Atlanta United sets record for goals by an MLS expansion team

Atlanta United went into the frozen tundra of Minnesota and emerged victorious with a thrilling 6-1 win over fellow expansion side Minnesota United on Sunday afternoon.

With the win, Atlanta set a new record for goals in a single game by an expansion team. The six goals eclipse the previous record set by Toronto FC, who scored four back in 2007.

While Minnesota United showed their defensive struggles in a 5-1 defeat to the Portland Timbers in their season opener, Atlanta proved to be ruthless and clinical in front of goal, making it 11 goals conceded in two games.

The strength in attack was on display in Minnesota from the first whistle and Atlanta’s ability going forward was personified by Josef Martinez, who scored a hat-trick in the snow. Martinez’s performance saw him become the fourth player in MLS history to score a hat-trick in the first season of an expansion team.

The Venezuelan earned Man of the Match honors while Miguel Almiron added a brace and Jacob Peterson scored late on to make it 6-1. The record-setting performance is a sign of things to come for Atlanta, who have shown in their first two games that they are extremely dangerous going forward.

Martinez’s hat-trick propels him to the summit of the top scorer’s table with three goals in his first two games.