Martinez matches MLS single-season scoring record with 27th goal
Washington, Aug 19, 2018 (AFP) - Josef Martinez tied Major League Soccer's single-season scoring record Sunday when he hammered in his 27th goal of the season in Atlanta's 3-1 home victory over the Columbus Crew.
Martinez equaled the record established by Roy Lassiter in 1996 and matched by Chris Wondolowski (2012), and Bradley Wright-Phillips (2016).
With eight regular-season matches remaining, the Venezuelan is on pace to race past the mark.
Martinez scored his milestone goal in the 31st minute, collecting a pass and making a run toward the goal, eluding one defender before firing past Columbus keeper Zack Steffen from inside the area.
The goal, his 46th in 45 career regular-season MLS games, put Atlanta up 1-0.
Hector Villalba and Miguel Almiron also scored for Atlanta, who moved three points ahead of the New York Red Bulls atop the Eastern Conference and Supporters Shield Standings.
Gyasi Zardes scored the Crew's lone goal shortly after halftime, but Columbus saw their three-match winning streak end.