2018 MLS Cup Championship

Lore & Background

Entering the playoffs as a formidable side, Atlanta United carried immense momentum into the championship decider. The atmosphere surrounding the team was electric, fueled by a passionate fanbase that had followed them from their inaugural season to this pinnacle moment on national television.

The match itself was a tactical masterclass, showcasing the defensive resilience built around Brad Guzan and the attacking threat of Josef Martínez. Although the final was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it was a neutral-site match hosted by MLS, not a true home game for Atlanta United. Securing the trophy in their own city still highlighted the club's ability to perform under pressure in front of their fans, cementing their legacy as champions.

Reader's Guide

The 2018 MLS Cup victory concluded a record-breaking campaign for Atlanta United FC. The team entered the playoffs as Supporters' Shield champions, demonstrating consistency throughout the regular season that few expansion teams ever achieve.

Josef Martínez was the undisputed star of the tournament and the final match itself. He had already set an MLS single-season scoring record during the regular run, finishing with 34 goals. In the championship game, his clinical finish in the first half broke the deadlock against a resilient Portland Timbers side.

The defense held firm for the remainder of the contest, ensuring a clean sheet that secured the 2–0 victory. This win remains the club's most significant achievement to date, validating their rapid rise from an expansion franchise to league champions within just two years.

Did You Know?

• Josef Martínez won the Landon Donovan MLS Cup Most Valuable Player Award for his performance in the final.
• Atlanta United became the first expansion team since the Chicago Fire in 1998 to win the MLS Cup in their second season.
• This victory marked Atlanta United's first-ever trophy since their inaugural 2017 campaign.