Dublin's Chris McCann crowned MLS winner as Atlanta see off Portland

Dubliner Chris McCann was a late substitute as Atlanta United were crowned 2018 MLS Cup winners following a 2-0 win over Portland Timbers.

The midfielder was introduced in injury time for left-back Greg Garza as the Georgia club wrapped up their first-ever national league title at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The 31-year-old was booked, by Cork referee Alan Kelly, seconds after his introduction for a petulant foul on Portland sub Alvas Powell.

Venezuelan striker Josef Martínez and Argentinian defender Franco Escobar scored in either half as the Eastern Conference winners took the overall championship with a comprehensive victory.

Former Republic of Ireland under-1 midfielder McCann has been a mainstay in the Atlanta side this year in a defensive role but has been sidelined since suffering a quad strain in November.

With the Georgia side having won three of their four play-off games leading into the final, McCann was restricted to a bench role as his side advanced to the final.

McCann played 22 games during the 2018 MLS season, 21 of them from the start, scoring once in a 2-2 draw with New York City.

He joined Atlanta in 2016 after a decade in England with Burnley and Wigan Athletic, and had a short spell on loan with Coventry City before linking up with Atlanta.