Atlanta United beat Portland Timbers to Win MLS Cup

Josef Martinez during a Atlanta United v Toronto match in 2018
Josef Martinez during a Atlanta United v Toronto match in 2018. Photo by Perry McIntyre/ISI/REX/Shutterstock (9780552c)

Atlanta United won the MLS Cup in only their second season since the club was opened with a 2-0 victory over Portland Timbers on Saturday.

This year’s MLS Most Valuable Player of the Year Josef Martinez opened the scoresheet in the 39th minute while teammate Franco Escobar scored the second goal after the break. Surprisingly, Atlanta played their first game in March 2017, and this competition was only their second.

Saturday was also a special night for manager Gerardo Martino as it was his final game before heading to Mexico to become the national team’s head coach.

“We won it, it feels good,” Martino said. “If I had to choose a way to leave somewhere, this is the best way.”

Portland were guests in front of 73,000 fans at the Mercedes Benz Stadium and held their nerves for the better part of the game. While Atlanta made several attempts to snatch an early goal, the Timbers tightened their defense, thwarting every attack made against them.

Slowly but certainly, Martinez scored his 35th goal of the season and the game’s winner to the celebration of the jam-packed arena. Portland had a chance to equalize moments before halftime but striker Jeremy Ebobisse made a weak shot that was easily saved by United’ keeper.

Atlanta’s win was the first major trophy win for the city’s sports teams since the Braves won the World Series in 1995.