22nd minute with Darwin Qunitero's penalty, which was awarded after a free kick struck defender Claude Dielna's hand. Portland's Brian Fernández equalized for his side in first half stoppage time with a close-range shot, but Minnesota retook the lead in the 64th minute through a goal by Mason Toye, who finished a long run with a shot from inside the box. Portland missed a chance to equalize in stoppage time after a shot by Sebastian Blanco bounced off goalkeeper Vito Mannone and hit the post before heading wide, giving the Loons a 2–1 victory.{{cite news |last=Zgoda |first=Jerry |date=August 8, 2019 |title=Minnesota United hangs on to defeat Portland 2–1 and advance to U.S. Open Cup final |url=http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-hangs-on-to-defeat-portland-2-1-and-advance-to-u-s-open-cup-final/526620351/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808131813/http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-hangs-on-to-defeat-portland-2-1-and-advance-to-u-s-open-cup-final/526620351/ |archive-date=August 8, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Jamie |date=August 7, 2019 |title=Portland Timbers ousted by Minnesota United in semifinals of U.S. Open Cup |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2019/08/portland-timbers-ousted-by-minnesota-united-in-semifinals-of-us-open-cup.html |work=The Oregonian |access-date=December 15, 2019}} Minnesota midfielder Osvaldo Alonso advanced to his seventh Open Cup final, having played for the Charleston Battery in the 2008 final and the Seattle Sounders FC in five finals from 2009 to 2014.{{cite news |last=Zgoda |first=Jerry |date=August 7, 2019 |title=Loons coach, player want a chance to play for U.S. Open Cup trophy |url=http://www.startribune.com/loons-coach-player-want-a-chance-to-play-for-u-s-open-cup-trophy/524335521/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=August 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807051503/http://www.startribune.com/loons-coach-player-want-a-chance-to-play-for-u-s-open-cup-trophy/524335521/ |archive-date=August 7, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Fontela |first=Jonah |date=August 14, 2019 |title=Ozzie – An Open Cup Legend in Living Color |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/ozzie-an-open-cup-legend-in-living-color |publisher=U.S. Soccer |access-date=August 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815064459/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/ozzie-an-open-cup-legend-in-living-color |archive-date=August 15, 2019 |url-status=live }} The match would also be the first competition final for Minnesota United since they entered MLS.

File:Mercedes Benz Stadium time lapse capture 2017-08-13.jpg in Atlanta hosted the final]]

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta hosted the U.S. Open Cup final, the first final to be played there and second U.S. Open Cup match following a Round of 16 fixture hosted by Atlanta United FC in 2018.{{cite news |last=Dell'Apa |first=Frank |date=August 24, 2019 |title=The Benz' Date with Open Cup History |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/the-benz-date-with-open-cup-history-2019-us-open-cup-final |publisher=U.S. Soccer |access-date=December 13, 2019}} The stadium opened in 2017 and previously hosted MLS Cup in December 2018 and the Campeones Cup earlier in August 2019.{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Atlanta United will host U.S. Open Cup on Aug. 27 |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-will-host-open-cup-aug/L4fp4P2T82p7gVtxGyj1vK/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808134001/https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-will-host-open-cup-aug/L4fp4P2T82p7gVtxGyj1vK/ |archive-date=August 8, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Patrick |first=Joe |date=August 28, 2019 |title=For Atlanta United, winning trophies like Open Cup is "what big clubs do" |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/08/28/atlanta-united-winning-open-cup-other-trophies-what-big-clubs-do |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 13, 2019}} Atlanta was awarded first priority to host the final during the semifinal hosting draw, which was conducted by the United States Soccer Federation on July 11, 2019.{{cite press release |date=July 11, 2019 |title=Orlando City SC and Minnesota United FC to Host 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinals |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/07/orlando-city-sc-minnesota-united-fc-host-2019-us-open-cup-semifinals |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |access-date=August 6, 2019}} It was the thirteenth match and first final in U.S. Open Cup history to be played indoors.{{cite news |last=Hunte |first=Sydney |date=August 28, 2019 |title=2019 US Open Cup Final: Record crowd watches Atlanta United become first Georgia team to lift the trophy |url=https://thecup.us/2019/08/28/2019-us-open-cup-final-record-crowd-watches-atlanta-united-become-first-georgia-team-to-lift-the-trophy/ |work=TheCup.us |access-date=December 12, 2019}}

The match was broadcast on ESPN+, an online streaming service that carried all other matches of the tournament.{{cite press release |date=April 5, 2019 |title=All U.S. Open Cup Matches Will Air Exclusively on ESPN+ Through 2022 |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/04/us-soccer-and-espn-reach-multiyear-mediarights-agreement-to-broadcast-us-open-cup |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |access-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809061232/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/04/us-soccer-and-espn-reach-multiyear-mediarights-agreement-to-broadcast-us-open-cup |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} The competition final had previously been broadcast on national television since 1994, with the exception of the 1996 final.{{cite news |last=Hakala |first=Josh |date=August 20, 2018 |title=2018 US Open Cup Final to air on ESPN channel for fourth year in a row |url=https://thecup.us/2018/08/20/2018-us-open-cup-final-to-air-on-espn-channel-for-fourth-year-in-a-row/ |work=TheCup.us |access-date=December 7, 2019}} The English language broadcast was called by play-by-play commentator Jon Champion and color analyst Taylor Twellman.{{cite news |date=August 26, 2019 |title=U.S. Open Cup championship preview: Minnesota United at Atlanta United |url=http://www.startribune.com/u-s-open-cup-preview-minnesota-united-at-atlanta-united/558386632/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=August 29, 2019}}

The match was watched by 35,709 spectators, breaking the attendance record for the tournament final that was set during the 2011 final in Seattle.{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=August 27, 2019 |title=Atlanta United sets U.S. Open Cup finals attendance record |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-sets-open-cup-finals-attendance-record/O1MR6jHcEdBi3N7R4Ys1KI/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=November 25, 2019}} Approximately 750 people supporting Minnesota United were seated in the three designated away sections.{{cite news |last=Zgoda |first=Jerry |date=August 28, 2019 |title=Minnesota United falls short in U.S. Open Cup final, losing 2–1 in Atlanta |url=http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-falls-short-in-u-s-open-cup-final-losing-2-1-in-atlanta/558508082/?refresh=true |work=Star Tribune |access-date=December 7, 2019}} Atlanta played the same starting lineup that was used a week earlier in MLS play, including a five-midfielder formation,{{cite news |date=August 27, 2019 |title=Atlanta downs Minnesota to win U.S. Open Cup |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=555915 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Reuters |access-date=December 17, 2019}}{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=August 27, 2019 |title=Atlanta United wins U.S. Open Cup |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united-wins-open-cup/cYejKbIMZjEDxKkRxg4MCO/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=December 7, 2019}} while Minnesota rested Darwin Quintero and replaced him with Hassani Dotson in the starting lineup.{{cite news |last=Zgoda |first=Jerry |date=August 28, 2019 |title=Quintero benched until late in match, declines to talk about it |url=http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-united-notes-roster-limitations-open-a-spot-for-mason-toye-in-cup-final/558510182/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=December 7, 2019}}

Atlanta missed their first chance to score in the match, a shot from Josef Martínez in the second minute that was ruled offside, but took the lead in the tenth minute through an own goal from Minnesota.{{cite news |last=Fuhrmeister |first=Chris |date=August 27, 2019 |title=Josef Martínez on Atlanta's Open Cup win: 'We are the [expletive] champions' |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/atlanta-united-fc/us-open-cup-final-score-atlanta-united-minnesota-united-highlights/ |work=Pro Soccer USA |publisher=Tribune Publishing |access-date=December 7, 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208074143/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/atlanta-united-fc/us-open-cup-final-score-atlanta-united-minnesota-united-highlights/ |url-status=dead }} Defender Leandro González Pírez received a through ball from Pity Martínez and swung for a high cross from the end line that was deflected by Minnesota defender Chase Gasper over the head of goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who was able to get a touch but unable to save the shot. Minnesota missed a chance to equalize two minutes later as defender Michael Boxall's header was off target, and conceded a second goal to Atlanta in the 16th minute.{{cite news |date=August 27, 2019 |title=Record Crowd Sees Ten-Man Atlanta United Claim First U.S. Open Cup Title With 2–1 Win vs. Minnesota United FC |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/ten-man-atlanta-united-claim-first-us-open-cup-title-with-2-1-win-vs-minnesota-united-fc |publisher=U.S. Soccer |access-date=December 7, 2019}} Justin Meram's low cross from the left flank found Pity Martínez, who shot from the center of the box to claim a 2–0 lead. Five minutes later, Meram passed the ball at the top of the box to Ezequiel Barco, who tried a curling shot that was pushed wide by Mannone.

Minnesota kept pressing for a goal, including a header by Ike Opara in the 33rd minute that went wide of the post, and reduced the lead to 2–1 two minutes after halftime. Minnesota midfielder Kevin Molino ended his run down the right flank with a low pass to Robin Lod at the top of the six-yard box, which he volleyed into the goal off the left post. Within minutes of conceding, Atlanta made two attempts at goal through a shot by Julian Gressel and another by Josef Martínez, but both were saved by Mannone; Martínez also had another shot in the 53rd minute that was ruled offside. Molino had a chance to equalize for Minnesota in the 69th minute after receiving a deflection from Atlanta defender Florentin Pogba, but was unable to beat Brad Guzan with his one-time shot.

Atlanta played the last 16 minutes of the match with 10 players after González Pírez was sent off in the 74th minute, having earned two yellow cards within three minutes for dissent and grabbing Molino off the ball. Minnesota manager Adrian Heath responded by substituting Quintero into the match, while Atlanta's Frank de Boer brought on Franco Escobar and switched to a formation with five defenders to protect the lead. Minnesota had the majority of possession late in the match and earned several corner kicks, but were unable to create a dangerous scoring chance until stoppage time. Opara chested down a ball and shot towards the goal in the first minute of stoppage time, requiring Guzan to make a diving save. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Opara headed down a cross that fell to Boxall, but his volleyed shot from point-blank range went over the crossbar.

{{Football box

|date = August 27, 2019

|time = 8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1 = Atlanta United FC

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/ten-man-atlanta-united-claim-first-us-open-cup-title-with-2-1-win-vs-minnesota-united-fc

|team2 = Minnesota United FC

|goals1 =

• Gasper {{goal|10|o.g.}}
• G. Martínez {{goal|16}}

|goals2 = Lod {{goal|47}}

|stadium = Mercedes-Benz Stadium

|location = Atlanta, Georgia

|attendance = 35,709

|referee = Allen Chapman

|stack =

}}

|valign="top"|

|valign="top" width="50%"|

|}

The U.S. Open Cup was the third trophy to be won by Atlanta United FC within nine months, following the MLS Cup and Campeones Cup.{{cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Roger |date=August 28, 2019 |title=Atlanta United continues dominant run, wins another trophy in U.S. Open Cup final vs. Minnesota United |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/atlanta-united-continues-dominant-run-wins-another-trophy-in-u-s-open-cup-final-vs-minnesota-united/ |work=CBS Sports |access-date=December 12, 2019}} It was also the first time that the U.S. Open Cup was won by a team from the state of Georgia. Atlanta collected $300,000 in prize money as champion and a berth in the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League. As runners-up, Minnesota United FC earned $100,000 in prize money.{{cite news |last=Rueter |first=Jeff |date=August 28, 2019 |title='We should still be playing': Loss in U.S. Open Cup final leaves a sting for Loons |url=https://theathletic.com/1166939/2019/08/28/the-morning-loon-minnesota-united-cant-overcome-early-mistakes-in-u-s-open-cup-final/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 12, 2019}} Atlanta coach Frank de Boer praised his team's performance, particularly the contributions from winger Justin Meram.{{cite news |date=August 28, 2019 |title=Post Match Quotes – U.S. Open Cup Final |url=https://www.atlutd.com/post/2019/08/28/post-match-quotes-us-open-cup-final |publisher=Atlanta United FC |access-date=December 12, 2019}} Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath praised his players for their response to the first two goals and for their progress compared to earlier matches they played in Atlanta.{{cite news |last=Patrick |first=Joe |date=August 28, 2019 |title=In the end, Atlanta United win US Open Cup Final with old-fashioned grit |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/08/28/end-atlanta-united-win-u-s-open-cup-old-fashioned-grit |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 12, 2019}} The 2020 U.S. Open Cup was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Atlanta United FC was awarded that competition's berth for the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League by U.S. Soccer on December 11, 2020.{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Atlanta United selected for 2021 Champions League |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united/atlanta-united-qualifies-for-2021-champions-league/5B2ZIQM72JAQHM57FGGNM3L5SU/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=December 15, 2020}}

{{reflist}}

{{US Open Cup}}

{{2019 in American soccer}}

{{2018–19 in North and Central America, and Caribbean football (CONCACAF)}}

{{Atlanta United FC}}

{{Minnesota United FC}}

Category:2019 U.S. Open Cup

Category:U.S. Open Cup finals

U.S. Open Cup

U.S. Open Cup

U.S. Open Cup Final

Category:2019 in sports in Georgia (U.S. state)

Category:2019 in Atlanta