Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers: 5 key players to watch
By Josh Bouland
![HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 29: Julian Gressel #24 of Atlanta United FC celebrates the win of the Eastern Conference Finals Leg 2 match against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on November 29, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 29: Julian Gressel #24 of Atlanta United FC celebrates the win of the Eastern Conference Finals Leg 2 match against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on November 29, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ac4b06e05118e926d5e0969d90332bae146ef0362c7ef2f2652a178cea762a2f.jpg)
3. Josef Martinez
Josef Martinez is most likely going to be crowned the MLS MVP. Martinez shattered records this season, including most career hat tricks in MLS, most goals scored in a regular season, and most goals scored in a regular season and playoffs.
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So far in the playoffs, Martinez has three goals. All three were scored at Mercedes Benz Stadium, so ideally he will add to that tally this Saturday. Martinez missed last year’s match against Portland but started in this year’s June match. He was unable to find the back of the net and recorded three shots with one landing on target.
This Final may also be Martinez’s last match. As of late, there haven’t been any rumors about Martinez leaving the club. On top of the lack of rumors, Martinez has routinely expressed his love for Atlanta. There is the possibility of a team offering a deal Atlanta can’t turn down, but such a deal has yet to transpire.
If it is his last game in Atlanta, he will want to score for the fans and help the team to a trophy while also saying goodbye to his best friend.