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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, GA – DECEMBER 08: Franco Escobar #2 of Atlanta United celebrates after scoring the second goal past goalkeeper Jeff Attinella #1 of Portland Timbers in the second half with Jeff Larentowicz #18 during the 2018 MLS Cup between Atlanta United and the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 08: Franco Escobar #2 of Atlanta United celebrates after scoring the second goal past goalkeeper Jeff Attinella #1 of Portland Timbers in the second half with Jeff Larentowicz #18 during the 2018 MLS Cup between Atlanta United and the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Best newcomer/most improved

Both of these awards have to go to one single player after the conclusion of the 2018 season. Darlington Nagbe looked like the best newcomer midway through the season and Julian Gressel looked like the most improved. But after Atlanta’s victory in MLS Cup, both awards belong to Franco Escobar.

Escobar really broke out of his shell as the season progressed. He had a rough first game (as did the rest of the team) and then had to battle injury for nearly the rest of the season. Come October, though, things changed in a big way for Escobar.

Against the Chicago Fire at the end of October, and without Miguel Almiron, Escobar found the back of the net for his first goal with the club. That goal propelled Atlanta to a win and kept them atop the Supporters’ Shield standings. In the playoffs, Escobar scored two beautiful goals; one in the 3-0 first leg demolition of New York Red Bulls and one in the MLS Cup Final.

Escobar played center-back with his previous club, Newell’s Old Boys. But Martino brought Escobar in to learn how to play right-back after the club lost Anton Walkes during the offseason. And while he certainly looked uncomfortable at first, Escobar adapted and then thrived. Just ask Josef Martinez and Tata Martino if Escobar improved over the course of the season.

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