Atlanta United to live stream team’s U.S. Open Cup match vs. Charleston Battery

Fans looking to view the Atlanta United/Charleston Battery match from home will need to look to the Web and not TV. The fourth-round U.S. Open Cup contest at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Wednesday will be streamed live on the club’s website, ATLUTD.com, and USSoccer.com. Play-by-play man Adam Schick and analyst Jason Longshore, the team’s radio commentary duo, will call the game from Kennesaw that evening.

A live stream-only broadcast isn’t all that unusual for MLS teams to employ for the U.S. Open Cup simply because their TV partners aren’t contractually obligated to carry the match. However, in recent years, the semifinals and finals have been televised nationally on ESPN2 and in Spanish on Univision Deportes Network.

Atlanta, of course, are participating in the event for the first time; MLS expansion clubs have enjoyed varied success over the years. The 1998 Chicago Fire and 2009 Seattle Sounders set high bars to reach as they won it in their inaugural season. In 2015, though, Orlando City SC lasted to the quarterfinals, while New York City FC fell to the NASL’s New York Cosmos in a penalty shootout. Minnesota United FC will also be partaking in Cup play for the first time as they will travel to Sporting Kansas City in one of three MLS vs. MLS pairings.

So, when Wednesday rolls around and you’re wondering where to watch the game, remember that it won’t be televised and will be live streamed only. Here’s a big plus, too: you won’t have to worry about those pesky authentication procedures or blackouts.