Atlanta United defeated the LA Galaxy 3-0 in front of a record-breaking 72,548 fans (an MLS Regular Season single-match record). On top of two own goals, Josef Martinez scored a goal to push his scoring streak to nine matches, tying the MLS record. Another record was set by Atlanta United by winning its tenth consecutive match at home, which is the second-longest streak in club history. With the win, the five stripes are in a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta took the lead in the 23rd minute from an own goal off Galaxy defender Dave Romney. Ezequiel Barco delivered a pin-point pass from the midfield line to Pity Martinez on the right-wing. The Argentine settled the ball and dribbled into the box, making a run towards the end line before sending a low cross into the six-yard box looking for Josef Martinez. Romney made a sliding attempt to clear the ball, but it took a deflection off his left foot and bounced into the left side of the net.
Atlanta piled on the pressure throughout the rest of the half as Barco nearly scored in the 27th minute when he rattled a shot off the crossbar. Later in the 29th minute, Josef Martinez forced a low diving save from Bingham and then Pity Martinez had a shot strike off the right post in the 36th minute.
But Atlanta finally extended its lead in the 43rd minute from another own goal. Josef Martinez received a pass just outside of the 18-yard box and quickly passed it to Justin Meram on the left-wing. Meram attempted to find Martinez again in the center of the box, but Giancarlo Gonzalez’s sliding block deflected the ball into the back of the net.
Josef Martinez scored the third and final goal in the 72nd minute after video review ruled that Emerson Hyndman was taken down on an earlier play inside the penalty area. Martinez stepped to the spot and converted the penalty for his 18th goal of the year.
STATS
Shots: 20-11 Atlanta
Shots on Target: 7-4 Atlanta
Corner kicks: 7-6 Atlanta
Fouls committed: 12-10 LA Galaxy
Clearances: 22-8 LA Galaxy
Offside: 1-1
Possession: 55-45 Atlanta
Passing Accuracy: 84-83 Atlanta
“All I care about is winning,” said a happy Josef Martinez when asked if he was aware of the records set tonight. “As I’ve told you guys before they’re (records) just numbers, they’re just goals.” He continued to say the team will enjoy the victory tonight but immediately focus on Orlando tomorrow.
Atlanta United (12-9-3, 39 points) returns to action Tuesday, Aug. 6 against Orlando City SC in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup at Exploria Stadium (7:30 p.m. EST, ESPN+). Its next MLS match is Sunday, Aug. 11 against New York City FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (4:00 p.m. EST, ESPN, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game).
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATLUTD