Atlanta United today announced it will participate in the Carolina Challenge Cup in February 2018. The club will play a total of three matches against Charleston Battery, Columbus Crew SC and Minnesota United. Held at MUSC Health Stadium in Charleston, S.C., Atlanta United finished as runners-up in the 2017 CCC.
“We’re excited to return to the Carolina Challenge Cup for next year’s preseason,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales. “Earlier this year, this tournament provided a great opportunity for us to face high-caliber competition as we prepared for our inaugural season. We thought it was a great launching pad for a successful season and we look forward to doing it again next year.”
Next year’s CCC will be the 14th staging of the tournament. Alongside Atlanta United, fellow 2017 expansion team Minnesota United will join the tournament. Meanwhile, reigning CCC champions, Columbus Crew SC, also return for its second consecutive year.
The four participating teams will play in a round robin style tournament with doubleheaders on February 17, 21, and 24. The tentative match schedule is:
Saturday, February 17th
- Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew SC (5:00 PM)
- Charleston Battery vs. Minnesota United (7:30 PM)
Wednesday, February 21st
- Charleston Battery vs. Columbus Crew SC (5:00 PM)
- Atlanta United vs. Minnesota United (7:30 PM)
Saturday, February 24th
- Columbus Crew SC vs. Minnesota United (5:00 PM)
- Charleston Battery vs. Atlanta United (7:30 PM)
