Atlanta eye 'MLS Copa' in South America influenced final

Atlanta United chase their first Major League Soccer crown just two years after joining the league on Saturday when they face the Portland Timbers in an MLS Cup final with a strong South American influence. A day before Boca Juniors and River Plate meet in Madrid in their rescheduled Copa Libertadores final, South American football will be on display when a crowd of more than 70,000 fills Atlanta's futuristic Mercedes-Benz Stadium. While the record attendance expected at Saturday's final is another demonstration of Major League Soccer's increasing maturity, this weekend's showpiece is also a reflection of how the United States has become a destination for South American talent. Both MLS Cup managers hail from South America, with Atlanta led by former Argentina coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino and Portland run by the former Venezuelan international Giovanni Savarese. Atlanta meanwhile have eight players from South America on their books, including newly minuted MLS MVP and record goalscorer Josef Martinez and highly rated Paraguayan international Miguel Almiron. Portland have nine players from South America in their squad, including four from Argentina, three from Colombia, one from Paraguay and one from Peru. Savarese, who played in Major League Soccer's maiden season in 1996, has witnessed first hand the evolution of South America's influence on the league. "It's not only now, we remember all the way to the beginning of MLS the influence of players from South America, how important the players have been to this league," Savarese told reporters on a conference call. "The different components they bring, quality, competitive living soccer all their life. It's a good thing to be able to bring to the league." - 'Bridge to Europe' - More than 60 players from South America were spread across the league at the start of the 2018 season, many in the early stages of their careers, and unashamedly hoping to use the league as a stepping stone to bigger things. "It's a bridge to Europe," Paraguayan forward Almiron told reporters during a pre-season media day earlier this year. "The league is being watched so much around the world. My objective ever since I was at Lanus is to go to Europe." That wish may come true. Almiron, who has scored 21 goals for Atlanta in 62 appearances, is reportedly close to signing for English Premier League side Newcastle. Savarese, meanwhile, says MLS has become a "priority league" for ambitious players. "Maybe in the past they had other ideas, but I think it's a great evolution to the league and the players that have come. Credit to the organisations and the players that have been a part of MLS." Savarese agreed that the profile of players joining the league from South America is trending younger. While MLS clubs continue to attract veteran European stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney, players at the opposite end of their careers are also drawn to the competition. "The more MLS has evolved and grown, not only can we bring a specific type of South Americans, now we bring a different diversity," said Savarese. "From more experienced to young, different players that can contribute. Every year MLS earns more credibility in South America." Atlanta defender Franco Escobar, who joined the club this season from Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, echoed Savarese's endorsement. "You are seeing more South Americans, especially young players coming into this league and making it a stronger league," the 23-year-old Argentine said. "That's going to continue to happen." For some players, such as Atlanta striker Martinez, the MLS has become home. The 25-year-old, who broke the league's single-season goal record this year with 34 goals (31 in regular season, three in playoffs) says he has no plans to move anytime soon. "I'm going to be here as long as they want me," Martinez said this week after collecting his MVP award. "I am happy here. I feel like I'm at home." Atlanta United's Paraguay international Miguel Almiron, one of several South American players who will compete in Saturday's MLS Cup final