Atlanta United: 5 matches to rewatch during hiatus

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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 29: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United celebrates after scoring his first goal of the game during the second half of the game between Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

4. 2018 – Josef breaks the record: Atlanta United Vs. Orlando City

The day Josef Martinez broke the MLS goalscoring record with his 28th regular-season goal against Orlando City in a 2-1 win at Exploria Stadium was a celebration for all of Atlanta United.

Atlanta’s victory began with center-back Leandro Gonzalez Pirez getting the opening goal in the 21st minute off a scramble in the box following a set-piece. No one scored again until Atlanta found the net in the 75th minute to secure the win for the visitors and the record for Josef.

Hector ‘Tito’ Villalba and Julian Gressel combined in their own half to start the break for the Five Stripes. Gressel kept possession of the ball while Miguel Almiron pulled Orlando defenders with his own run to free up Martinez. From there, Gressel found the goal-scorer and let Martinez work his individual brilliance to chip goalkeeper Joe Bendik and etch his name into the history books.

It’s a memory United fans won’t soon forget, but the record didn’t last long thanks to Carlos Vela’s outstanding 2019 campaign. But regardless, it’s a moment in Five Stripe history that will live on as one of the best and most significant individual goals in club history.

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