MLS Cup holders Atlanta United defeated Philadelphia Union 2-0 on Thursday to advance to set up a last-four showdown with Toronto FC. A superbly crafted first-half goal by Julian Gressel and a late strike from Josef Martinez settled an entertaining game at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta will now face Toronto FC in the final of the Eastern Conference Championship next Wednesday for a place in the MLS Cup final. Atlanta, who won the MLS Cup last year in only their second season of existence, were made to work hard for victory against the third-seeded Union side. Gressel’s winner came after only 10 minutes, the 25-year-old German midfielder chipping in from just inside a crowded penalty area after clever interplay with Argentinian international Pity Martinez.
