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BATTLE OF THE SOUTH

How The Crown Seized Control of the I-85 Rivalry with Atlanta United FC

By Charlotte FC

July 21^st, 2026

Two clubs. One Region. Eight league matchups since 2022.

For years, Atlanta United FC had the upper hand. Early success, great crowds, and a foundation for what an expansion team looks like. Years to follow, Charlotte found itself in the same position.

And now, The Crown heads into its matchup on Wednesday, July 22 against Atlanta, leading the regular season series 5-3.

GROWING PAINS

March 13, 2022: Atlanta United FC 2, Charlotte FC 1

As the first chapter of this rivalry unfolded, The Crown found themselves on the opposite end of the win column. With the odds stacked against them, they proved they belonged in the matchup and even scored their first goal in franchise history in the 66th minute by Adam Armour.

April 10, 2022: Charlotte FC: 1, Atlanta United: 0

Charlotte answered the call less than a month later pulling out a 1-0 victory back at home on April 10th for the Club's first result in the rivalry. A goal from Jordy Alcivar proved to be the difference for The Crown.

It was the foundation for what was to come... 👑

March 11, 2023: Atlanta United FC: 3, Charlotte FC: 0

In the most lopsided defeat in the history of the series, The Crown found itself down 2-1 in the series against their southern rivals.

But like with anything, it's all about seizing opportunities when they come.

AND THE CROWN HAS CERTAINLY DONE THAT.

SETTING THE TONE

May 13, 2023: Atlanta United 1, Charlotte FC 3

With a point to prove, Charlotte came out blazing and took a commanding 3-0 lead behind a trio of unanswered goals. Justin Meram led The Crown with a brace and Karol Swiderski came through with a goal of his own.

The Crown walked out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium with all three points. And it wasn't the last time this would happen either.

June 2, 2024: Charlotte FC 3, Atlanta United 2

Back on the road. Another chance to prove that the squad's last result was the truth.

With a brace from Liel Abada and an own goal from Atlanta, the 3-2 victory served as propeller for The Crown as they now had won 2 matchups in a row on in the opposing team's stadium.

STATEMENT MADE.

August 31, 2024: Atlanta United FC 1, Charlotte FC 0

A matchup that slipped away from The Crown. In the 59th minute, Atlanta's Jay Fortune connected and scored the lone goal of the night. With the series now being tied at 3 a piece, the next game meant revenge and the upper hand in the rivalry.

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

March 1, 2025: Charlotte FC 2, Atlanta United 0

Kristijan Kahlina. Pep Biel. Wilfried Zaha. Three names that reasonate with success in 2025 for The Crown. With save after save, the Croatian Brick Wall was marvelous. Then in the 49th minute, Pep Biel scored to give The Crown the lead.

And in his debut game, Wilfried Zaha put the squad up 2-0 with a marvelous finish.

July 19, 2025: Charlotte FC 3, Atlanta United 2

After being down at 1-0 at halftime, the switch quickly flipped for the squad. With two goals within the first 15 minutes of second half play from Idan Toklomati and Wilfried Zaha, they never looked back.

And with the help of Pep Biel scoring in the 77th minute and timely saves from Kristijan Kahlina, the squad took over complete control of the series at 5-3 in the eight leagues play matchup.

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

Charlotte FC have proven themselves to be the dominant team in its most recent league matchups. And the numbers speak for themselves.

Charlotte FC was 1-2-0 against Atlanta in its first three meetings
4 wins in the last 5 matchups
13 goals scored by Charlotte FC through the series
2 clean sheets for Kristijan Kahlina and company

With Wednesday's matchup marking another chapter in this story, The Crown are ready to defend what is theirs against Atlanta in another exciting matchup in front of their incredible fans.