ATLANTA 2, TIMBERS 0: Franco Escobar gave United a second goal early in the second half, finishing off a flicked-on header from Josef Martinez on a free kick.
Right place, right time.@francoeescobar doubles @ATLUTD's lead! #MLSCup https://t.co/MsFYB3dOsc
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 9, 2018
HALFTIME UPDATE: Atlanta United needed nearly 40 minutes to do it, but they got their lead off the foot of Josef Martinez. Michael Parkhurst may not get an assist, but he does deserve credit for creating the chance with his tackle on Jeremy Ebobisse that put Martinez in on goal.
Make it 35 goals for @JosefMartinez17! This one means more. #MLSCup https://t.co/cpwRjTkSYA
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 9, 2018
It. Is. Here. The day we’ve all dreamed about since the possibility of an MLS expansion franchise in Atlanta sprouted is here. Atlanta United is playing in MLS Cup in Atlanta. Pinch me. All that stands between the Five Stripes and a place in history is the Portland Timbers.
Projections say over 73,000 people will be in attendance for the Cup decider. Who could’ve imagined that MLS would have this type of spectacle in the South? Hopefully the match lives up to the billing.
When the opening whistle blows, the odds and predictions will be thrown out the window. Both teams feature fantastic players will undoubtedly leave it all on the field for 90 (and possibly 120) minutes to determine who is the king of MLS in 2018.
This is the final match for Tata Martino, possibly Miguel Almiron (and others?) for Atlanta United. We can only hope they go out with a bang and on top. Buckle your seat belts one last time. It’s going to be a wild ride. VAMOS ATL!
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Our Starting XI vs @TimbersFC#UniteAndConquer | #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/9DtlyeOxBU
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 9, 2018
Portland Timbers’ Lineup:
Our final Starting XI of 2018. #MLSCup #OnwardRoseCity #RCTID pic.twitter.com/eIR4Ho3HId
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) December 9, 2018
How to Watch
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Advertised Kickoff Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Available TV: FOX, UniMas
Available Streaming: fubo TV (free trial), FOX Sports Go
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game (English), AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope), La Mejor 1600 AM (Spanish)
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