Atlanta United will play their final game with Tata Martino as manager in Saturday’s MLS Cup final. Beating a hard-nosed Portland Timbers team may not be necessary to confirm their status as MLS trend-setters and record-breakers under Martino. But a trophy — which they very conspicuously lack — would no doubt help.
An MLS Cup win would be the ideal send-off for Tata, who likely will take over the Mexican national team, and some of their core pieces — Miguel Almiron appears to be on the verge of a move to the Premier League’s Newcastle, and recently-confirmed MVP Josef Martinez could be a candidate for a sale as well.