Atlanta United FC Wins: Josef Martinez Makes History

Josef Martinez accomplished something no man has ever done, when he scored his 28th goal of the season, for Atlanta United FC in a 2-1 Victory.

This weekend is slated to be a big one for all of Atlanta Sports. The Braves, Falcons, Dream, and Atlanta United FC are all in action. Peachtree City’s Little league team is in the United States Championship Game. There are plenty of exciting games for Atlanta fans to hone in on this weekend.

Atlanta United FC got the weekend off to a bang, with a 2-1 win over the hated rival Orlando City SC, in Orlando. Leandro Gonzalez Pirez started the scoring, by rebounding a save that bounced off of the chest of Orlando goalkeeper Joe Bendik, and knocking in United’s first goal. The sequence came in the 21st minute after a free kick by Chris McCann. Josh Boland of MLS Multiplex spotlighted Pirez as a player to watch in his game preview.

Scott Sutter’s goal at the 39th minute, tied the match at one. It remained tied until the 74th minute. Suddenly a turnover gave Julian Gressel a run-out, on a pass from Hector Villalba. He sprinted from the right, towards the center of the field. Next he dropped the ball off to his left for Josef Martinez. What ensued next will forever be etched in history.

Josef Martinez received the pass, swiveled his hips hard to the left, and crossed the ball back over to his right leg. This move sent a defender, as well as the Orlando goalkeeper Joe Bendik, diving to his left. Martinez then calmly knocked in his 28th goal of the season, giving Atlanta United FC a 2-1 lead. It was crossover dribble that would have made Allen Iverson proud! He immediately took his shirt off, and proceeded to celebrate with his teammates. Simultaneously,  a couple thousand Five Stripe fans, went crazy in the stands.

Major League Soccer immortalized the moment in video on their YouTube Channel:

Josef Martinez not only set the Single Season Goal Scoring Record, he scored what proved to be the game winning goal. Atlanta United FC held on to claim a 2-1 victory, and gain three more points in their quest for the Supporter’s Shield. The win gave the Five Stripes, a commanding five point lead, in the standings over the New York Red Bulls, and a six point lead over NYCFC. United FC now controls their own destiny for the Supporter’s Shield. Winning the shield, would mean a berth in the quarterfinals against the lowest remaining team.

In addition to becoming the All Time Single Season Goal Scoring leader, Martinez also tied another record. Josef tied the record of scoring a goal in nine consecutive matches. He will attempt to take sole possession of the consecutive goal scoring record, on September the 2nd, at Audi Field against D.C. United.

Every goal Atlanta United FC forward Josef Martinez scores for the rest of the season, establishes a new MLS record. Each goal cements Martinez, further and further in history. The Five Stripes have eight matches remaining, giving Josef the opportunity to make his scoring record nearly unbreakable. I predict that Josef Martinez will finish with at least 35 goals at the end of the regular season.

The amount of Atlanta Fans tuning in to watch Atlanta United FC each match, is sure to continue to grow. The buzz will get louder and louder, as Josef Martinez solidifies his record, and the Five Stripes continue to chase a championship. Keep your eyes on ATL All Day for all of the current news on the Five Stripes and all of the Atlanta Sports Teams that we love!