After two consecutive appearances the Seattle Sounders are not in the MLS Cup Final. Instead arch-nemesis Portland Timbers head to Atlanta where the Five-Stripes attempt to cap off their claim of being the best expansion team of all time.
Atlanta United FC will lose their coach and their #10 after the match. They may lose even more talent. Giovanni Savarese attempts to become the second lower division coach to win the title in his first season as an MLS coach, following Brian Schmetzer. Portland is attempting to win their second title with two Diegos in the midfield.