MLS NEXT PRO: Chattanooga FC Aims for Historic "Cupset" Against Atlanta United

Staff Writer
13 hours ago
2 min read

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The stage is set for a monumental "David vs. Goliath" clash at Finley Stadium this Wednesday. Chattanooga FC (CFC), the final remaining MLS NEXT Pro representative in the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, welcomes MLS heavyweight Atlanta United for a high-stakes Round of 32 knockout match.

With a spot in the Round of 16 on the line—a territory the "Boys in Blue" have never reached—the atmosphere in the Scenic City is reaching a fever pitch.

“It’s a huge opportunity for the players as well as the fans to see the level," said CFC mainstay Tate Robertson. "We don’t have much to lose, so it’s a ‘Why not us?’ mentality. It’s soccer, anything can happen.”

The Momentum vs. The Slump

The two clubs enter the midweek clash on wildly different trajectories. Chattanooga has used the Open Cup as a springboard for success, currently riding a five-game unbeaten streak. During this run, they have outscored opponents 10-4, a surge that has catapulted them back toward the summit of the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference.

Conversely, Atlanta United has stumbled out of the blocks in the 2026 MLS campaign. The "Five Stripes" have managed only one win in their first seven matches and have looked particularly vulnerable on the road, losing all three of their away fixtures.

Despite their struggles, Atlanta remains dangerous. Head coach Tata Martino commands a star-studded roster featuring a high-priced Designated Player trio:

Miguel Almirón: The Paraguayan World Cup veteran.
Alexey Miranchuk: The creative Russian playmaker.
Emmanuel Latte Lath: The clinical Ivorian striker.

Scenic City History

While this is the first competitive meeting between the two, Atlanta United is no stranger to Finley Stadium. In a January 2025 preseason friendly, Chattanooga stunned the MLS side with a 2-1 victory. While interim head coach Richard Dixon is quick to downplay preseason results, he acknowledges the psychological boost it provides the fans.

"Now, we're in a competitive game. It's win or go home," said Dixon. "I would say, probably the biggest game for the club and for the city... our main objective is to win the game."

A Platform for the Next Level

For the Chattanooga roster, the match is more than just a trophy hunt; it’s a national audition. Having gone unbeaten in three matches against ATL UTD 2 in league play last season, the CFC players are familiar with the Atlanta system.

"Everyone in our locker room wants to be in their locker room at the end of the day," Robertson added. "It's good to show individually in these games... if we have a team-first mentality, our players will shine."

Match Day Information

Detail	Information
Matchup	Chattanooga FC vs. Atlanta United FC
Date	Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Kickoff	7:30 p.m. ET
Venue	Finley Stadium (Chattanooga, TN)
Broadcast	Paramount+

As the only MLS NEXT Pro team left standing in the tournament, Chattanooga FC carries the banner for the league. On Wednesday night, they don't just look to compete; they look to rewrite the history books of the Scenic City.