Less than two years after Atlanta United FC’s first match, the team on Saturday reached the pinnacle of North American soccer, squaring off against Portland for the MLS Cup championship.

Soccer is enjoying soccer witnessing a surge in interest, and Atlanta is at the forefront of this transformation, redefining its identity as the hub of the sport in the U.S.

The Atlanta United capped a dream two-season run for the expansion team with its first MLS Cup title, defeating the Portland Timbers 2-0. The win marked the first title for one of the city's top ...