ATLANTA UNITED WIN THE LEAGUE AND THE CITY Atlanta United defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 to lift the MLS Cup as well as the dreaded Atlanta sports curse. The win has officially cemented Atlanta as a soccer city and has changed the blueprint on how to construct an MLS club. The night’s attendance was a staggering 73,019, a new Atlanta United and MLS Cup record.
Atlanta United dominated possession to start the first half with fluid movement offensively and above average play on the wings.
Both teams were pretty aggressive coming out but it was clear in the beginning that referee Alan Kelly would “let the boys play.” Three hard fouls were committed between the two clubs with the guilty parties escaping unscathed. One of those fouls came in Portland’s penalty area when Josef Martinez was de-cleated and the referee waved play on.
The chances and creation were there for Atlanta but they either didn’t finish or there was a disconnect halfway through. Miguel
Photo: In just their second season Atlanta United win the MLS Cup (Hakim Wright)