Didn’t this used to be a football town? A constant debate over Georgia or Georgia Tech? As of late, the city of Atlanta has joined hands in honor of the newly formed MLS team, Atlanta United. On Saturday Dec. 8, Atlanta United faced the Portland Timbers in a hard-fought match for the MLS Cup. The Atlanta sports championship drought has ended, as the city won its first major title since the Braves win in the 1995 World Series.

Surprisingly, Atlanta United has attracted one of the larger fan bases out of the major teams in the city. Fans seem to pack Mercedes Benz Stadium a little bit tighter each and every game. Fortunately, the Five Stripes received home field advantage for the biggest game of the season, and the fans made their presence felt, as 71,000 soccer fans surrounded the pitch.

Atlanta United dominated from the first touch, not allowing the opposition many opportunities to make something happen. United put great pressure on the Timbers’ defense, as the offense had multiple opportunities at a goal. In the 39th minute, the men in red and black took a first half lead, as star striker, Josef Martinez, snuck it past the Portland goalkeeper for a goal. Atlanta did not take this as a reason to play passive, as they continued to attack the Portland defense.

Just minutes after halftime, Franco Escobar fired one into the back of the net off of a free kick to extend Atlanta’s lead and make it two to nil. Fans throughout the city of Atlanta knew the game was far from over, as they have become very familiar in recent years with the saying, “It’s not over until the fat lady sings.” When the clock finally reached the 90 minute mark, soccer and football fans alike began to rejoice in honor of Atlanta United representing for the city.

Atlanta United has brought home the trophy in just its second year of existence. Team owner Arthur Blank’s investment has sure made the sports fanatics happy, as the 23-year championship drought has ended. This is just the second major championship Atlanta has won, but this is just the beginning for their success. Atlanta as “Titletown”? That’s something we can all get used to.