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Atlanta United: 2018 MLS season in review – Conquered

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta fans hold a copy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution announcing Atlanta's victory during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta fans hold a copy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution announcing Atlanta's victory during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Atlanta United
ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta fans hold a copy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution announcing Atlanta’s victory during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

With the MLS offseason officially upon us, it only makes sense to take a look back at Atlanta United’s 2018 season. Did they live up to expectations?

The MLS offseason is officially underway, meaning a season review is in order. Atlanta United had a successful season, to say the least. But did they meet expectations? Did they surpass them? Where do they stand among MLS history?

This post will be modeled after the All-Star break review written back in August. Atlanta’s final numbers, their home and road form, their most valuable player, best defender, and most improved player will be picked. Their season expectations will also be compared to their final results, and whether or not the season was considered a success.

Related Story. Atlanta United: Beginnings of a dynasty?. light

Without further ado, here is your 2018 Atlanta United season review.

The final numbers

Record: 21-7-6
Supporter’s Shield standings: 2nd place, 69 points
Conference standings: 2nd place, 69 points
US Open Cup placement: Round of 16
PPG: 2.03 (2nd in MLS)
Goals scored: 70 (best in MLS)
Goals allowed: 44 (tied for 5th in MLS)
Goal difference: 26 (2nd in MLS)
Finishing position in playoffs: 1st

Atlanta United put together a record-breaking season across many fronts. They tied Toronto FC’s record-setting 2017 season mark with 69 points from the regular season. Although the New York Red Bulls surpassed that with 71 points, it is still an impressive mark nonetheless. Along with the Red Bulls, they also set a new mark for wins in the post-shootout era. New York finished with 22, while Atlanta finished with 21.

The Five Stripes became the first team in MLS history to score 70 or more goals in back to back seasons, thanks to league MVP Josef Martinez. Teammate Miguel Almiron finished second in MVP voting and coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino won Coach of the Year. The team’s captain, Michael Parkhurst, was also a finalist for Defender of the Year.

Martinez set many individual records this season. He tied Diego Valeri’s mark of nine consecutive games with a goal. He scored 31 goals in the regular season, shattering the previously held record of 27 goals in a season. Hee also scored another four goals in the playoffs, bringing his grand total to 35, which is also a new MLS record. After notching three more hat-tricks, Martinez now holds the record for most hat-tricks in MLS history. Martinez also won MVP honors for the MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup, becoming the first player in history to win league MVP, All-Star MVP, and Cup MVP in the same season.

It also cannot be forgotten that the Five Stripes also cruised through the playoffs en route to winning the MLS Cup. With awards across the board, both team and individual, Atlanta United had a tremendously successful 2018 season.

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