Josef Martinez has now scored in an MLS-record 12th consecutive appearance, putting Atlanta United ahead 1-0 in the 60th minute of their latest rivalry game against Orlando City SC on Friday night at Exploria Stadium.
It was Martinez's 22nd goal of the season, the 17th in that 12-game stretch and his seventh all-time against Orlando, the most he's scored against any individual MLS club.
Martinez's record-breaking stretch is now three games longer than the previous record for consecutive appearances with a goal scored. Portland's Diego Valeri first posted that record in 2017 before Martinez equaled that feat in 2018.
Ezequiel Barco did some excellent setup work on the goal, first springing Martinez with a first-touch ball and then playing a give-and-go to set up Martinez's right-footed, curling finish. Martinez also struck the upright in the 68th minute when he had a bid for a second.
The goal was his seventh in six career games against the Lions.
