MLS Multiplex
Fansided

The Podium™️: The King is back (If only for a day)

By Anthony Rotz

May 6, 2023; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Josef Martinez (17) celebrates after scoring a goal with a penalty-kick during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2023; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Josef Martinez (17) celebrates after scoring a goal with a penalty-kick during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Revenge is a dish best served in South Beach, at least that’s what Josef Martinez is saying. Who joins him on this week’s podium?

🥉Josef Martínez (Inter Miami)

Two goals and a win against a former team? You could say Josef Martínez is the owner of the greatest revenge game in MLS history in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United.

Following his unceremonious exit from Atlanta United, Josef Martinez reminded the city (and both Gonzalo Pineda and Carlos Bocanegra) of who he was.

Yes, this isn’t the old Josef. But he is still one of the greatest strikers in league history and, if only for one half, he was the center of MLS on Saturday night.

Starting on the bench, Martínez would have to wait until the 57th minute to get his chance at Atlanta. It was a chance he would not let slip away.

Within two minutes, the Venezuelan had netted a penalty before scoring his 100th career regular-season goal in the 75th minute.

For Josef, a dream come true. For Atlanta, they realized a nightmare.

🥈Connor Ronan (Colorado Rapids)

Colorado’ season hasn’t been good. At least Ronan looks like a brilliant piece of business. Brought in for $570,000 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 25-year-old has settled in the heart of Colorado’s midfield.

A woefully undisciplined Galaxy gave Ronan the freedom to operate higher up the pitch than he has most of the season. The results were the Englishman’s first two assists of the season and a goal ruled offsides in the 77th minute.

Praised for his passing ability throughout his youth, Ronan’s skill were on full display in his freest performance of the season and the catalyst of a 3-1 Colorado win.

🥇Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)

It may be time for NBC to give Hany a call because there isn’t anyone better at putting out Chicago Fires. The reigning MVP takes the top spot on this week’s podium with his second career hat trick against Chicago.

With three goals, the German secured three points and the fate of Chicago Fire head coach Ezra Hendrickson.

Mukhtar, as he is for most teams, was a pest throughout the final third. Launching eight shots from open play and setting up teammates nicely. Scoring started and ended at Mukhtar, who slotted home penalties in the 45th and 70th minutes before notching his third goal off a Fafà Picault rebound in stoppage time.

Honorable Mentions: Steve Clark (POR), Kai Wagner (PHI), Jack Maher (NSH), Erik Thommy (SKC), Luciano Acosta (CIN), Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Enzo Copetti (CHA), Brian White (VAN)

Home/Eastern Conference