Atlanta United vs. Portland Timbers: MLS Cup Attendance Breaks Record in 2018
The MLS Cup 2018 will go down in history as clear proof that professional soccer in America has reached a new level of fanfare and success and that it can take just two years to the summit.
Atlanta United hosted the Portland Timbers tonight in the eagerly awaited final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the game did not disappoint. As the Eastern and Western Conference champs faced off for supremacy in front of a record-breaking packed house, red was the color of the night. The goals were delivered by Josef Martinez in the first half and Franco Escobar in the second to shutout the Timbers.
The attitude was clear. Atlanta United was determined to conquer the Cup.
Atlanta and his players gave United coach Tata Martino the perfect ending to a historic rise for the two-year-old expansion club. This was Martino last game. Maybe off to help the Mexican National team find the similar success as the MLS team he coached so successfully, Martino lead his team through a fabulous season, with only two losses at home.
Atlanta United ended their second season as the best team in the country tonight with a clear 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers in the 2018 MLS Cup.
The first twenty minutes seemed like a get-to-know-you dance between the teams and then Atlanta got bored and put the pressure on, leaving the Timbers in a dazed dust.
Atlanta United Goals in 2018 MLS Cup:
While the soccer on the field in Atlanta was undeniably great, the really interesting story is how this team has changed the MLS. Singlehandedly, Atlanta United kicked off their start in the MLS with a roar and sustained excitement, gaining traction at every turn. Clearly ridiculing teams that can’t fill seats, Atlanta United has raised the bar on what an American professional soccer team can deliver — and this has, in turn, awakened the possibilities in the league. This vibrant American soccer scene has long been a dream which has turned into an eye-opening and engaging reality.
Fun MLS Fact:
The 2018 MLS Cup match had an attendance of 73,019, setting a new record.
The previous record was set back in 2002 when 61,316 fans watched the 2002 MLS Cup in the Gillette Stadium, as LA Galaxy beat the hosting New England Revolution.
Atlanta is ready with their Champions merchandise and great visual promotions are already enticing fans to buy. A complete, professional organization at work, minding the store and pleasing the fans simultaneously.
Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank is definitely lucky and smart — and has changed soccer in America.
Don Garber, Commissioner of Major League Soccer, was interviewed at halftime and commented that …
“Success does not depend on what you spend but how you spend it.”
How true.
READ MLS CUP: ATLANTA VS PORTLAND TACTICAL PREVIEW
