ATLANTA — Behind another record-breaking performance from Josef Martinez, Atlanta United defeated New York City FC 2-1 Sunday afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Martinez’s opening goal in the 42nd minute marked the 10th consecutive league match in which he scored, breaking his own record of nine the year prior. He also added another in the second half, reaching 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.
Miles Robinson appeared to put the hosts ahead in the 33rd minute when he smashed home a corner kick from Pity Martinez. But after video review, the call was reversed citing a foul committed by Robinson prior to the goal.
But less than 10 minutes later, Josef Martinez broke the scoreless tie and a pair of MLS records at the same time. Julian Gressel and Pity Martinez combined along the right wing before Gressel sent a cross to the far post, where Josef Martinez rose above Maxime Chanot and powerfully headed the ball past Sean Johnson.
Martinez finished his brace from the spot in the 63rd minute. Pity Martinez earned the penalty, as he attempted to dribble past James Sands, but Sands got caught in and took Martinez down. Josef stepped up to the spot and powerfully hammered through a diving Johnson, who had correctly guessed to his right.
Heber pulled one back for NYCFC in the 81st minute. Maxi Moralez crossed into the box where Valentin Castellanos played the ball down with his left leg and left it for an on-rushing Heber, who lined up his right-footed shot into the left corner.
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).
