My choice for Atlanta United's men of the match following Atlanta United's 3-3 draw with Orlando City on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
JOSEF MARTINEZ
Why? He scored three goals for the second consecutive game, has scored seven goals in the past three games, and 16 goals this season in just 14 games.
He is the third player to score at least three goals in two consecutive games (Robbie Keane and Eddie Johnson are the others) and the fifth player in league history to post three hat-tricks in one season, according to ESPN. Martinez declined to comment.
The others to post three hat-tricks, according to ESPN:
2014 Bradley Wright-Phillips
2000 Diego Serna
1998 Stern John
1998 Cobi Jones
Martinez is three goals behind league-leader David Villa. Teammate Miguel Almiron said Martinez is the best forward in the league.
“He’s a game-changer,” Atlanta United captain Michael Parkhurst said of Martinez. “He’s a handful to defend against. His first step is so quick. It’s impossible to defend that goal he put in near post off that cross from Tito (Hector Villalba). He’s just too quick. He’s always in the right spot in front of the goal. He’s lethal. He loves to score goals and disappointed when he doesn’t.”
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FANS
An MLS single-game record 70,425 tickets were sold for Saturday's game.
“The support today was even better than usual,” Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino said. “It’s clear that the fans have a fervor and passion for soccer here. It’s the same passion our players have on the field.”
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