Atlanta United defender Franco Escobar, left, celebrates with Jeff Larentowicz after scoring in the second half. And 50 years after the Atlanta Chiefs won the first North American Soccer League crown, United basked in the sport’s incredible growth in this gridiron stronghold. [With MLS Cup, Atlanta United caps an overnight success 50 years in the making]An all-day cold rain seemed like a good omen for weather-tested Portlanders, who dressed in woodsy green hues and numbered more than 1,300. Atlanta defender Michael Parkhurst pressured Jeremy Ebobisse into what was either a deflection or a haphazard back pass. At the top of the penalty area, with Martinez off his shoulder, Portland defender Liam Ridgewell stabbed at the ball unsuccessfully.

Source: Washington Post December 09, 2018 03:27 UTC