On Saturday, December 9, the Atlanta United soccer team brought home the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers, which is the first trophy the team has received. The Five Stripes have been on fire this season, making it to the Major League Soccer Cup Finals for the first time in the mere two years they have existed. This year’s MLS Cup Championship took place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Josef Martinez, who has been named 2018 MLS Most Valuable Player, successfully scored a goal and recorded an assist during the championship game, which has only happened two times in MLS history. In addition, Martinez made the goal with six minutes to spare before halftime. Miguel Almiron received a free kick, in which was headed by Martinez, giving defender Franco Escobar the chance to score the team’s second goal.

Gerardo Martino, who has been the team’s tactician and strategist for the past two years, is planning to leave following this season. After his successful season with the Five Stripes, Martino will have his pick of any soccer team around the world. His players, and the people of Atlanta, will surely miss his time at Atlanta United.

This win is exciting not only for the Atlanta United team and for avid soccer fans, but also for all of Atlanta as well. Some were starting to believe that Georgia was just cursed when it came to sports with the recent burn of the Georgia Bulldogs losing to Alabama and not to mention when the Falcons came close to winning the Super Bowl. As a result, Atlanta United winning the MLS cup was just what Georgia needed to find hope for the future.

Atlanta will be eagerly awaiting the next big win that the Five Stripes may bring in the next coming years. If the Five Stripes can win the MLS cup in only their second year, we will surely  be expecting more from them in the future.