Atlanta United’s Martinez scores a golazo

With his back to the goal but peeking over his left shoulder to spot Cincinnati’s goalkeeper while at the same time watching the ball drop for what seemed like 10 seconds, Josef Martinez planted his left leg, raised his right leg and spun.

If his pink cleat had laces, Martinez drove them through the ball. A

A first reaction was “Come on. What’s he doing?”

The shot flew past Kenneth Vermeer and into the opposite corner of the goal. It was his team-leading 12th goal this season and 89th in his career in MLS regular season games.

The second reaction was “Well, that’s Josef.”

3 points and some bangers to boot 🤩

🎥 Highlights from a victorious #DecisionDay! pic.twitter.com/9AdA6AvTc0
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) November 7, 2021

The goal clinched a 2-1 victory for Atlanta United and secured it the fifth seed in the MLS playoffs. A few minutes later, Martinez said he has no idea why he attempted that ridiculously difficult shot. It does seem like he had grown frustrated with either missing chances or his shots being saved.

“I don’t know where the goal came from but after the save that he made before when I had a chance, I just said it to coach that it was tough and I didn’t think we were going to get the goal,” Martinez said. “So I don’t remember when I’ve scored a goal like that but I’m very happy and we worked hard to advance.”

Martinez’s teammates reactions were a story unto themselves. Luiz Araujo began sprinting toward Martinez. Jake Mulraney put his hand over his mouth in disbelief. Brooks Lennon appeared to look toward the bench as if to say “Did that just happen?” And Pineda could be seen letting out a sigh of relief.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “One of the most beautiful goals I’ve seen. I think the execution, the angle, the way he placed the ball in the top corner, the moment of the game where probably we were not super sharp in the final third missing a few chances and then Josef coming to do what he does best, which is scoring fantastic goals. I’m just very happy for him because it was a very hard season for him personally with injuries and finishing the season with a last great goal is very encouraging for him.”

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan said he had no doubt that Martinez could execute the technique required on the shot.

Guzan said what impressed him was Martinez’s awareness of were the goal was, where the goalkeeper was, and what was at stake.

“That being said, I had to give him a little stick after the game,” he said. “I said, ‘listen, you miss breakaways, you miss this, you miss that, but all of a sudden this bouncing ball out of nothing, you hook it over your shoulder.’ I said I believe in you, pal.’ He proved why he’s Josef Martinez and why he’s so good. Those are moments you can’t coach or teach.”

As Martinez walked off the field after being subbed out in the 85th minute to finish his 24th appearance this season, Martinez could be seen bowing toward the field.

It has been a long year for the former MLS MVP. It was his first full season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee in last season’s first game. That injury needed three surgeries and caused him some issues throughout the season.

That is why he made that graceful and humble gesture on Sunday.

“I was so thankful to be able to finish the game and the season healthy because I had so many issues this year with injuries and things with my body, so just very grateful I was able to finish the game healthy,” he said.

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Atlanta United’s 2021 MLS schedule

April 17 Atlanta United 0, Orlando 0

April 24 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 1

May 1 New England 2, Atlanta United 1

May 9 Atlanta United 1, Inter Miami 1

May 15 Atlanta United 1, Montreal 0

May 23 Atlanta United 1, Seattle 1