Supporters Shield Championship 2018
Seventy-six points and a city united: the year Atlanta claimed the Shield.
The 2018 Supporters' Shield stands as the crowning achievement of Atlanta United's early dominance in Major League Soccer, marking the first time a franchise secured the league's regular-season championship. This trophy validated the club's explosive arrival in 2017 and cemented their status as a powerhouse capable of sustaining excellence over a grueling 34-game schedule. It was not merely a statistical victory but a cultural milestone that proved the city's fervent support could translate into tangible, league-wide supremacy.
- Season
- 2018 MLS Regular Season
- Points Earned
- 76
- Manager
- Gerardo Martino
- Key Playmaker
- Josef Martinez
- Defining Rivalry Matchup
- New York Red Bulls (Home)
- Trophy Presented By
- MLS Commissioner Don Garber
Lore & Background
Beyond individual brilliance, the Shield victory represented the maturation of Atlanta United's identity. While the previous year was about shock and awe, 2018 was about consistency and resilience. The team navigated a congested schedule with remarkable depth, ensuring that even when key players rested or faced injuries, the offensive output remained relentless. Securing the title weeks before the season concluded demonstrated a psychological edge over their peers, proving that Atlanta United was not just a flash in the pan but a serious contender for all honors.
In Their Own Story
The final whistle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium didn't just end a match; it sealed history. The scoreboard glowed with a point total that no other team could touch, even if they won every remaining game. Inside the stadium, the 'Loudest in the League' erupted in a roar that shook the very foundations of the structure, celebrating not just a win, but the culmination of a season-long siege on the league table. As Gerardo Martino raised his arms to the sky, the Supporters' Shield was already being imagined as the centerpiece of a new era.
Reader's Guide
Atlanta United entered MLS in 2017 with immediate impact, winning the U.S. Open Cup and finishing second in the regular season. This set the stage for 2018, where the club's identity shifted from explosive newcomers to established leaders.
The pivotal turning point was the arrival of Josef Martinez in January 2018. His signing transformed the attack into a league-leading force, providing the consistency needed to chase down the Supporters' Shield. Under manager Gerardo Martino, the team adopted a high-pressing style that overwhelmed opponents throughout the spring and summer.
By mid-season, Atlanta had built an insurmountable lead in the standings, effectively clinching the title well before the final matchday. This victory solidified their place as a top-tier franchise, setting a new standard for regular-season performance in MLS.
Did You Know?
- Josef Martinez became the first player in MLS history to record 30 goals and 10 assists in a single season during this campaign.
- Atlanta United clinched the Supporters' Shield with several games still remaining in the regular season, showcasing their dominance.
- The 76 points accumulated by Atlanta in 2018 set a new franchise record for most points in a single MLS season at that time.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Atlanta United universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record