Josef Martinez Scores Two Goals Against Former Team in Inter Miami Victory

In a thrilling match against Atlanta United, Inter Miami secured a 2-1 victory with two goals from Josef Martinez. Martinez’s goals not only helped his new team to victory but also marked a significant milestone in his MLS career. With these goals, Martinez reached the 100-goal mark in regular-season games, becoming the fastest player in MLS history to do so. Bradley Wright-Phillips previously held the record, achieving the feat in 159 games, while Martinez accomplished it in just his 142nd career game.

Martinez’s Goals Lead Inter Miami to Consecutive Wins

Martinez’s first goal came in the 59th minute, moments after he entered the game as a substitute. He scored from the penalty spot, putting Inter Miami ahead. His second goal was even more impressive, a sliding, one-touch finish past Atlanta goalkeeper Quentin Westberg, after receiving a pass from DeAndre Yedlin.

Inter Miami’s victory was their second in a row, following six straight defeats. The team relied on its defense to hold on to the lead after Franco Negri received a red card in the 84th minute for a studs-up challenge following a video review.

Atlanta United Unable to Avoid Away Defeat

Although Andre Gutman scored a late goal for Atlanta United in second-half stoppage time, it was not enough to prevent the team from suffering their third away defeat and second in a row.

Martinez’s Return to Form After Injury

Martinez spent six years playing for Atlanta United, where he scored his first 98 MLS goals and helped win the 2018 MLS Cup and 2019 U.S. Open Cup. However, he suffered a serious injury in the 2020 season opener, tearing his ACL and missing the rest of the campaign. Since then, despite scoring 21 times for Atlanta United across 2021 and 2022, he has struggled to regain his former form.

This season, Atlanta United exercised a contract buyout option, allowing Inter Miami to sign Martinez as a free agent. Although he had lost his starting role, manager Phil Neville decided to insert him in the 57th minute of the match against Atlanta United. Martinez seized the opportunity, scoring his first kick of the game and leading Inter Miami to victory.