With Atlanta United right in the middle of a brutal stretch of 8 games in 25 days, it would be easy for the Five Stripes to overlook Lamar Hunt US Open Cup matches as they pursue a MLS playoff position in the standings.
Yes, it’s only mid-season but there is a lot to play for over these next few weeks in both league and cup opportunities.
Making the case for Atlanta pushing for the US Open Cup means that the club would bring home silverware in their expansion year, earn a berth in the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League (CCL), and arguably take the path of least resistance to a trophy as they complete year one (MLS playoffs are full of surprises).