Atlanta United will host the Eastern Conference final for the second year in a row thanks to their 2-0 win over the Philadelphia Union on Thursday night. The Five Stripes put in a solid performance on the backs of Julian Gressel and Josef Martinez while once again recording a clean sheet. Dating back to last year’s MLS Cup final, that’s now three-straight shutouts in the playoffs.
Gressel opened the scoring in just the 10th minute with a smooth chip over Union goalkeeper Andre Blake. Gonzalo Martinez, who didn’t even see the pitch in Atlanta’s previous playoff match, found Gressel with a wonderful assist.