Venezuelan international Josef Martinez is doing his part to drag Atlanta United into the MLS playoffs. His second-minute strike Wednesday was followed 31 minutes later by a cool finish from the penalty spot to give the host a 2-0 first-half advantage over nine-man New England. Martinez would complete his treble eight minutes later.
After opening Mercedes Benz Stadium with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Western Conference power Dallas, MLS debutant Atlanta appears poised to vault the New York Red Bulls for fifth in the East.