Darlington Nagbe received warm cheers from Portland supporters when he was introduced for Atlanta United before Sunday’s game. The former Timbers star played a key role in helping Atlanta United win the game 2-0. Nagbe said on Friday that he wasn’t sure what kind of greeting he would receive in his first game at Providence Park as an opponent.
“It’s great to be back here and see some of my old teammates and friends off the field,” he said after the game before hustling back to the pitch to sign some autographs.
After seven years in Portland during which he helped the team win the MLS Cup, the midfielder asked to be traded following the 2017 season. Atlanta United acquired him in what was then a record amount of Allocation Money.
The trade worked out well because Nagbe helped Atlanta United win the MLS Cup last season and helped the team reach first in the East with Sunday’s win. He created one chance in the game, made two tackles, won two fouls and completed 92 percent of his passes in his battles with Diego Valeri and Diego Chara.
Nagbe said the renovations to Providence Park were amazing. He didn’t get to do too much in his first trip back to Oregon since the trade, other than see close friends.
“That was special,” he said.
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