2018 League Double (Shield and Cup)
The historic season where Atlanta United conquered both the Shield and the Cup to claim the ultimate Double.
The 2018 season stands as the definitive pinnacle of Atlanta United's early history, marking a rare achievement in Major League Soccer (MLS): securing both the regular-season title and the championship cup within the same calendar year. While several MLS teams had previously completed this 'Double'—including D.C. United (1997, 1999), LA Galaxy (2002, 2011), and others—Atlanta United's accomplishment remains a historic milestone for the club.
Led by head coach Gerardo Martino and driven by a passionate home crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the team overcame significant odds to claim the Supporters' Shield for the best regular-season record. They capped this feat with a dramatic victory in the MLS Cup Final against Portland Timbers, creating a legacy moment that defined the club's identity during its formative years.
Quick Facts
- Season
- 2018
- League title
- Supporters' Shield
- Championship title
- MLS Cup
- Head coach
- Gerardo Martino
- Key forward
- Josef Martínez
- Final opponent
- Portland Timbers
- Achievement status
- First MLS Double in Club History
Lore & Background
In 2018, Atlanta United did not just play soccer; they rewrote the narrative of expansion teams. The Supporters' Shield victory was a testament to their relentless consistency throughout the grueling MLS schedule, where they amassed a points total that set a new standard for offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Josef Martínez's record-breaking goal-scoring run provided the engine for this regular-season dominance, earning him the league's top scorer title while dragging his teammates toward the summit.
The journey to the Double culminated in a commanding MLS Cup Final performance against the Portland Timbers. At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United controlled the match from start to finish, securing a decisive 2-0 victory in regulation time. Goals from Josef Martínez and Franco Escobar sealed the trophy, delivering a clean sheet triumph that validated the 'Red and Black' movement that had swept Atlanta.
Reader's Guide
The 2018 season began with high expectations but exceeded them by securing the Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. Atlanta United finished the league campaign with a dominant points total, driven largely by the prolific scoring of Josef Martínez, who shattered MLS single-season goal records.
Key contributors included goalkeeper Brad Guzan, whose experience stabilized the backline, and midfield maestro Thiago Almada (correction: Alejandro Pozuelo and Gerson) - correction: Gerson de Souza and Alejandro Pozuelo provided crucial creativity. The team's ability to score at will allowed them to overcome defensive lapses and maintain a consistent winning streak throughout the year.
The season concluded with the MLS Cup Final against Portland Timbers. After falling behind in extra time, Atlanta United scored two goals in the dying moments to win 2-1. This victory secured their first-ever league title and completed the rare double of Shield and Cup in one season.
Did You Know?
- Josef Martínez became the first player in MLS history to score 30+ goals in a single season during this campaign.
- Atlanta United is not the only expansion team to win both the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup early in their existence; the Chicago Fire achieved the Double in their inaugural season (1998).
- The 2018 MLS Cup Final ended 2-0 in regulation time, with no extra time required and Atlanta United never trailing in the match.
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