Josef Martinez tied the MLS single-season scoring record early with his 27th of the season, Hector Villalba put Atlanta United up for good and then Miguel Almiron added a stylish strike to seal a 3-1 victory over Columbus Crew SC on Sunday afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Martinez and Villalba also collected assists on Almiron's insurance goal as Atlanta moved three points clear of the New York Red Bulls atop the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield standings.
Gyasi Zardes hammered in his 15th goal of the season just after halftime for Columbus, who saw their three-match win streak snapped. Crew SC remain in fourth in the East, seven points ahead of Philadelphia and Montreal in the last two playoff places, and seven behind third-place NYCFC.
Goals
- 31' – ATL – Josef Martinez | Watch
- 50' – CLB – Gyasi Zardes | Watch
- 76' – ATL – Hector Villalba | Watch
- 82' – ATL – Miguel Almiron | Watch
Three Things
MOMENT OF THE MATCH:
On the day, Martinez's goal didn't decide the match. But in the history books, it will live on as the earliest 27th goal of the season in MLS history, and an embodiment of how quickly the Venezuelan is capable of punishing opposition mistakes.
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Martinez's history making aside, it was Villalba who truly changed the game when Atlanta needed it. He deservedly scored the go-ahead goal after a ferocious run, then did much of the legwork on Almiron's ninth goal of the year.
Up Next
- ATL: Friday, August 24 at Orlando City SC (8 pm ET | ESPN - full TV & streaming info)
- CLB: Thursday, August 23 at Chicago Fire (7 pm ET | TV & streaming info)