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Atlanta United Vs Herediano: 5 key players to watch – The two Martinez’s

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta's Josef Martinez (7) "smokes" the competition after scoring a goal during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta's Josef Martinez (7) "smokes" the competition after scoring a goal during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Atlanta United, Josef Martinez
ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta’s Josef Martinez (7) “smokes” the competition after scoring a goal during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Atlanta United opens CONCACAF Champions League play this Thursday night as they travel to Costa Rica to take on CS Herediano. Here are five key players to watch.

Atlanta United is a club with many goals and ambitions. One of those goals? They want to win the CONCACAF Champions League. The Five Stripes are aiming to be the first MLS club to win the international tournament since a format overhaul in 2008. Toronto FC reached the final last year but fell to Chivas Guadalajara on penalties.

Atlanta get their first shot at winning the Champions League this spring, kicking off their tournament run against CS Herediano of the Liga FPD, the top flight league in Costa Rica. This Thursday, the first leg takes place at Herediano in Heredia, Costa Rica and the return leg will be the following Thursday in Kennesaw, Georgia.

light. Related Story. Atlanta United: Trophies or bust

There are many questions surrounding Atlanta heading into this first leg. How will the team look under new head coach Frank de Boer? Will Darlington Nagbe play a role in this tournament with the rumors about his possible departure? Can Atlanta survive in this regional tournament while dealing with their MLS fixtures?

The answers to these questions will begin to form as the team plays more matches. For now, here are five players to watch for in the first leg of the CCL Round of 16.

ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 22: Atlanta’s Josef Martinez (7) looks to make a move during the match between Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake on September 22nd, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated Real Salt Lake by a score of 2 to 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 22: Atlanta’s Josef Martinez (7) looks to make a move during the match between Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake on September 22nd, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated Real Salt Lake by a score of 2 to 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Josef Martinez

In 2018, Josef Martinez earned just about every trophy possible in MLS. He won league MVP, All-Star Game MVP, MLS Cup Final MVP, the league Golden Boot, and the MLS Cup. Martinez scored goals at a scorching rate all season. The biggest question for him, and the reason to watch for his play in this first leg, is can he keep up the scoring?

It is wise to assume Martinez cannot keep his scoring pace, and most assume he will not match his total of 31 regular season league goals from a season ago. However, in his time with Atlanta thus far, he hasn’t slowed down. If there is anyone capable of proving that this unsustainable rate is sustainable, it is Martinez.

As Martinez goes, so too does his team. It’s no coincidence that Atlanta won MLS Cup this year with the help of his goals. It’s safe to expect that Atlanta’s success in the Champions League will ride on whether or not Martinez can consistently find the back of the net. If his history is any indication, Atlanta should find some success in the tournament on the back of El Rey.

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