Atlanta United to play Minnesota United in U.S. Open Cup final

After Atlanta United dispatched Orlando City 2-0 from the U.S. Open Cup in the first semi-final played Tuesday, Minnesota United punched its ticket the next night ewith a 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers.

Last month, Atlanta drew first priority to host the final if they were to get there, and indeed Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host its second cup final in as many years—albeit different cups. The U.S. Open Cup final will take place on August 27 at 8 p.m.

It’s an interesting matchup in that not only is it a rematch from a game earlier this season that Atlanta won 3-0, but it pits the two “Uniteds” that joined the league together against one another. Having experienced two very different paths to get to this point, the two clubs arrive in similarly upward trajectories. While Atlanta United was busy winning MLS Cup and nearly claiming a double with a Supporters Shield title, Minnesota were stuck in first gear—enduring a coaching change and personnel revamp. But the pivot worked, and now Minnesota are on the rise, currently placed second in the conference standings—just like Atlanta—and playing some fun, direct attacking soccer.