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MLS Cup 2018
MLS Cup 2018
MLS Cup 2018
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MLS Cup 2018
Tifo display prior to the match
EventMLS Cup
Atlanta United FC Portland Timbers
2 0
DateDecember 8, 2018 (2018-12-08)
VenueMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
MLS Cup MVPJosef Martínez
(Atlanta United FC)
RefereeAlan Kelly
Attendance73,019
WeatherRain, 41 °F (5 °C)[1]
← 2017
2019 →

MLS Cup 2018 was the 23rd edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), which took place on December 8, 2018. It was the final match of the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs and was contested by Atlanta United FC and the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta, in their second MLS season, qualified for the playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference and defeated New York City FC and Supporters' Shield winners New York Red Bulls in the playoffs. Portland qualified as the fifth seed in the Western Conference and defeated fourth-ranked FC Dallas, second-ranked Seattle Sounders FC, and first-ranked Sporting Kansas City to qualify for their second MLS Cup final.

Atlanta United won the match 2–0 for their first MLS Cup, before a crowd of 73,019. At the time, this was the largest single-match crowd in MLS history; the record was broken in 2022 when 74,479 people watched Charlotte FC's inaugural home match in 2022.

As MLS Cup winners, Atlanta United would have received an automatic berth to the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League, though they had already secured a berth through an alternate qualifying process. Atlanta hosted the 2019 Campeones Cup, which it won against Club América, the winner of the Mexican Campeón de Campeones.

Road to the final

[edit]
Further information: 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs

The MLS Cup is the post-season championship of Major League Soccer (MLS), a professional club soccer league in the United States and Canada. The 2018 season was the 23rd in MLS history, and was contested by 23 teams in two conferences—the east and west. Each club played 34 matches during the regular season from March to October, facing each team in the same conference at least twice and teams in the other conference at least once.[2] The playoffs, running from late October to early December, were contested between the top six clubs in each conference and included four rounds: a one-match knockout round for the lowest-seeded teams, two rounds of home-and-away series to determine the conference champions, and the one-match final.[3]

The finalists, Atlanta United FC and the Portland Timbers, were both expansion teams that had played in the league for less than seven seasons. The two teams played each other once in the regular season, tying 1–1 in Atlanta on June 24.[4][5] The match also marked the first time that two teams coached by managers from Latin America faced each other in the MLS Cup final; both managers had never previously reached an MLS Cup final.[6] The defending MLS Cup champions, Toronto FC, failed to qualify for the 2018 playoffs, while runners-up Seattle Sounders FC were eliminated in the Conference Semifinals by Portland.[7][8]

Atlanta United FC

[edit]
Further information: 2018 Atlanta United FC season
Atlanta United forward Josef Martínez set a new MLS record for goals scored in a season

Atlanta United FC entered the league as an expansion team in 2017 and appeared in their first MLS Cup final in their second season.[9][10] The team became the first expansion team in eight years to qualify for the playoffs in their inaugural season, but were eliminated in the knockout round after losing to the Columbus Crew in a penalty shootout.[11]

Atlanta started the season with a loss to the Houston Dynamo that was followed by a run of eight matches without a defeat that lasted until May.[12] The team continued to win, particularly at home, and overtook both New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls in the Supporters' Shield rankings by the end of the summer.[13] A loss to the Red Bulls in late September and Toronto FC on the final day of the regular season left Atlanta without a Supporters' Shield, finishing second in the Eastern Conference and second overall to the New York Red Bulls.[14] Josef Martínez set a new league goal-scoring record, with 31 regular season goals, and was named to the MLS Best XI alongside teammate Miguel Almirón, who recorded 12 goals and 14 assists.[9][15] Both players were also finalists for the league's most valuable player award, which Martínez won.[16] Head coach Gerardo Martino was named MLS Coach of the Year and announced his plans in October to leave the club following the end of the season.[17][18]

The club faced third-place New York City FC in the Conference Semifinals, winning 1–0 at Yankee Stadium in New York City on a goal by Eric Remedi. Atlanta defeated New York City 3–1 in the second leg with two goals by Josef Martínez, securing a berth to the Conference Finals with a 4–1 aggregate win.[19] Atlanta opened the Conference Finals against the New York Red Bulls with a 3–0 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before a crowd of 70,016 spectators.[20] Despite losing 1–0 in the second leg, the club secured its first-ever MLS Cup berth and hosting rights with a 3–1 aggregate win.[10]

Atlanta United FC was the first sports team from Atlanta to play for a league title at their home stadium since the Atlanta Braves in the 1995 World Series, which the team won to bring the city its only sports championship.[10] Other Atlanta-area sports teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and the Georgia Bulldogs college football team, had qualified for the championship games of their respective leagues but were defeated in "heartbreaking" losses that are sometimes attributed to a curse placed after the city hosted the 1996 Olympic Games.[21][22]

Portland Timbers

[edit]
Further information: 2018 Portland Timbers season

The Portland Timbers entered MLS as an expansion team in 2011 and won their first MLS Cup in 2015, defeating the Columbus Crew.[23] Head coach Giovanni Savarese was hired at the beginning of the season to replace Caleb Porter;[24] Savarese previously led the New York Cosmos to three playoff championships in the second-division North American Soccer League, including one against the Atlanta Silverbacks.[25]

During the offseason, Portland traded away midfielder Darlington Nagbe and defender Gbenga Arokoyo to Atlanta United FC for $1.65 million in allocation money, and also declined contract options for forward Darren Mattocks and defender Ben Zemanski.[26] Savarese used the targeted allocation money to sign several young players, including midfielder Cristhian Paredes and forward Samuel Armenteros, who were placed in the starting lineup.[27] Portland started the season with five straight road games due to an expansion project at Providence Park, which finished in three losses and two draws.[28][29] After returning to Providence Park in April, the Timbers went on a fifteen-match unbeaten streak (tying a club record) that was broken by a loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in August.[30] By late September, however, Portland had only won three more matches and lost six—being outscored 15–5 in away games.[31][32]

After winning 4–1 and 3–0 in successive matches against Real Salt Lake to close out the season, the Timbers qualified for the playoffs as the fifth-seed in the Western Conference,[32] playing away to FC Dallas in the first knockout round.[33][34] Despite a red card being shown to defender Larrys Mabiala, Portland won 2–1 on two goals by Diego Valeri and advanced to the semifinals to face longtime rivals and defending Western Conference champions Seattle Sounders FC.[35] After winning the first leg 2–1 at home, the Timbers lost their aggregate lead during the second leg as the Sounders rallied to tie the series at 3–3 and force extra time. The two teams both scored a goal in extra time, tying the series 4–4 on aggregate, and the match went into a penalty shootout that Portland won 4–2 after five rounds. The match in Seattle was called one of the best playoff matches in league history due to its dramatic finish.[36][37] Portland then played top-seed Sporting Kansas City in the Conference Finals, drawing 0–0 at home. The Timbers fell behind in the first half of the second leg, but rallied to win 3–2 on a pair of goals by Diego Valeri.[38] The Timbers are the first fifth-seeded team to reach the MLS Cup final.[39]

Summary of results

[edit]
Note: In all results below, the score of the finalist is given first (H: home; A: away).
Atlanta United FC Round Portland Timbers
2nd place in Eastern Conference
Pos Team
 Pld Pts
1 New York Red Bulls 34 71
2 Atlanta United FC 34 69
3 New York City FC 34 56
4 D.C. United 34 51
5 Columbus Crew 34 51
Source: MLS

     Qualified for playoffs

Regular season 5th place in Western Conference
Pos Team
 Pld Pts
3 Los Angeles FC 34 57
4 FC Dallas 34 57
5 Portland Timbers 34 54
6 Real Salt Lake 34 49
7 LA Galaxy 34 48
Source: MLS

     Qualified for playoffs

Opponent Agg. 1st leg 2nd leg MLS Cup Playoffs Opponent Agg. 1st leg 2nd leg
New York City FC 4–1 1–0 (A) 3–1 (H) Conference Semifinals Seattle Sounders FC 4–4
(4–2 p) 		2–1 (H) 2–3 (A) (a.e.t.)
New York Red Bulls 3–1 3–0 (H) 0–1 (A) Conference Finals Sporting Kansas City 3–2 0–0 (H) 3–2 (A)

Venue and ticketing

[edit]
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the host venue of MLS Cup 2018

As Atlanta United FC had the better regular season record among the two competing teams, the 2018 final was hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It was the eleventh stadium to host the MLS Cup final and Atlanta was the ninth metropolitan area to host the match.[40] The $1.5 billion stadium was opened in 2017 and is used by Atlanta United FC as well as the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). The stadium features an artificial turf field, a cylindrical video screen, and a retractable roof.[41][42]

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a maximum capacity of 71,000, but is downsized to 42,500 for most MLS matches.[43] Atlanta set the league's average attendance record of 53,002 in 2018,[44] as well as the overall single-match attendance records for a regular season match (72,243 in July 2018) and a playoff match (70,526 in November 2018).[45][46] It also hosted the 2018 MLS All-Star Game in August, attended by a record 72,317 spectators; Atlanta became the third city to host both an MLS Cup and an All-Star Game in the same season.[47][48] The stadium hosted the 2018 SEC Championship Game, a regional college football championship, a week before the MLS Cup final on December 1,[49] and later hosted Super Bowl LIII, the NFL's championship game, in February 2019.[9][50] The eight state championship high school football games were originally scheduled to take place over the weekend, but were postponed to December 11–12 by the Georgia High School Association, who had prepared a backup date.[51][52]

Ticket sales for the final began after the Eastern Conference Championship on November 29, 2018, with early access granted to season ticket members and personal seat license holders.[53] The match was sold-out by the following morning, leaving resell tickets in excess of $300.[54] The ticket allocation for supporters of the away team was initially limited to 900 seats, causing outcry from the supporters groups of the four semifinalist teams.[55] The Timbers Army, Portland's largest supporters group, sold out their allocation of 1,300 tickets within four minutes.[54][56] An additional 400 tickets were released in a lottery for Timbers season ticket holders, bringing the full away allotment to 1,700—an MLS Cup record.[57] The Timbers also sent a "victory log" and mascot Timber Joey to Atlanta for the cup.[58]

Broadcasting

[edit]

The MLS Cup final was broadcast in English by Fox in the United States and TSN in Canada. UniMás and Univision Deportes carried the Spanish broadcast in the United States, while TVA Sports carried the French broadcast in Canada.[59] Fox's broadcast was led by play-by-play announcer John Strong, color analyst Stuart Holden, and sideline reporter Katie Witham. The pre-match show was anchored by Rob Stone, Alexi Lalas, and Maurice Edu, with guest appearances from U.S. national team manager Gregg Berhalter and MLS commissioner Don Garber.[60] Fox used a total of 26 cameras for its broadcast, including a new corner flag camera, similar to end zone pylon cameras used in American football broadcasts.[61] UniMás's broadcast was anchored by play-by-play commentators Raúl Guzmán and José Luis López Salido, alongside color analysts Diego Balado and Marcelo Balboa.[62]

The match was also broadcast on the SiriusXM satellite radio network, with commentary from Joe Tolleson, Tony Meola, and Brian Dunseth.[63] The MLS Cup final was broadcast on television in over 170 countries, mainly on Eurosport and Fox Sports Latin America.[64][65] The Dutch Eurosport broadcast marked the last match for commentator Frank Kramer, who spent most of the MLS Cup final giving monologues and telling stories instead of commenting on the match. Eurosport later issued an apology for the broadcast and announced it would re-air the match in English.[66]

The Fox broadcast on terrestrial television earned a 1.2 metered market rating, the highest for an MLS Cup final since 1998.[67] The broadcast drew an average of approximately 1.56 million viewers, representing a 91 percent increase from Fox's last broadcast in 2016.[68][69]

Match

[edit]

Summary

[edit]
Trophy ceremony for Atlanta United FC after the final

The match began at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time in Atlanta, with cold weather and freezing rain outside brought by a winter storm.[70] Alan Kelly, recipient of the 2018 MLS Referee of the Year Award, was head referee of the match; it was his second MLS Cup final, having previously officiated the 2016 final in Toronto.[71] Both teams fielded similar lineups to those used in the Conference Finals, with Atlanta using an identical 5–3–2 formation and Portland replacing defender Bill Tuiloma with Larrys Mabiala in their 4–2–3–1 formation.[72] Atlanta midfielder and homegrown player Andrew Carleton was suspended by the club for violating a team rule.[73] Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja performed the national anthem prior to kickoff, reprising her role from an earlier LA Galaxy game in September.[74][75] Club owner Arthur Blank was honored at the "Golden Spike" ceremony prior to the match while both sets of supporters unveiled their tifos.[76][77]

Atlanta opened the first half with the majority of possession, but shared "cautious" attacking chances with Portland.[78][79] In the 14th minute, Atlanta forward Josef Martínez was allegedly tripped by Timbers defender Larrys Mabiala in the penalty area, but a penalty kick was not called by referee Alan Kelly or the video assistant referee.[76] Atlanta continued to increase its possession of the ball and pressed for further attacks, including a chance for Miguel Almirón in the 28th minute that was volleyed into the hands of Portland goalkeeper Jeff Attinella.[79] A slide tackle in the 39th minute by defender Michael Parkhurst reached Martínez in the penalty area, who dribbled around Attinella and scored the match's opening goal.[76] Portland responded in the 42nd minute with a cross by Sebastián Blanco to Jeremy Ebobisse, who headed the ball into the hands of Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan.[76][80]

Portland attempted to find an equalizing goal early in the second half with a chance for Ebobisse in the 51st minute that was saved by Guzan.[80][81] Atlanta won a free kick that was taken by Almirón and headed by Martínez to right-back Franco Escobar, who scored to give the team a 2–0 lead in the 54th minute.[79] Portland made three substitutions to bring on attacking players and saw several chances to score, including missed shots in the 73rd minute for Diego Valeri and the 82nd minute for Alvas Powell.[79][80] The rest of the second half featured end-to-end plays that resulted in saves or missed shots as Atlanta looked to use up remaining time in the match.[79][82] Martínez and Almirón were substituted late in the match to standing ovations from the crowd.[76] After the final whistle, Atlanta's substitute players rushed onto the field and were presented with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy by league commissioner Don Garber.[80][83] Martínez was named the match's most valuable player for his performance, while Atlanta captain Michael Parkhurst won his first MLS Cup after four earlier attempts with the New England Revolution and Columbus Crew.[75][84]

Details

[edit]
Atlanta United FC2–0Portland Timbers
 Report
Attendance: 73,019
Referee: Alan Kelly
Atlanta United FC
Portland Timbers
GK 1 United States Brad Guzan
CB 18 United States Jeff Larentowicz
CB 3 United States Michael Parkhurst (c)
CB 5 Argentina Leandro González Pírez
RWB 2 Argentina Franco Escobar
LWB 4 United States Greg Garza downward-facing red arrow 90+2'
CM 6 United States Darlington Nagbe
CM 11 Argentina Eric Remedi
CM 24 Germany Julian Gressel
CF 7 Venezuela Josef Martínez downward-facing red arrow 76'
CF 10 Paraguay Miguel Almirón downward-facing red arrow 90+1'
Substitutes:
GK 25 United States Alec Kann
DF 12 United States Miles Robinson
MF 8 Argentina Ezequiel Barco upward-facing green arrow 90+1'
MF 16 Republic of Ireland Chris McCann Yellow card 90+4' upward-facing green arrow 90+2'
MF 32 Germany Kevin Kratz
FW 15 Paraguay Héctor Villalba upward-facing green arrow 76'
FW 19 United States Brandon Vazquez
Manager:
Argentina Gerardo Martino
GK 1 United States Jeff Attinella
RB 16 United States Zarek Valentin
CB 33 Democratic Republic of the Congo Larrys Mabiala
CB 24 England Liam Ridgewell
LB 4 United States Jorge Villafaña
CM 21 Colombia Diego Chará Yellow card 80'
CM 20 Costa Rica David Guzmán downward-facing red arrow 82'
RW 11 Peru Andy Polo downward-facing red arrow 68'
AM 8 Argentina Diego Valeri (c)
LW 10 Argentina Sebastián Blanco
CF 17 United States Jeremy Ebobisse downward-facing red arrow 59'
Substitutes:
GK 12 United States Steve Clark
DF 2 Jamaica Alvas Powell upward-facing green arrow 82'
DF 25 New Zealand Bill Tuiloma
MF 13 Kenya Lawrence Olum
MF 14 El Salvador Andrés Flores
FW 26 Argentina Lucas Melano upward-facing green arrow 59'
FW 27 Colombia Dairon Asprilla upward-facing green arrow 68'
Manager:
Venezuela Giovanni Savarese

MLS Cup Most Valuable Player:
Josef Martínez (Atlanta United FC)

Assistant referees:[85]
Ian Anderson
Eric Weisbrod
Fourth official:[85]
Nima Saghafi
Reserve assistant referee:[85]
Kathryn Nesbitt
Video assistant referee:[85]
Chris Penso (United States)
Assistant video assistant referee:[85]
Thomas Supple

Match rules

  • 90 minutes.
  • 30 minutes of extra time if necessary.
  • Penalty shoot-out if scores still level.
  • Seven named substitutes.
  • Maximum of three substitutions, with a fourth allowed in extra time.

Post-match

[edit]

Atlanta United FC became the 13th club to win the MLS Cup,[9] and only the second team in the city to win a major professional sports championship. The other sports title for Atlanta at the time was won by the Atlanta Braves in the 1995 World Series.[79][86] It was also the city's second soccer championship, following the North American Soccer League title won by the Atlanta Chiefs at Atlanta Stadium in 1968.[87][88] Atlanta were the second-youngest franchise to win an MLS Cup, following the Chicago Fire's 1998 title in their first season.[89] The match's announced attendance of 73,019 spectators set a new MLS Cup record, surpassing MLS Cup 2002 in New England.[90] Super Bowl LIII, held two months later at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, drew 3,000 less attendees than the MLS Cup final due to the use of a different seating configuration.[91] The Georgia World Congress Center Authority later reported that attendance figure for the match was 69,004, lower than the ticket distribution figure given earlier.[92]

A one-mile-long (1.6 km) victory parade was held two days later in Downtown Atlanta, with an estimated crowd of 15,000 following the team bus from the Georgia Aquarium to Centennial Olympic Park and a rally outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The rally included speeches from Arthur Blank, Georgia governor Nathan Deal, and Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and culminated in outgoing coach Gerardo Martino hammering in the team's ceremonial golden spike.[93][94] Several players celebrated after the parade with a party at the Magic City strip club in Atlanta, where they brought the cup onstage.[95]

As MLS Cup winners, Atlanta United FC qualified for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League. The team had already qualified based on aggregate points for the 2017 and 2018 seasons and its original berth was transferred to the New York Red Bulls, who finished as runners-up in the aggregate table.[96][97] Atlanta hosted the 2019 Campeones Cup in August against Club América, the winner of the Mexican Campeón de Campeones. They defeated Club América 3–2, becoming the first MLS team to win the Campeones Cup and the first American team to defeat a Liga MX club in a competition final since 1998.[98][99] Atlanta also qualified for the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, but were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final by Toronto FC.[100]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

MLS Cup 2018

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The MLS Cup 2018 was the 23rd edition of the , the annual championship match of (MLS), contested between the winners of the Eastern and Western Conference playoffs to determine the season's champion. Held on December 8, 2018, at in , Georgia, the final featured the host Eastern Conference champions Atlanta United against the Western Conference champions , with Atlanta securing a 2–0 victory to claim their first MLS Cup title in just their second season as an expansion franchise. The match attracted a record 73,019 spectators, the highest attendance in MLS history and surpassing the previous MLS Cup record of 61,316 set in 2002. Atlanta United, coached by Gerardo "Tata" Martino, had stormed through the playoffs with dominant performances, defeating in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and the in the Eastern Conference Final. In the final, Atlanta took the lead in the 39th minute when forward headed in a for his 35th goal of the season across all competitions, followed by defender Franco Escobar's volley in the 54th minute off an assist from . , under and seeking a second title after their 2015 triumph, mounted pressure in the second half but were denied by Atlanta's goalkeeper and stout defense, including a key (VAR) review that upheld no penalty for a late challenge on Martínez. Martínez was named the MVP for his goal and overall impact, capping a breakout season where he set the single-season MLS goal record with 31 in regular play. The 2018 MLS Cup highlighted Atlanta United's rapid rise, drawing unprecedented fan support and boosting the league's visibility, with the final broadcast achieving the highest U.S. television ratings for an in 20 years. It also marked the culmination of a season where the had won the for the best regular-season record, but fell short in the , underscoring the single-elimination format's unpredictability. Atlanta's triumph ended a 23-year championship drought for the city, solidifying MLS's growing prominence in American soccer.

Background

2018 MLS season

The marked the 23rd year of the league's existence, expanding to 23 teams split between the Eastern Conference (11 teams) and Western Conference (12 teams). Each club competed in a 34-game , with 17 matches at home and 17 away, beginning on March 3 and concluding on October 28. The season introduced as the newest expansion franchise, adding to the league's growth following Atlanta United's debut the previous year. The captured the for the league's best regular-season record, earning 71 points through a 22–5–7 mark. Atlanta United forward dominated offensively, securing the Golden Boot as the top scorer with a record-setting 31 goals. In its second season, expansion side generated exceptional home support at , while the maintained steady Western Conference contention to earn a playoff berth. The league shattered attendance benchmarks, with total regular-season crowds reaching 8,553,245—up 3.4% from —and Atlanta United leading with an average of 53,002 fans per home game. Playoff qualification required the top six finishers in each conference.

Playoff format

The 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs featured a involving the top six teams from each conference based on regular-season points, for a total of 12 participating clubs. The consisted of four rounds: the Knockout Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and the final. This structure, in place since 2011, emphasized conference-based competition until the final, with the higher-seeded team hosting matches to reward regular-season performance. Seeding was determined solely by points earned during the 34-game , with ties broken by differential, goals scored, and shutouts in sequence. The top in each received a bye in the Knockout Round and faced the lowest remaining in the subsequent round, while the No. 2 played the highest remaining after the initial matches. Hosting privileges followed seeding throughout the , with the lower hosting the first leg of multi-game series and the higher hosting the second leg; the MLS Cup final was hosted by the finalist with the better record. The Knockout Round matched the No. 3 seed against the No. 6 seed and the No. 4 seed against the No. 5 seed in each conference, played as single-leg, winner-take-all games hosted by the higher seed. The Conference Semifinals and Conference Finals were contested in two-leg, aggregate-score series, where the team with more total goals advanced; if aggregate scores were level, the away goals rule applied as a tiebreaker. In cases of continued deadlock after 180 minutes, teams played two 15-minute extra time periods before proceeding to kicks from the penalty mark if necessary. The MLS Cup final was a single 90-minute match, with no extra time; ties were resolved directly by penalties. Single-leg games in the Knockout Round included extra time before penalties if scores were level after regulation. This format, unchanged from the prior seven seasons, aimed to balance inclusivity for mid-table teams with advantages for top performers, though it drew criticism for the brevity of early rounds and the potential for upsets in single-elimination play. , as the Eastern Conference No. 2 seed, and , as the Western Conference No. 5 seed, navigated this structure en route to the final.

Competing teams

Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United FC entered its second season in in 2018 under the guidance of head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who implemented a high-pressing, attacking style of play that emphasized quick transitions, vertical passing, and aggressive ball recovery in the opponent's half. The team finished the regular season with a strong record of 21 wins, 7 losses, and 6 draws, accumulating 69 points and securing second place in the Eastern Conference standings behind . This performance highlighted their dominance, particularly at home, where they posted an 11-4-2 record at , earning 37 points from 17 matches and conceding just 17 goals while scoring 40. Key to Atlanta's success were standout performers like Venezuelan striker Josef Martínez, who shattered the MLS single-season scoring record with 31 goals in regular-season play, earning the Golden Boot award. Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almirón provided creative flair with 12 goals and 14 assists, driving the attack through his dribbling and vision, while Argentine defender Leandro González Pírez anchored the backline with his composure and distribution from the center-back position. Martino's tactical approach fostered a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation that allowed for dynamic pressing and rapid counterattacks, enabling the team to outscore opponents 70-44 during the regular season. The club achieved several notable milestones, including breaking the MLS record for single-season attendance with an average of 53,002 fans per home game, totaling over 901,000 supporters across their 17 regular-season matches at . This marked the franchise's first appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs, just two years after joining the league, underscoring the rapid growth and fan enthusiasm in . As the second seed in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta earned automatic qualification for the postseason without needing a wild card spot, bypassing the single-elimination wild card round.

Portland Timbers

The entered the 2018 MLS season under new head coach , who was appointed in December 2017 following Caleb Porter's departure after the 2017 campaign. Savarese, a former New York Cosmos player and coach, brought a focus on tactical flexibility and player development, implementing formations such as the 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2 to adapt to opponents. This approach emphasized midfield control through players like Diego Chara and David Guzman, while leveraging counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities to exploit transitions. The team's style built on the defensive solidity from their 2015 MLS Cup-winning squad, prioritizing resilience in high-pressure situations. In the regular season, the Timbers finished fifth in the Western Conference with a record of 15 wins, 9 losses, and 10 draws, accumulating 54 points to secure a direct playoff berth without needing the wild card round. They demonstrated strong form at , winning 11 of 17 home matches, but faced challenges on the road with only 4 victories in 17 away games; however, their resilient road performances, including key draws against top teams, helped maintain their position in the playoff race. The season marked a rebound from a disappointing 2017, where they missed the playoffs, and showcased the squad's depth amid injuries to key contributors. Key performers included midfielder , who recorded 10 goals and 11 assists in 32 regular-season appearances, serving as the creative hub with his vision and finishing. Fellow Argentine Sebastian Blanco emerged as a star in his second MLS season, contributing 10 goals and 8 assists in 30 matches and earning both the Players' Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Year awards for his dynamic wing play and work rate. In , Jeff Attinella anchored the defense with 28 appearances, securing 8 clean sheets and providing stability during a transitional year. These contributions, combined with Savarese's emphasis on collective effort, positioned the Timbers as contenders drawing from their 2015 championship experience.

Path to the final

Eastern Conference playoffs

As the second seed in the Eastern Conference, earned a bye in the wild card round and advanced directly to the conference semifinals. In the semifinals, Atlanta faced third-seeded in a two-legged series. The first leg on November 4, 2018, at ended in a 1–0 away victory for Atlanta, with midfielder Eric Remedi scoring his first professional goal in the 37th minute from a low shot inside the after a quick counterattack. The second leg on November 11, 2018, at saw Atlanta secure a 3–1 home win in front of an MLS playoff-record crowd of 70,526, advancing on a 4–1 aggregate. Forward scored twice, including a penalty in the 58th minute and a finish from a assist in the 73rd minute, while added a direct in the 64th minute; 's replied with a header in the 78th minute. Across the series, Atlanta scored four goals while conceding just one, showcasing early defensive resilience under head coach . Atlanta then met top-seeded in the conference finals, another best-of-three series. The first leg on November 25, 2018, resulted in a dominant 3–0 home win for at before 70,016 fans, with opening the scoring in the 32nd minute via a low shot after a through ball from Almirón, Franco Escobar doubling the lead with a volley in the 47th minute, and Villalba sealing it in stoppage time (90+3') on a breakaway. The second leg on November 29, 2018, at Red Bull Arena ended in a 1–0 away loss for , but they advanced 3–1 on aggregate after defender Tim Parker scored for the Red Bulls in the 90+4th minute from a rebound. In this series, netted three goals and allowed only one, maintaining a in the decisive first leg through strong organization and Brad Guzan's key saves. Throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, Atlanta demonstrated defensive solidity by conceding just two goals across four matches while scoring seven, with home games at proving particularly dominant—two wins, six goals scored, and one conceded in front of sellout crowds exceeding 70,000. This run highlighted the team's knockout-stage poise, propelled by Martínez's three goals and Almirón's creative influence.

Western Conference playoffs

The , seeded fifth in the Western Conference, began their playoff journey in the knockout round against the fourth-seeded on October 31, 2018, at Toyota Stadium. Despite being reduced to ten men after defender Larrys Mabiala received a red card in the 58th minute, the Timbers secured a 2–1 victory, with scoring both goals in the 23rd and 71st minutes, while Matt Hedges pulled one back for Dallas in stoppage time (90+4'). This road win exemplified Portland's resilient "road warrior" mentality, advancing them to the conference semifinals. In the Western Conference semifinals, Portland faced their Cascadia rivals, the top-seeded . The first leg on November 4, 2018, at ended 2–1 in favor of the Timbers, with Jeremy Ebobisse equalizing in the 17th minute after Raúl Ruidíaz's early opener (10'), followed by Sebastián Blanco's go-ahead goal in the 29th. The second leg on November 8 at CenturyLink Field went to extra time after a 3–2 Sounders win, with Ruidíaz scoring twice (68', 90+3'), Blanco replying (78'), putting Portland ahead (93'), and tying it from the penalty spot (97'). Portland advanced on a 4–2 victory, clinching the series on a 4–4 aggregate amid dramatic comeback heroics and extra-time drama. Across the two legs, Portland scored four goals while conceding four, showcasing their attacking flair against a defensive Sounders side. The Timbers then met the top-seeded in the conference finals. The first leg on November 25, 2018, at resulted in a tense 0–0 draw, highlighted by Portland's stout defense limiting Sporting to one shot on target and a disallowed for Portland in the 70th minute due to an offside call on David Guzman. In the decisive second leg on November 29 at , Portland staged a comeback to win 3–2, with Blanco equalizing in the 52nd minute after Daniel Sallói's opener (20'), Valeri adding a second (61'), leveling for Sporting (81'), and Valeri sealing the victory with a stoppage-time penalty in the 99th minute. This 3–2 aggregate triumph propelled Portland to the , where they outscored Sporting 3–2 overall in the series through gritty road determination and late-game resolve.

Venue and preparations

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, and serves as the home venue for both the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) and Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). The stadium opened on August 26, 2017, with its inaugural event being a preseason NFL game between the Falcons and Arizona Cardinals, and it was selected to host Super Bowl LIII in February 2019. A key architectural feature is its retractable roof, consisting of eight translucent triangular panels that open and close like a camera lens, spanning 200,000 square feet and allowing for weather protection while admitting natural light. The venue also incorporates a retractable natural grass field that rolls in and out on a tray system to accommodate soccer configurations without damaging the surface for football. For soccer matches, the stadium's field measures 115 yards in length by 75 yards in width, fitting within MLS regulations that permit dimensions up to 120 by 80 yards. Retractable seating in the corners adjusts the football field's width from 53 1/3 yards to the broader soccer pitch, optimizing sightlines and capacity usage. While the standard MLS configuration at the stadium seats approximately 42,500 spectators to create an intimate atmosphere, it can expand to over 71,000 by opening upper-level sections, as was done for high-demand events including Atlanta United's home games. Prior to the 2018 MLS Cup, the stadium had already hosted numerous Atlanta United matches since the team's inaugural 2017 season and served as the site for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game on August 8, 2018, which drew 71,413 fans. Selected as the neutral-site venue for the 2018 MLS Cup on December 8, provided United with a significant home-field advantage due to its role as their primary home ground, despite the league's designation of the final as impartial. Weather considerations led to the roof being closed during the match, shielding the event from 's variable December conditions and ensuring optimal playing conditions under the venue's advanced infrastructure. The stadium's technical specifications enhance its suitability for major soccer finals, including a 360-degree "Halo" video board measuring 58 feet high and 1,075 feet in circumference, providing immersive visuals from every seat. Dynamic LED systems, capable of responding to on-field action, complement field-level advertising boards tailored for soccer, while fan amenities such as expansive 95-foot-wide concourses, over 60 food vendors offering local cuisine, and a technology lounge promote accessibility and comfort.

Ticketing and attendance

Ticket sales for the 2018 MLS Cup commenced immediately following Atlanta United's victory in the Eastern Conference Championship on November 29, 2018, with priority access provided to the club's holders. The general public sale opened the next day, on November 30, 2018, and the match sold out within minutes, reflecting overwhelming demand from fans eager to attend the final at . This rapid sellout underscored Atlanta United's burgeoning popularity in its second season, as the team had already drawn record crowds throughout the year. Official ticket pricing started at approximately $75 for away supporter sections allocated to fans, with higher tiers available for general seating and premium experiences reaching into the hundreds of dollars; resale prices quickly averaged around $293 shortly after the public sale began, driven by the event's high demand. Premium packages, including VIP options with enhanced amenities, were offered to cater to corporate and high-end buyers. The saw prices escalate further as the match date approached, highlighting the final's status as one of the most sought-after tickets in recent MLS history. The drew an announced attendance of 73,019, setting a new MLS Cup record at the time and surpassing the previous high of 61,316 from 2002; although the Authority reported an actual turnout of 69,004 based on counts, the official announced attendance remained 73,019, which is the figure used by MLS for . This crowd represented the largest for a standalone soccer in the United States up to that point, fueled by strong local support for Atlanta United, which had averaged over 53,000 fans per home game during the . As of 2025, this remained the highest attendance for an final, though it has been surpassed by some regular-season and playoff matches in other competitions. Logistics for the event included increased ticket allotments for away supporters, with MLS allocating a record 1,700 seats to Portland fans in response to demand, up from the typical 900. Security protocols at were heightened to manage the massive influx of spectators, while parking facilities and nearby fan zones facilitated smooth access and pre-game festivities, enhancing the experience for the predominantly local crowd. The influx of visitors from across the country and internationally provided a notable economic boost to through spending on accommodations, dining, and merchandise, contributing to the city's growing reputation as a soccer hub.

Broadcasting

Domestic coverage

The MLS Cup 2018 final was broadcast in English on Fox Sports in the United States, featuring play-by-play announcer John Strong and color commentator Stuart Holden as the lead team. In Canada, TSN provided the English-language coverage and TVA Sports provided French-language coverage. The Spanish-language broadcast in the United States aired on UniMás and Univision Deportes, with color analysis provided by Marcelo Balboa alongside play-by-play commentators Raúl Guzmán and José Luis López Salido. Fox's telecast drew a 1.2 household rating , the highest for an MLS Cup final in 20 years, and averaged 1.56 million viewers—the most-watched such match since 1997. The network's programming included pre-game analysis and a post-game show hosted by Rob Stone, with contributions from analysts , , and Katie Witham. Radio broadcasts were available nationally on SiriusXM FC (channel 157), where Joe Tolleson handled play-by-play with analysis from and Brian Dunseth. Local team stations carried the match as well, including 92.9 The Game (WMGJ) in Atlanta for and 750 AM/102.9 FM The Game (KXTG) in Portland for the .

International coverage

The 2018 MLS Cup final was broadcast internationally in over 170 countries, reflecting the league's expanding global footprint through established partnerships. In , Latin America provided live coverage in Spanish as part of a multi-year agreement that included MLS playoffs and the championship match. In the , Football aired the match live starting at 1 a.m. local time, offering English-language commentary to European audiences. Across broader , served as the primary broadcaster under a four-year deal that covered MLS events through 2018, providing English and local-language options in multiple countries. In the (MENA), Sports transmitted the final via Abu Dhabi Media's exclusive regional partnership. Streaming access was facilitated globally through MLSsoccer.com's live service for non-U.S. and Canadian viewers, supplemented by partnerships such as in select Asian markets and additional digital platforms in . This setup supported English-language streams in most regions, with Spanish options prioritized for Latin American feeds. Compared to prior years, the 2018 final's international distribution represented continued growth, building on MLS's efforts to reach over 170 countries since the mid-2010s events.

Match

Pre-match

The MLS Cup 2018 final was set to kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET on December 8 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the venue's retractable roof closed due to cold rain and low temperatures outside. The anticipated crowd of over 73,000 created an electric pre-match atmosphere, amplified by Atlanta United's passionate supporter groups like Terminus Legion, who led chants and displayed tifos in the north end, while around 2,000 Portland Timbers fans from the Timbers Army added to the pageantry with their own organized support sections and tailgating festivities outside the stadium. Both teams arrived at the stadium several hours before kickoff without major disruptions, fielding starting lineups in a 3-5-2 formation for Atlanta and 4-2-3-1 for Portland. Atlanta United, hosting their first , lined up with in goal, a back three of , Leandro González Pírez, and Franco Escobar, wing-backs Greg Garza and , central midfielders Jeff Larentowicz, Eric Remedi, and , and forwards and . Portland Timbers countered with Jeff Attinella in net, defenders , Larrys Mabiala, , and Jorge Villafaña, central midfielders Diego Chara and David Guzmán, and attackers , , and supporting forward Jeremy Ebobisse. Injury concerns were minimal heading into the match; Portland's key defender Larrys Mabiala had fully recovered from an ankle sprain suffered in the Western Conference Championship first leg and was cleared to start, while captain confirmed his earlier ankle issue from the Eastern Conference final would not impact his availability. Pre-kickoff ceremonies included a stirring performance of the by 7-year-old recording artist Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, who reprised her viral rendition from an earlier MLS match and captivated the sellout crowd. The trophy, the , was displayed prominently on the pitch prior to kickoff, heightening the anticipation for the post-match presentation. Betting odds heavily favored Atlanta United as -500 moneyline favorites to win in 90 minutes, reflecting their strong home advantage and unbeaten playoff run at , while Portland entered as +1,300 seeking their second title in five years. Pre-match predictions from analysts emphasized Atlanta's attacking firepower and crowd support as key edges, though Portland's resilient road form through the made them a live .

Summary

The 2018 MLS Cup final saw United secure their first major trophy with a 2–0 victory over the at , capping an extraordinary second season in . asserted dominance from the opening whistle, employing a high-pressing game that disrupted Portland's build-up play and created sustained pressure in the attacking third. The Timbers struggled to transition forward effectively, managing only sporadic threats while controlled the tempo and generated multiple scoring chances through quick combinations involving and . The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute when dispossessed Jeremy Ebobisse just outside the penalty area and rounded goalkeeper Jeff Attinella to finish into an unguarded net for his 35th goal of the campaign across all competitions. This opener shifted momentum decisively, compelling Portland to abandon their cautious counter-attacking setup and chase the game, though they offered little incision before halftime. contributed to Atlanta's defensive masterclass with a vital reaction save on Jeremy Ebobisse's close-range header in the 43rd minute, underscoring the hosts' organized backline. The second half began with Atlanta striking swiftly to seal the outcome. In the 54th minute, a well-executed exposed Portland's vulnerabilities: Almirón delivered a that flicked on with a header across goal, enabling Franco Escobar to head in from . Portland responded by increasing their intensity and enjoying a slight possession edge overall (52% to Atlanta's 48%), but their pressure yielded few clear opportunities as Atlanta's pressing stifled transitions and Guzan remained largely untested thereafter. Gerardo Martino's aggressive tactics neutralized Giovanni Savarese's reliance on counters, allowing Atlanta to manage the game comfortably without needing extra time and clinch the title before a record crowd of 73,019.

Details

The match was officiated by central referee Alan Kelly, assisted by and Eric Weisbrod on the lines, with Nima Saghafi serving as the fourth official. acted as the video assistant referee (), supported by Thomas Supple as the assistant VAR. The officiating crew managed the game without major controversies, as no VAR interventions were required and decisions were largely uncontested by players or coaches. Atlanta United lined up in a 3-5-2 formation: (GK); , , Franco Escobar (DF); Greg Garza, (WB); Jeff Larentowicz, Eric Remedi, (CM); , (FW). Substitutions for Atlanta were for (76'), Ezequiel Barco for (91'), and for Greg Garza (90+2'). started in a 4-2-3-1: Jeff Attinella (GK); , , Larrys Mabiala, Jorge Villafaña (DF); Diego Chara, David Guzmán (DM); , , (AM); Jeremy Ebobisse (FW). Portland's substitutions included Lucas Melano for Jeremy Ebobisse (59'), for (68'), and for David Guzmán (82'). Key events unfolded as follows: In the 80th minute, Diego Chara received a yellow card for a foul. At the 39th minute, scored the opener (1-0) by dispossessing Jeremy Ebobisse and rounding Jeff Attinella. At the 54th minute, Franco Escobar headed in the second goal (2-0) from a flicked on by Martínez. The remaining substitutions occurred as noted above, with Chris McCann receiving a yellow card in stoppage time (90+4') for time-wasting. No red cards were issued. Match statistics highlighted a balanced but Atlanta-dominant affair:
CategoryAtlanta UnitedPortland Timbers
Possession48%52%
Shots (on target)9 (4)8 (3)
Corners22
Fouls1211
Yellow cards11
Saves23
These figures underscore Atlanta's efficiency despite Portland's slight possession edge, with the Timbers generating some counterattacking threats.

Post-match

Awards and honors

Following the match, of Atlanta United was named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player for his decisive contributions, including scoring the opening goal in the 39th minute and his involvement in the second goal scored by Franco Escobar in the 54th minute, securing a 2–0 victory over the . Atlanta United FC claimed their first MLS Cup title as champions, marking a historic achievement for the expansion franchise in just its second season of existence. Captain lifted the during the post-match ceremony at , celebrating the club's inaugural major professional sports championship in . Martínez's MLS Cup MVP award made him the first Venezuelan player to earn the honor, adding to his remarkable 2018 season where he also captured the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player Award as the league's first Venezuelan recipient.

Reactions and impact

Following Atlanta United's 2–0 victory over the Portland Timbers in the 2018 MLS Cup, celebrations erupted across the city, culminating in a victory parade on December 10, 2018. The event drew thousands of fans lining the streets of downtown Atlanta, ending with a rally at a grassy lot near Mercedes-Benz Stadium attended by approximately 15,000 supporters, where players and outgoing mayor Kasim Reed addressed the crowd. In post-match interviews, head coach Gerardo Martino reflected on the triumph's personal significance, stating it allowed him to "go back to being a coach" and expressing pride in building the team from its inception, marking a fulfilling chapter before his departure to Mexico. Media coverage lauded United's meteoric ascent, with outlets highlighting the club's transformation from to champions in just two seasons as a model of rapid success in . described the win as capping a "spectacular rise," emphasizing the franchise's immediate impact on attendance and fan engagement. coach offered gracious remarks in defeat, praising his team's resilience and sacrifice while acknowledging Atlanta's strength, noting they "made it difficult" for the hosts despite the outcome. The victory marked Atlanta's first major professional sports trophy in 23 years, ending a drought since the ' title and boosting local morale. For the club, it accelerated key player movements, including midfielder Miguel Almirón's record $27 million transfer to Newcastle United in January 2019, signaling the team's growing appeal to European clubs. Portland, meanwhile, demonstrated competitive depth in a runner-up finish, reinforcing their status as a contender. League-wide, the final drew a record 73,019 attendees at —the highest for an and any standalone soccer match in U.S. league at the time—underscoring Atlanta's role in elevating MLS visibility and inspiring subsequent finals to pursue larger crowds. USA Today columnists positioned the success as a "blueprint for growth," highlighting how the franchise's fanbase expansion contributed to broader league popularity amid rising U.S. soccer interest. The triumph cemented Atlanta United's cultural footprint, accelerating soccer's growth in the U.S. South by fostering grassroots enthusiasm and positioning the sport as a viable mainstream option in a traditionally football-dominated region. Forward Josef Martínez emerged as a local hero, his MVP performance—scoring the opener and contributing to the second goal—solidifying his icon status and symbolizing the club's inclusive, high-scoring identity.

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  97. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/josef-martinez-finds-happiness-and-sadness-as-mls-record-arrives-vs-atlanta-unit
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