Atlanta United, wrapping up its second season in history by lifting the club’s first MLS Cup, brings with it a certain finality. Tata Martino is moving on. Miguel Almiron is (probably) moving on. Jeff Larentowicz and/or Michael Parkhurst could also move on, riding into the sunset with silverware. A period of change is set to occur, and with the first chapter now closed, we will start to analyze and reflect on all the characteristics this team inhabited. But let’s start with this one:
This team had balls. Real courage. On the field, it’s encapsulated by the first goal.