Atalanta down Portland to take MLS Cup

MLS MVP Josef Martinez stepped up to the stage when it truly mattered for Atlanta United, as he scored on goal and produced the assist for  Fran Escobar to notch the other, as the hosts ran out 2-0 winners.

Opponents Portland Timbers, captained by former Premier League player Liam Ridgewell, played well in the match, and even had control of the match for long periods of time. Yet they were undone by two moments of magic from Atlanta. 

The match marked former Barcelona boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's final game in charge of the side, as he departs to take charge of the Mexico national team. 

After the match, Martino noted: "We won it, it feels good. If I had to choose a way to leave somewhere, this is the best way."

Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan also starred for Atlanta, and he echoed his manager's sentiments after lifting the trophy. 

Guzan said: "For me personally, this is up there with the top moments.

Atlanta, who were second in the regular season Eastern Conference standings, were only formed in 2014, with 2017 their debut season in the MLS. 

The victory for United marks the first major professional title in the city of Atlanta since 1995, when the Atlanta Braves won the Major League Baseball World Series.