Josef Martinez celebrates his first-half goal. (Jason Getz/USA TODAY Sports)
Another game, another goal, another record for Josef Martinez.
After smashing the Major League Soccer regular-season goal-scoring record this season, the Atlanta United striker set a new standard and he’s not yet finished.
Martinez tallied the opening goal in Atlanta’s 3-0 win over the Red Bulls in the first leg of the MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference final.
The goal gave Martinez 34 goals in all competitions for United, breaking the mark held by Tampa Bay Mutiny forward Roy Lassiter (33), set in 1996.
LA Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz scored 32 goals in all competitions in 32 and Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips had 31 in 2014.
Martinez’s achievement still pales in comparison to the all-time North American record of 50 goals in all competitions, which was set by Cosmos striker Giorgio Chinaglia in 1980. He connected for 32 during the North American Soccer League regular season and another 18 in the playoffs.
That appears safe for the time being.
