Atlanta United vs. Portland Timbers: MLS Cup Attendance Breaks Record in 2018
Sometimes it is important to look back before moving ahead. The MLS Cup 2018 has gone down in history as clear proof that professional soccer in America has reached a new level of success and popularity.
Who would have thought a new team would claim the coveted prize?
As the new MLS season kicks off — it is a great time to turn back the time and take a quick look at how last season ended.
Atlanta United hosted the Portland Timbers and fans eagerly awaited the final whistle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and that 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. As the rock band Queen’s song, “We Are The Champions,” filled the stadium, everyone realized that soccer in America had reached a new height.
The attitude was clear. Atlanta United was determined to conquer the Cup.
Yesterday, Atlanta United received 2018 MLS Cup championship rings and the celebration started up again. The rings are made from 10-karat white and yellow gold, with 101 white diamonds.
They sparkle with 14 yellow diamonds making the Atlanta “A” inside the crest.
That night of the MLS Cup, the city of Atlanta and its MLS players gave their United coach Tata Martino the perfect ending to a historic rise for the two-year-old expansion club. That was Martino last game. Martino had coached his team through a fabulous season, with only two losses at home.
Now, the team sparkles again – this time with their new rings.
Atlanta United had 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 joys of winning keep coming.
Inside the rings is the inscription, “5-Stripes don’t stop,” along with the date that will go down in American soccer history!
RECAP:
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 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.
Great MLS Fact:
The 2018 MLS Cup match set a new attendance record of 73,019.
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.
