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Atlanta United 2 : 0 Portland Timbers
It was pure jubilation in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium last night as Atlanta United won the 2018 MLS Cup by defeating Portland Timbers 2-0.
Atlanta set another attendance record, this time for an MLS Cup Final, playing in front of 73,019 fans. In only the team’s second year of existence, they claimed the league’s highest honor and did so in style.
Josef Martinez was named the match MVP after scoring a goal and adding an assist on Franco Escobar’s second-half goal.
Atlanta dominated the first half with a majority of possession, but Portland were able to sit back comfortably and soak in the pressure with their counter-attacking style for the first 25 minutes. Atlanta began to increase the pace of the game and pushed higher up the pitch towards the end of the first half and this led to their first goal of the match.
Timber’s defender Zareck Valentin won the ball in Portland’s defensive third and played the ball into the feet of striker Jeremy Ebobisse.
Ebobisse had a heavy touch, allowing defender Michael Parkhurst to win back possession with a slide tackle. The ball ricocheted to the feet of the MLS MVP Martinez, who took a couple of touches to round Jeff Attinella and score the opening goal of the night into an empty net. This was the 4th MLS Cup Playoff goal for Martinez and his 35th goal of the season.
Portland almost ended the first half on equal terms, nearly opening their account in the 43rd minute.
Sebastian Blanco found himself with space near the United touchline and lofted a cross the edge of the 6-yard box. Ebobisse had drifted in between Parkhurst and Jeff Larentowicz and virtually had an open header on goal.
Atlanta and United States Men’s International goalkeeper Brad Guzan was up to the task and made a diving save to his right to keep his side in the lead. This would be Portland’s best and only real opportunity of the match, but Ebobisse’s header lacked the power and direction to beat Guzan.
Portland started off the second half on the front foot as they chased the game and put Atlanta United under pressure for the first nine minutes.
The Timbers however never had a clear-cut opportunity, but a couple of half-chances were created and United appeared to be stuck in the locker room. However, the tide of the match would change in the 54th minute as the Georgia side won a free kick in the Portland half.
Miguel Almiron took the free kick, lofting the ball into the box where Martinez rose above the Timber’s defense, flicking the ball onto the onrushing Franco Escobar who delivered a first-time finish to the far post past Attinella. This was Escobar’s second goal of the postseason and gave Atlanta United a 2-0 lead.
Atlanta United controlled the rest of the game, never letting Portland have any clear-cut opportunities. The United backline was compact defensively and had a “complete” performance led by captain Parkhurst. Even when Portland Timbers subbed on multiple attacking options, Atlanta United stayed in control of the match defensively.
As the final whistle blew, Atlanta’s players rushed the field. The United fans went into hysteria, as this was the city’s first sporting championship of any variety since 1995. The entire stadium watched on as the award ceremonies included owner Arthur Blank lifting the MLS Cup Trophy, a team slide towards the supporters’ section, and the players walking around the field to thank the fans.
When we examine how quickly these accomplishments have occurred for Atlanta United it is absolutely shocking.
Not only the vision of a championships team, but the execution of hiring the best coach staff, front office, players and it all coming together is a sight to be seen.
Atlanta United have achieved history in its short time here in MLS and the sky is the limit for what this club and organization can achieve.
