Toronto FC booked their place in the 2019 MLS Cup Final with a shock win at Atlanta United's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday.

In a matchup between the last two MLS Cup winners, Toronto came from a goal down to beat the reigning champions 2-1 courtesy of a late wonder goal from midfielder Nick DeLeon.

Atlanta and Toronto, both home to UCFB global hubs, came through stern tests last week to make it through to the Eastern Conference Final, and the Canadian side will now meet the Seattle Sounders on 10th November in a rematch of the 2016 and 2017 finals.

"Toronto reaching the MLS cup final for the third time in four years is an outstanding achievement,” said UCFB graduate Jordan Clements, Founder of football coaching company Revolution Soccer Canada.

“It highlights the growing soccer presence not just in Toronto but also all over Canada,” Jordan continued. “The recent run has shown how soccer has really come to the forefront here.”

Looking ahead to the final, the BA (Hons) International Football Business graduate said: “It was a real team effort to beat a very talented Atlanta side and it will be tough next Sunday against Seattle, a team they will be used to seeing at this stage. I’m expecting a tight game but the whole of Toronto will be hoping that a repeat of the 2017 season final is on the cards."

Established in 2017, Revolution Soccer Canada provides FA/UEFA licenced coaching and training for clubs, schools and soccer camps covering all ages from 4-21 years old.

"Soccer is growing massively in Canada, which can be seen in the continued success of the Toronto-based MLS team. In 2019, a new Canadian Premier League was created, with players aiming to use the new league as a stepping stone into the MLS.”

The defeat sees Atlanta finish the season on a disappointing note, having already won the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup this season in addition to the 2018 MLS title.

Izzy Keighley, a BA (Hons) International Football Business student at UCFB and a big Atlanta fan, said: “Atlanta has proved that the club is at the very top table of US soccer after winning the Cup in 2018 and having such a strong showing this season.

"They’ve achieved phenomenal success with celebrity supporters, the highest single MLS Cup attendance of 73,019 - more than the past four Super Bowls – and recently being named in the world's ten best-supported clubs.”

Izzy, who also works as Youth Engagement Coach at Premier League giants Manchester United, believes that Atlanta’s ownership will see the club go from strength to strength: “Owner Arthur Blank has brought clear a vision and culture, paired with franchise experience, looking to draft young stars, such as Almiron, rather than chasing celebrity singings which has been key.”

CenturyLink Field in Washington, home of the Seattle Sounders, will host the final with 69,000 fans expected to fill the stadium for the season finale.

From the 2019/20 academic year, each UCFB global hub will host an annual Global Sports Summit, bringing together UCFB students, alumni and leading sports industry professionals in some of the most advanced sports and entertainment venues in the world. Find out more about our global hubs and summits here