Atlanta United 3, New York City FC 1- MLS Cup Playoffs Recap

Atlanta United held a distinct advantage coming into Sunday's Eastern Conference Semifinals second leg against New York City FC after an away goal in the opener. And thanks to two first-half goals from their stars, they booked their place into the Conference Championship for the first time in club history.

Darlington Nagbe played a throughball to a streaking Franco Escobar, who got forward from his right wingback position, halfway through the first half and the Argentine cutback along the endline. NYCFC winger Ismael Tajouri-Shradi made a risky decision to go to ground and paid for it as he caught Escobar with his tackle in the box. Josef Martinez finished his penalty kick past Sean Johnson to register his first MLS Cup Playoffs goal.

Miguel Almiron followed that up with a stunning free kick in the 42nd minute after blowing by Yangel Herrera in the midfield and forcing the Venezuelan to pick up a yellow card. Maxime Chanot gave the Cityzens some life just before halftime, finishing a deflected David Villa free kick into an open net.

Martinez provided the capper in the 83rd minute as Valentin Castellanos kept him onside as his teammates were playing an offside trap. Eric Remedi played a ball over the top as the Golden Boot winner was 1v1 with Johnson and he thrashed in his second goal of the match.