Josef Martinez's hat trick thrusts him back into Golden Boot conversation

Josef Martinez - Atlanta United - Celebrates goal with teammates

If Josef Martinez can keep scoring at this pace, David Villa and Diego Valeri better watch out.


Martinez netted a first-half hat trick in Atlanta United's 7-0 demolition of the New England Revolution on Wednesday, pushing his total to 13 on the season. They also brought the Venezuelan striker within six tallies of Villa's current output for the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race.


While Martinez has plenty of work to do to surpass Villa, Valeri and the rest of the league's current top scorers, he very well could continue producing at this rate, given his nose for goal and Atlanta's strong form at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.


ATL UTD have won their first two games in its new home by a combined scored of 10-0. Prior to smashing New England, Atlanta United beat FC Dallas3-0 over the weekend.


The next opportunity for Martinez to add to his season haul comes on Saturday, as Atlanta United host Eastern Conference foe Orlando City (4 pm ET | Univision in US; MLS LIVE in Canada) in another highly-anticipated affair at their new home.