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Atlanta United Vs Herediano: 3 things we learned – Resurrection

By Josh Bouland

KENNESAW, GA FEBRUARY 28: Atlanta's Leandro González Pirez (5) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Champions League match between CS Herediano and Atlanta United FC on February 28th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KENNESAW, GA FEBRUARY 28: Atlanta's Leandro González Pirez (5) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Champions League match between CS Herediano and Atlanta United FC on February 28th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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KENNESAW, GA FEBRUARY 28: Atlanta’s Josef Martínez (7) reacts after scoring a goal during the Champions League match between CS Herediano and Atlanta United FC on February 28th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KENNESAW, GA FEBRUARY 28: Atlanta’s Josef Martínez (7) reacts after scoring a goal during the Champions League match between CS Herediano and Atlanta United FC on February 28th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Martinez back to his scoring ways

Before the return leg, I highlighted Josef Martinez as a key player to watch because of his lack of scoring in Costa Rica. I said he needed to score in order for Atlanta to succeed. That is precisely what he did.

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Martinez scored his first competitive goal of the 2019 season and it only took 47 seconds in this one. In the second half, he scored his second, getting a strong start on his attempt to follow up a record-breaking season. Thanks to a much better connection in the attacking third between Atlanta’s players, Martinez found his way into the back of the net with relative ease.

Atlanta has only played two games in 2019, but with Martinez scoring two in the return leg, he’s on a goal-per-90-minute pace. That pace is a continuation of his current pace over the course of his playing time with Atlanta. If Martinez keeps up his scoring, which is likely, we may see another 30+ goal season from the Venezuelan international.

If he stays healthy, I think it’s likely we see Martinez break 30 goals across all competitions this year. He’d be the first to do it in MLS history, setting yet another record. Oh, and as if Atlanta fans didn’t love him enough, Martinez did this wonderful celebration following his opening goal.

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