Availability report and match preview: 5-Stripes aim for semi-final berth in Open Cup

These rivals already see one another twice a 12 months, however on Tuesday, it will be twice inside the span of three days. Atlanta United and Orlando City did not have something to separate them Saturday night time once they drew 1-1 at Inter&Co Stadium, and now they’re gearing as much as run it again. The 7:30 pm ET kickoff Tuesday, May 19 in the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup could have elevated stakes, with a visit to a semifinal on the road.

Miguel Almirón stays questionable with a knee damage, and he’ll have two extra alternatives to get again on the pitch: both tonight or Sunday in opposition to Columbus Crew. Fafa Picault can also be an addition with a hamstring challenge.

After breaking into the beginning lineup for a portion of the 2025 season, keeper Jayden Hibbert is now taking the function of backup to Lucas Hoyos. I’ve shared his mentality about being Atlanta United’s Open Cup keeper to date and how he is latching onto any likelihood to get higher.

“I take every day with the mindset of trying to improve,” Hibbert mentioned Monday. “I’m trying to do anything I can to help the team, and in doing so, get me on the field. If that comes sooner than later, great. If it doesn’t, I’m going to be doing the same thing every day to try to get there.”

The follow of designating a backup keeper to be the predetermined starter for a cup marketing campaign is frequent throughout world soccer, however it’s particularly vital for Hibbert. Those minutes as a starter are invaluable, as he can attest to with the event he confirmed in 2025. He would not have any challenge conjuring up the main target to leap into the squad with out a lot rhythm.

“I’m eager to get any opportunity I can,” Hibbert mentioned. “Any sniff of the pitch, I’m going to take my opportunity with two hands and I’m going to record it. I’m grateful for any opportunity that comes, and I’m always prepared.”

The 21-year-old, who was selected in the MLS SuperDraft In 2024, he’s now studying below the tutelage of a 37-year-old veteran in Hoyos. Hibbert is brushing up on his Spanish and taking notice about how he can enhance his play with the ball at his ft.

“I thought I was calm player, but this guy in the net is super smooth,” Hibbert mentioned. “He says that all the time. ‘Soft, soft.’ Smooth, relaxed… He’s been a great tool for me.”

Tuesday night time’s match is a uncommon alternative for two coaches to point out their tactical abilities. It’ll mimic another US sports activities like basketball and baseball, the place sequence in the postseason spotlight the coaches that may make adjustments on the fly.

“Of course, there are things tactically that we’re analyzing,” Martino mentioned. “There are things that we’ve seen in the last match, whether it’s in the defensive or attacking phase that we need to have in account.”

Head coach Tata Martino’s facet had the perfect of nearly all of the match following Orlando City’s early objective on Saturday, and they will use that because the blueprint for their method to Tuesday night time.

The key to the second half was a good fiercer press than they began the match with. That’ll be a tricky technique to maintain as soon as in opposition to Tuesday, because the Florida warmth and humidity will definitely play an element, however it doesn’t suggest Martino will name off the canines.

“I’m comfortable with [the press]because that’s what we’re aiming for,” Martino mentioned. “But there’s also moments like what happened against Galaxy. I think we’ve been doing it well and we’ve been able to maintain it for periods of time. We want to prolong those periods but [also] understand that when we can’t, we have to be aware of those moments in transition. If we’re making a decision between going and not going, I’m always going to prefer to go.”

Playing back-to-back video games in opposition to an opponent does present wrinkles, however Martino did not see it as a bonus for both facet. He did level out, although, that Orlando can be taking part in their third match in lower than per week.

“If there were any advantages, it would be the same for both teams in this situation,” Martino mentioned, “with the difference being that we know Orlando has played more minutes over the last week than we have.”

Hibbert additionally identified that the 5-Stripes should come out with extra power, particularly figuring out that Orlando may very well be run down:

“We’re going to use everything we can to try and beat them into the ground and move on to the semifinal.”