Atlanta United took care of business Thursday night, advancing to the club's first MLS Cup final in its second season in existence with a 1-0 loss vs. the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. By virtue of the first-leg 3-0 rout in Atlanta, the Five Stripes advanced to the final on a 3-1 aggregate, bouncing the Supporters' Shield winners in the process.
The hill was always going to be a tall one to climb for New York, but a rather flat first half made the task even taller. Atlanta resisted any temptation to unleash its attacking stars and go at the Red Bulls, instead opting for the more pragmatic and safe approach that was required given the circumstances.