We have a winner of the Atlanta United Dog Cup

The final pitted Josef Martinez vs. Julian Gressel. Only one pup could emerge victorious.

By Joe Patrick@japatrick200 Jul 19, 2017, 2:31pm EDT

The player who will be lifting the Golden Milkbone Trophy is... Julian Gressel!

His pup, a 12-week old Australian Labradoodle named Freddy, knocked out some fierce competition on the way to the top. Let’s look back at some of the dogs that stood in mighty Freddy’s way.

First it was Chris McCann’s handsome boxer in what was tabbed the Group of Death of the tournament. It’s a shame that one of these dogs had to be eliminated so early in the competition.

Things didn’t get easier for Freddy after the first round. He was randomly drawn against not one, but two dogs after Yamil Asad’s French Bulldog was awarded a first-round-bye by the tournament committee (of one). Tyrone Mears’s puppy was also involved, but the second round was clearly a two-dog race.

Finally, Freddy met up with the other finalist, Josef Martinez’s chocolate lab who we believe is named Hachikō. A very good dog indeed, and especially tough to beat given the pitiful look and the Atlanta United garb he sported in photos.

According to Martinez’s personal account, Hachikō also is a notorious massive dump-taker. Josef seems very pleased with this.

And finally, Freddy’s story wouldn’t be complete without a final look at the other competitors. Thanks to all who turned up at Dirty South Soccer to vote and crown a champion among champions of all these fine dogs!