Atlanta’s Martinez scores in MLS-record 12th straight appearance

Soccer-Martinez-scores-goal

Atlanta United's Josef Martinez shoots and scores a goal. (John Raoux/AP)

ORLANDO, Fla. — Josef Martinez scored in an MLS-record 12th consecutive appearance, and Atlanta United beat Orlando City 1-0 on Friday night for its sixth straight victory.

Atlanta (15-9-3) has won five straight games in the series, and hasn’t lost in eight all-time meetings. Orlando (9-12-7) had a four-game undefeated run end.

Martinez finished a give-and-go with a one-touch curling shot from the corner of the 18-yard box in the 60th minute. It was Martinez’s 22nd goal of the season and 17th in a 12-game stretch.

Martinez has seven goals in his career against Orlando, his highest total against an MLS club.

Orlando had plenty of quality scoring chances but couldn’t take advantage. Tesho Akindele settled a long pass and cut back his defender in the box but his low shot was denied by Brad Guzan midway through the first half. Akindele and Carlos Ascues combined for eight shot attempts.

[relatedlinks]

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.