In yet another torrential downpour, facing a plucky Columbus Crew side who kept fighting back, Atlanta United did what they had to do Tuesday, securing a 3-2 road win to advance to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup.
Atlanta United head coach Frank de Boer named a strong lineup with a place in the quarterfinals on the line. Justin Meram and Brandon Vazquez earned starting spots after their impressive substitute appearances last week, and Ezequiel Barco made his first start for the club in more than a month after returning from the U-20 FIFA World Cup. The full XI: Brad Guzan (GK), Michael Parkhurst (LB), Leandro González Pirez (CB), Miles Robinson (CB), Franco Escobar (RB), Eric Remedi (CM), Darlington Nagbe (CM), Justin Meram (LW), Ezequiel Barco (CAM), Pity Martinez (RW), Brandon Vazquez (ST).