The 2019 U.S. Open Cup Final – in Photos

The 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final went right down to the wire with ten-man Atlanta United edging Minnesota United 2-1 at their Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of a record crowd (for an Open Cup Final) of 35,709. An own-goal from Chase Gasper and a wicked strike from Pity Martinez, both in the first half, set the 5-Stripes on their way to victory. 

The Loons – spirited throughout – pulled one back early in the second half via Robin Lob but it wasn’t enough to keep the men from the ATL from picking up a debut Open Cup crown to go along with their 2018 MLS Cup and recently earned Campeones Cup.  

Caption: The 106th U.S. Open Cup Final was a battle from the opening whistle, with Atlanta United having to earn their first title the hard way after going down a man (Leandro Gonzalez Pirez was shown red after picking up two yellow cards) mid-way through the second half against a motivated Minnesota United. 
Minnesota United’s Ike Opara sent a message early in the 2019 Final at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium by upending hometown favorite Josef Martinez when the Venezuelan looked to be clean in on Vito Mannone’s goal. 
Atlanta United fought as a unit throughout the 2019 Final and were worthy winners of the oldest prize in American soccer to go right into their trophy cabinet beside the 2018 MLS Cup and the recently scooped inaugural Campeones Cup.
The 2019 Final was a rough night for Minnesota United boss Adrian Heath. A fiery character and an able inspirer of his men, the 1984 FA Cup winner with Everton will need to wait a little longer at least to bring a first trophy to the Twin Cities.
Frank de Boer had to overcome some early criticism in his first year in charge of Atlanta United after taking over from the wildly popular Tata Martino. With his team in first place in the MLS’ Eastern Conference and holding two trophies already, the fans have reason to warm up to their new Dutch boss.
Pity Martinez scored the second goal for Atlanta United in their 2-1 win over Minnesota United. Despite being a little slow to get going for his new club, the Argentine is now up and running and being embraced by the fans.
Justin Meram (left) and Pity Martinez combined brilliantly for the second (and winning) goal mid-way through the first half of the 106th Open Cup Final at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
That feeling at the final whistle. It was joy unconfined for the home side after hanging on to beat Minnesota United 2-1 in the 106th Open Cup Final.
Up goes the trophy. Fans in Atlanta are getting used to seeing silverware hoisted at their Mercedes-Benz Stadium – the 106th Open Cup was the third trophy in the space of a year for the 5-Stripes of Georgia.
Victory tastes sweet. The champagne and beer flowed in Atlanta United’s locker-room following the final whistle of the 106th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia – where the home side were good value for their 2-1 win over the Loons.