A second consecutive Josef Martinez brace again gave Atlanta United all three points, as the defending MLS Cup champions defeated the Chicago Fire, 2-0, on Saturday evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Martinez, who now has five goals across his last three games, first found net in the 12th minute after being slipped through by Pity Martinez. The Venezuelan made no mistake with a left-footed finish past Fire goalkeeper Kenneth Kronholm.
Come the 43rd minute, Martinez then made it 2-0 after outmuscling Francisco Calvo at the halfway line and beating Dax McCarty on a sprint towards goal. Martinez again slotted past Kronholm, this time with his right foot.
The scoreline could have been far more lopsided if not for some strong play from Kronholm. The veteran, acquired May 7, made a season-high seven saves. He’s now started the last three games for Chicago.
Goals
Three Things
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: The Josef Martinez opener was a thing of beauty – and not necessarily for the left-footed finish. Pity Martinez brilliantly slipped his fellow Designated Player through for his second assist in MLS. In moments like those, it’s clear why the Five Stripes shelled out the big bucks for the 2018 South American Footballer of the Year.
Next Up
- ATL: Tuesday, June 11 at Charleston Battery (US Open Cup) (7:30 pm ET | ESPN+)
- CHI: Tuesday, June 11 Saint Louis FC (US Open Cup) (8:30 pm ET | ESPN+)