Atlanta United defeated New York City FC 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Josef Martinez, Atlanta’s star striker, broke his own record and set a new MLS record scoring goals in 10 straight matches. After tonight, he’s reached 20 goals in 2019 and 70 career regular-season goals, which surpassed the most for any MLS player in a three-year span. With the win, the club ran its home unbeaten streak to 11 consecutive matches.
The league MVP had a handful of chances in the first half but those chances would’ve involved him stretching himself. The Venezuelan was still struggling with an adductor injury so his athleticism off the ball was limited. Or at least we thought.
In the 32’ minute, from a free kick in New York’s defensive third, Pity Martinez sent a beautiful ball into the box and found the head of Miles Robinson. VAR would overturn the goal because of Robinson’s push off of a defender.
In the 42’ minute, an injured Josef Martinez nailed a header from a wide cross from Julian Gressel. That makes 10 straight games with a goal, breaking his own record, a new MLS record.
Around the 62′ minute, Pity Martinez was brought down in New York’s penalty area. Josef Martinez stepped up to the spot and fired home his second goal of the match, beating New York’s Sean Johnson.
In the latter stages of the match, NYCFC’s Heber fired home a low strike to the near side for their first goal. Guzan made an attempt but it was for optic’s sake.
STATS
Shots: 18-11 Atlanta
Shots on Target: 9-4 Atlanta
Corner kicks: 11-4 Atlanta
Fouls committed: 21-12 NYCFC
Clearances: 26-15 NYCFC
Offside: 3-2 Atlanta
Possession: 58-42 Atlanta
Passing Accuracy: 77-73 Atlanta
The lads attacked with pace and have shown good form in recent matches. Today’s formation looked suitable for the players. “Yes, the coach chooses the team and we adapt to what he says but I think this formation feels good for the team,” said Pity Martinez post-match. “The team likes to attack, be protagonists of the match, and you guys have seen that we’ve been doing a good job.”
Atlanta United (13-9-3, 42 points) returns to action Wednesday, Aug. 14 when it hosts Club America at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the second annual Campeones Cup. Its next MLS match is Sunday, Aug. 18 at Portland Timbers (10:00 p.m. EST, FS1, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game).
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATLUTD