Atlanta United: 5 key players to watch during busy week
By Josh Bouland
3. Josef Martinez
He’s only scored four goals in eight games so far this season, but Josef Martinez may be heating up. With two matches this week, Martinez will be given the opportunity to continue his scorching form after Sunday night’s brace against Kansas City. He has a history of scoring against Toronto as well.
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In three matches against the Reds, Martinez has four goals, including a brace in last year’s 2-2 draw at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Martinez’s lone penalty also saved the Five Stripes from being shutout on Decision Day in a very disappointing 4-1 loss that cost Atlanta the Supporters’ Shield.
Martinez also has a great scoring record against Orlando. In September of 2017, Martinez scored a hat-trick in one of the greatest weeks of any individual player in MLS history. The Venezuelan international scored seven goals in seven days, including that hat-trick against Orlando to close out the astonishing week. In 2018, he scored three goals in three matches, including the record-breaking 28th goal in August.
With his brace against Kansas City, Martinez may be heating up. And with two matches this week, he may just hit his stride and find his true scoring pace.