Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez simply can’t stop scoring. The latest tally came in Saturday’s 3-0 win over the visiting LA Galaxy, as he deposited a penalty kick in the 72nd minute.
The strike ensured the reigning MLS MVP has now found the back of the net in nine consecutive games, tying his own record that he helped set in 2018. Martinez shares the record with Portland Timbers maestro Diego Valeri, who first reached the aforementioned mark in 2017.
Martinez’s latest nine-goal run comes with a Copa América spell sandwiched in between, as he represented his native Venezuela and missed three games for ATLUTD. During this nine-game streak, Martinez has scored 13 goals, pushing his total to 18 on the year. That means Martinez continues to close the gap on the race for the 2019 Golden Boot presented by Audi.
LAFC forward Carlos Vela currently has 22 goals and could threaten the single-season goals record (31) that Martinez holds.
Martinez will look to break his own record Aug. 11 at home against New York City FC (4 pm ET | ESPN, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada). The Five Stripes also play this coming Tuesday at Orlando City (7:30 pm ET | ESPN+) in a U.S. Open Cup semifinal.
