MIAMI — Atlanta United fell to Miami FC 3-2 at Riccardo Silva Stadium in the Round of 16 in the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Brandon Vazquez put Atlanta ahead in the 35th minute with his third career goal and Julian Gressel scored from the penalty spot to equalize in the 75th minute, but a late goal from Kwadwo Poku won it for Miami FC. Atlanta returns to action Saturday at Columbus Crew SC.
Atlanta scored the first goal of the match for the fourth consecutive time as Vazquez headed home a cross from Kevin Kratz. Atlanta won a free kick along the right wing and Kratz perfectly sent a ball into the middle of the penalty area that Vazquez was able to get a head onto.
But, Miami equalized two minutes later from Stefano Pinho. Poku forced a turnover then made a dashing run from midfield before playing the forward on. There, Pinho gathered himself just inside of the box and beat Alec Kann with a right-footed shot.
Rhett Bernstein put Miami FC ahead just after halftime in the 51st minute. Hunter Freeman’s free kick from the left wing was perfectly placed and the centerback was able to head it to Kann’s left.
Atlanta tied the match in the 75th minute. Andrew Carleton earned a penalty kick that Julian Gressel slotted home. But Poku won it during second-half stoppage time after he was played on by Vincenzo Rennella with a through ball from midfield.
Atlanta United (7-7-3, 24 points) returns to MLS action on Saturday, July 1 against Columbus Crew SC. Kickoff from MAPFRE Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be televised on FOX Sports Southeast.
