Joseph Martinez’s 74th-minute goal against Orlando city marked his 28th goal of the season and a new record in the MLS. The Venezuelan International scored the winning goal for Atlanta in a 2-1 victory at Orlando stadium.
Martinez broke the record held for 23 years by Roy Lassiter and broken only twice. Chris Wondoloswki equaled the tally in 2012 at San Jose Earthquakes while Bradley Wright Phillips did the same in 2014 at the New York Red Bulls. Lassiter made the record in 1996.
Atlanta’s defender Leandro Pirez scored the game’s opening goal on the 21st minute before Orlando equaled in the 39th minute. The first half ended with a 1-1 draw and remained so until the 74th minute when Martinez clinched the second goal with an assist from J Gressel.
After the game, a jubilant Martinez received congratulation messages from teammates, coaches, and brand sponsors. Both Bradley and Lassiter also congratulated the Venezuelan center forward.
MLS commissioner Don Garber congratulated Martinez through a tweet immediately after the historic win,
“Major League Soccer has a new goal-scoring record holder,” he said. “Congratulations on a magnificent feat,” Garber, who’s been the MLS commissioner since 1999, added.
Martinez has eight more games to extend his new record before the season is over. He also holds the record for most MLS hat tricks, 6, and could break the record as well.
