An ACL injury couldn't keep Josef Martinez away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Atlanta United's 2020 MLS home opener.
The club's star forward, who suffered an ACL tear in Week 1 that will keep him out of action for several months, watched his club take on FC Cincinnati from a suite. Sitting alongside him was defender and teammate Franco Escobar, who also missed the match due to injury.
The match broadcast showed Martinez celebrating the opening goal scored early in the first half after a sensational run by Pity Martinez. Josef Martinez could be seen standing on his feet to applaud:
Before taking up a spot in the team suite, Martinez was also on the field during warmups:
Veteran Adam Jahn took the place of Josef Martinez in the lineup amid reports that the club is pursuing other options to replace a player who has scored at a prolific rate of 77 goals in 84 regular-season games.
Supporters paid tribute to Josef when the clock turned 7:00, serenading their No. 7 with chants of his name ringing throughout the stadium. Watch the moment below:
