Atlanta United FC extended their Supporters’ Shield lead and Josef Martinez inched closer to an MLS record.
On Saturday night at Stade Saputo, Martinez scored his 23rd and 24th goals of the season to lead first-place Atlanta to a 2-1 win over the Montreal Impact in a game that featured an hour-plus weather delay.
Martinez’s first goal of the night came in the 31st minute and the MLS Golden Beat leader missed a big chance at another just before halftime, when the game was delayed due to a lightning streak in the area.
The Atlanta striker stayed just as hot after the long break, banging in a rebound after Jukka Raitala saved a Franco Escobar shot off the line.
Ignacio Piatti's 87th-minute strike was not enough for the Impact, who saw a five-game home winning streak snapped.
Atlanta, unbeaten in their last four, moved four points clear of New York City FC, who play in Seattle on Sunday, in the Shield race.
Goals
- 31' — ATL — Josef Martinez | WATCH
- 57' — ATL — Josef Martinez | WATCH
- 87' — MTL — Ignacio Piatti | WATCH
Three Things
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Martinez’s movement and poise on his first goal showed why he’s such a dominant scorer. Knowing he was offside, he didn’t chase after a
Miguel Almiron
through ball, instead making a run into the box and expertly following the flight of a
Hector Villalba
cross, even after it grazed the head of Impact defender
Rudy Camacho
.
MAN OF THE MATCH
: It’s Martinez, obviously. After Saturday’s brace and
a hat trick last week
, the bigger question might be when he passes
Roy Lassiter
,
Bradley Wright-Phillips
and
Chris Wondolowski
, all of whom currently share the MLS single-season record of 27 goals.
Next Up
- Montreal: Saturday, Aug. 4 vs. D.C. United (7:30 pm ET | TVAS - Full TV & Streaming Info)
- Atlanta: Saturday, Aug. 4 vs. Toronto FC (4 pm ET | ESPN - Full TV & Streaming Info)
