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After scoring 5 goals in 3 games, Josef Martinez has earned MLS Player of the Month. He rightfully received the media’s votes for March, the first month of this year’s MLS season. Martinez is the first player on an expansion team to win the honor since 2012, when Patrice Bernier won it with Toronto FC.
BREAKING: @JosefMartinez17 voted @MLS Player of the Month #UniteAndConquer
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 5, 2017
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Although he was held goalless in United’s first match of the season, he’s gone on a complete tear since. Martinez rebounded in the second match of the season with a hat-trick against fellow expansion, Minnesota United. The following week, he nearly matched his Week Two performance by notching two goals against the Chicago Fire.
Although Martinez is currently out for 4-6 weeks due to injury, he’s proven that he’s a game changer in Atlanta United’s attack. He’s currently 3rd in the MLS in goals and is 4th in shots. With his efforts, United leads the MLS with 11 goals after 4 games.
It’s impressive for an expansion team to have the MLS Player of the Month in their first month of play. It shows how dedicated this organization is towards putting quality on the field and developing a winning culture.
Good work, Josef!