Atlanta eliminates New York to reach 1st MLS Cup final

Atlanta United are one win away from lifting the MLS Cup in just their second-ever season after cruising past the New York Red Bulls 3-1 on aggregate in the Eastern Conference final to reach next month's championship match.

Despite falling to New York 1-0 in Red Bull Arena on Thursday, Tata Martino's men booked their ticket to the MLS Cup final as a result of their dominating 3-0 win in the first leg.

The visitors nearly struck first just seconds into the contest when Josef Martinez's strike was deflected away by Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles. Atlanta then employed a disciplined approach on a night that New York dominated possession and enjoyed more chances on goal.

The Red Bulls appeared as though they had cut the deficit to two in the 80th minute before Aaron Long's strike was called back over a foul committed against Atlanta netminder Brad Guzan.

It was too little, too late by the time the Red Bulls found the back of the net with an injury-time goal, as Atlanta held on before celebrating their Eastern Conference championship.

Atlanta will host the MLS Cup final against the Portland Timbers at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 8.