If Atlanta United and Charlotte FC are destined to become rivals, then this was an immaculate first entry in the series with the 5 Stripes securing a 2-1 victory thanks to a Jake Mulraney goal deep in stoppage time.
Whether it was Charlotte owner David Tepper’s comments back in 2019 or FC’s head coach Miguel Angel Ramirez emphasizing their desire to get the franchise’s first win in “Atlanta’s house,” Atlanta United had plenty of bulletin board material heading into today’s matchup.
While the series may not have an official name quite yet—team president Darren Eales has suggested the ‘Royal Rumble’—Atlanta gets the early bragging rights. Today’s match sets the stage for what could become a featured rivalry in Major League Soccer thanks to two sizable fan bases. Charlotte narrowly surpassed Atlanta United’s attendance record with nearly 75,000 fans filling Bank of America Stadium last Saturday.
Today, it was Mercedes-Benz Stadium that was rocking as Mulraney’s goal broke a late tie to give Atlanta United their second victory on the season.
Josef Martinez got the scoring started in the second half by converting a penalty kick opportunity (60’). The first half saw plenty of scoring chances for Atlanta United, but Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina kept the ball out of the back of the net.
Charlotte quickly struck back with a goal of their own in the 66th minute—their first goal in franchise history. Martinez had a good look in the 80th minute, but Kahlina got a hand on it and things remain tied until Mulraney’s dagger.
Next up for Atlanta United is a road game at CF Montreal on Saturday.
