KENNESAW — Atlanta United defeated Chattanooga FC 6-0 Wednesday night in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
Dom Dwyer scored a brace while Ronald Hernandez, Marcelino Moreno, Luiz Araújo and Brooks Lennon each added a goal to send Atlanta to the Round of 32.
Atlanta United came out on the front foot, controlling possession and keeping Chattanooga’s defense pinned deep inside its own half. The consistent pressure eventually gave way to the game’s first goal in the 21st minute when Atlanta’s fullbacks connected. Andrew Gutman sent in a cross from the left and found Hernandez at back post where the Venezuelan one-timed the ball into the bottom right corner for the 1-0 lead.
Dwyer doubled Atlanta’s lead four minutes later. Jake Mulraney delivered a ball from the left to the near post where Dwyer scored off a glancing header that soared into the right side of the net. The striker scored his second of the night in the 35th minute. Gutman sent a hard pass to Mulraney near the top of the penalty area, but he took a heavy touch and Chattanooga’s Colin Stripling poked the ball away. Dwyer immediately ran on to the loose ball and struck it one-time with his left foot, sending it curling over a diving Kevin Gonzalez.
Atlanta extended its lead in the 53rd minute when Mulraney earned a penalty. Moreno took the spot kick, scoring with a shot to the bottom left corner. After entering the match in the 62nd minute, Araújo added his name to the scoresheet just five minutes later. Dwyer played the Brazilian in on goal where Araújo cleverly chipped the ball over Gonzalez, who came off his line.
Lennon ended the scoring in the 84th minute. Miles Robinson, who made his captaincy debut for the club, intercepted a pass and quickly found Lennon at the top of the box where he placed a shot to the bottom left corner. Robinson earned his first assist of the year.
U.S. Soccer will conduct the Round of 32 Draw on Thursday at noon. Atlanta (3-2-2, 11 points) returns to MLS action on Sunday traveling to face Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium.
