MLS Cup Final: ATL v POR

Post game thoughts as shared on the main PBP thread. (Blessedly I'm typing this, because my voice is shot.)

- First off, thank you Uncle Arthur. We could not have asked for a better owner to empower us fans with the ability to build our part of this experience. Thank you so much.

- Dear MLS, so long as you're having the final in one team's stadium then make the 5% share standard for visiting fans. Having the Timbers faithful in the house helped drive the atmosphere because every time they started "P-T! F-C!" it encouraged the Stripes faithful to respond in kind. And since the two fan bases by all accounts had civil interaction throughout, know that that was exactly the scene you want for this event.

- Re: Portland - I was surprised by how high up the pitch they were attacking. I thought their line in the sand would be the halfway line but they routinely attacked Atlanta's defenders when the Stripes had the ball in their own third. This did yield a few short-field turnovers but i don't recall Portland utilizing that with more then 4-5 players, so it rarely bore fruit. I also think Diego Chara was lost. Not sure how much of that was his own head, Atlanta's D, or just an off night, but he seemed neutered as an attacking threat. Lastly I thought while Portland's defense was solid overall they gave up the wings too easily, which allowed Garza, Escobar and company room to control the match and provide the crosses that at least kept the pressure on Portland.

- As for Atlanta I think they certainly have played better games but you could see their intention with the long passes (both across the field and, less successfully, through the middle) and their intent to pressure the Timbers in the center of the pitch. IIRC Portland struggled to connect more than 4 passes in the offensive half for much of the first 45'. Atlanta struggled to sustain their own offensive possessions but were able to spend much of the match on the front foot, aided by getting the first goal. So once they endured Portland's surge to start the 2nd half Nagbe and Gressel pushed up into more advanced positions and eventually drove Atlanta toward goal # 2. It was a more scrappy version of their home leg versus NYCFC, albeit with a more dynamic defense needed since Portland's attack is midfield oriented, but it got the desired result.

- MOTM for me was Brad Guzan. He made the save when needed, was very vocal in keeping the defense tight and made sure to pull LGP and Parkhurst back when they drifted too deeply forward.

 

Kudos to everyone who showed up, for both teams. We endured some miserable weather (should've opened the gates earlier last night) to celebrate the occasion. If anything that justified our celebration all the more, I say, to have that level of commitment.

Having been around since #MLStoATL was conceived this was truly special. Thanks to Uncle Arthur, to the supporters' groups, the team and the staff, and to all the fans. I only wish it was at least dry last night so we could've extended the revelry at Centennial Park or something.

From a "bad sports town" to the new capitol for US pro soccer! Yeah, I'll take that.

 

Subscribers like my father get the early edition, which lacked complete coverage because they went to print before the result. They'll have stuff Monday, I'm sure.