Josef Martinez kick-started his MLS campaign with a brace in Atlanta United's 3-0 win over Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.
Martinez – coming off a 35-goal MLS season last year – struck twice as defending champions Atlanta climbed up to ninth in the Eastern Conference.
Advertisement
The Venezuela international moved onto four league goals for the season, while Ezequiel Barco also netted for the visitors in Kansas.
Martinez bravely opened the scoring for Frank de Boer's men six minutes before half-time.
Barco's powerful strike was spilled by Tim Melia, Martinez on hand to tuck away the rebound as the Sporting goalkeeper dived at his feet.
JOSEF MARTINEZ puts it all on the line and puts @ATLUTD ahead 1-0. #SKCvATL https://t.co/dhClNMvL6R
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 6, 2019
Having already warned Sporting, Barco doubled the lead from 25 yards early in the second half, firing into the bottom corner.
Barcoooooo!@ATLUTD double their lead. 2-0. #SKCvATL https://t.co/6uLAvhm50K
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 6, 2019
Martinez's clinical finish – again set up by Barco – sealed Atlanta's win and left Sporting in 10th in the Western Conference.
