Thousands celebrate in the streets as Atlanta United bring home MLS Cup

Thousands of jubilant Atlanta United supporters packed the city's streets to cheer their heroes as an open-top bus parade marked their MLS Cup triumph.

The team defeated Portland Timbers 2-0 in Saturday's final to claim the Major League Soccer crown in only their second season in the competition.

It was the city's first sporting title since the Atlanta Braves baseball team beat the Cleveland Indians to win the 1995 World Series.

Little wonder so many sports fans braved rain and chilly temperatures to catch a glimpse of the players as the double decker passed by.

A giant replica of the MLS Cup was paraded through downtown followed by club dignitaries and then a bus loaded with the championship-winning squad.

Supporters waved colourful flags and banners as they followed along the parade route, singing songs about the team.

Players threw scarves, hats and miniature footballs to the fans as souvenirs, while club owner Arthur Blank - affectionately known as 'Uncle Arthur' to the fans - waved from a club-branded convertible car.

Many fans admitted they'd skipped work to watch the victory parade, with the club's 23-year wait for sporting silverware finally at an end.

Officially founded in April 2014 as a MLS expansion franchise, United joined the MLS in 2017, reaching the Eastern Conference play-offs before losing on penalties to Columbus Crew.

But they made no mistake in their second season, finishing second behind the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference before triumphing in the post-season play-offs.

They overcame New York City 4-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals and then the Red Bulls 2-1 in the Eastern final to reach the MLS Cup final.

Josef Martinez, portrayed as Jesus on one fan banner, had scored 31 goals during the regular season - a MLS record - and set Atlanta on their way to victory against Portland in the 39th minute.

A second goal, by Franco Escobar, secured Atlanta's victory and sparked wild celebrations among a capacity crowd of 73,019 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium they share with the Atlanta Falcons NFL team.