Atlanta United FC are having an incredible season as they currently have a four point lead on NYC FC for the Supporter's Shield lead. They faced the Montreal Impact last week-end as they came away with a 2-1 win. In the end, Atlanta's talisman Josef Martinez stepped up yet again as he scored both goals for his side. These goals were Martinez' 23rd and 24th goals of the season as he has been in incredible form.
Atlanta are currently unbeaten in their last four games as they have been on fire. What makes this team great is the fact that they are as good on the road as they are at home. With their road win in Montreal, Atlanta's road record is now 7-2-2 which is pretty strong. Atlanta will be taking on Toronto on Saturday August 4th as Josef Martinez is going to be difficult to stop. If he can score a hat-trick against Toronto, then that would put him up to 27 goals on the season which would tie Bradley Wright-Phillips, Chris Wondolowki and Roy Lassiter's MLS goal season records.
It is only a matter of time before Martinez breaks this record as he has been on fire of late. With over 10 games to go on the season, only an injury would prevent him from breaking the MLS single season goal record. What makes this Atlanta team so strong is their ability to play tight as a unit and score a bunch of goals. They have been really good as coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino also has a big say in this since his tactics have been spot on right from the get go.
Even if Martinez has been their MVP so far this season, Tata Martino cannot be overlooked or non-credited. As Atlanta's incredible MLS season is coming to an end, Atlanta fans will surely hope that their team can keep up the strong performances and bring back home an MLS league title. After such a strong season, added pressure will be on the team going into the playoffs which is expected. If they can keep up the pace, they will surely have a lot of success in the MLS playoffs this season. Time will tell...
Jean-Luca Mascaro (@Calcionews89)
