ATLANTA (AP) — Thousands of fans are lining the streets of downtown Atlanta to celebrate the city’s first sports championship since 1995.
Atlanta United captured the MLS Cup with a 2-0 victory over Portland. Less than 48 hours later, a celebration was held on a frigid, drizzly Monday.
The players rode an open-air bus on the 1-mile-long parade route, holding up the cup for the cheering crowd as they passed the Georgia Aquarium, the College Football Hall of Fame and Centennial Olympic Park. Some 15,000 are expected for a lunchtime rally at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta United doesn’t have long to celebrate its title. The team must name a new coach to replace Tata Martino and likely deal with the loss of star midfielder Miguel Almiron, who could be headed to Europe.
The team returns to the field in February for its first appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League.
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