Portland and Atlanta both have long histories of professional soccer with each city being represented in the original North American Soccer League (NASL), the second division at the turn-of-the-century, and now in MLS. Saturday's 2018 MLS Cup (5pm PT, FOX) is the next chapter in the long and winding road between Atlanta and Portland soccer clubs.
Before the Timbers made their debut in 1975 in NASL play, Atlanta had already had a team exist and relocate. The original Atlanta Chiefs were a member of the NASL for their inaugural season in 1968 and stayed in the league until 1973 with their last season playing under the name the Atlanta Apollos.