MLS: 5 teams who could benefit from coronavirus layoff

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 29: Cristian Pavon #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy is congratulated by Giancarlo Gonzalez #21 and Sebastian Lletget #17 after scoring against the Houston Dynamo during the first half at BBVA Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 29: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United is removed from the field by stretcher after being injured during the second half against Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. Atlanta defeats Nashville 2-1. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

1. Atlanta United

Atlanta United are obvious beneficiaries to an extended layoff. And while you can argue if they are the biggest beneficiaries or not, you likely can’t argue that maybe no player means more to their team than Josef Martinez.

The 2018 Golden Boot winner has scored 77 goals in 81 starts and 84 appearances with Atlanta. He’s the face of the team and one of the faces of the league overall. Already entering 2020 without several of the players who helped them take the league by storm the past few years, Atlanta was set to endure likely all of 2020 without their main man.

Martinez went down with a torn ACL in Week 1 and was set to miss likely the entire season, with only a glimmer of hope of maybe joining his team during an extended playoff run.

However, with the league now postponed until at least May 10, and which the possibility that it could be postponed further still, Martinez looks to stand a real chance of rejoining his teammates if MLS elects to simply extend the season and not condense the schedule.

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And if that is the case, with how Atlanta United have started the season, you have to be confident for the Five Stripes’ prospects.

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