Atlanta United outgun Club America to win Campeones Cup

Major League Soccer is on the board in the Campeones Cup.

Atlanta United defeated Club America 3-2 in a frenetic affair at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, capturing the North American title pitting the reigning MLS champions against their Liga MX counterparts.

Atlanta got the action started early, with Emerson Hyndman putting the home side ahead with a calm finish in the fifth minute. Renato Ibarra leveled proceedings only eight minutes later as the two clubs went back-and-forth in a match loaded with scoring opportunities.

The Mexican champions, who have won a record thirteen domestic titles, grabbed the lead in the 57th minute on a scrappy Roger Martinez goal.

But Atlanta came storming back.

Veteran Jeff Larentowicz knotted the contest at two apiece with a thunderbolt two minutes after Martinez's marker. The 36-year-old's fierce effort took a slight deflection off the head of a Club America defender before finding the top corner behind a helpless Oscar Jimenez in goal.

Josef Martinez - who else? - then settled proceedings.

Atlanta's star striker, who saw a weak first-half penalty turned aside, made amends in the 65th minute, stepping up to the spot and making no mistake with a wicked effort from 12 yards out.

America defender Bruno Valdez was sent off in the 72nd minute, curtailing any hopes the Mexican giants had of staging a comeback.

The five-goal thriller was the second edition of the annual match. Tigres UANL topped Toronto FC to win last year's inaugural contest.