Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez made history Friday night in Orlando, breaking the MLS single-season scoring record.
After a relatively slow first half, Martinez weave through a group of Lions and chipped the ball over the head of Orlando City goalkeeper Joe Bendik, delivering the game-winner in the 74th minute and setting the MLS scoring record.
It was Martinez’s 28th goal of the season and he has a chance to extend his lead atop the record book before the regular season concludes.
“Very special,” Martinez said after the match. “I’m happy with where we came to play. I’m very happy because like I said last week, if I reached 28 I would be very happy, happier than ever. I’m happy to get the record and the three points.”
Martinez explained why he stared back at Bendik after scoring the goal, saying he was displeased with the pace Bendik was keeping earlier in the match.
“It makes me nervous when people want to kill time,” Martinez said. “I don’t like when there is a dead ball and people go take a corner and the fans start yelling things at us. What is he going to say to me now?”
Martinez broke his tie with Roy Lassiter, Chris Wondolowski and Bradley Wright-Phillips for most goals in season.
Wondolowski posted a message on Twitter congratulating Martinez on the accomplishment.
Congrats @JosefMartinez17 you're an absolute beast, hope you continue to shred the record
— Chris Wondolowski (@ChrisWondo) August 25, 2018
And Fox Sports delivered highlights of all 28 of Martinez’s goals.
Simply amazing.
Watch all 28 of Josef Martinez's goals in his record-breaking season (so far!) pic.twitter.com/An6qD7WpWA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 25, 2018