Pro Sports

Martinez's 1st-half hat trick leads Atlanta by Revs 7-0

Posted September 13, 2017 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Atlanta United defender Anton Walkes reacts after scoring during the first half of an MLS soccer games against the New England Revolution, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017 in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) The Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) - Josef Martinez scored three goals for a first-half half trick and Atlanta United beat the nine-man New England Revolution 7-0 on Wednesday night in the second game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta (12-8-6) hasn't lost in eight straight home games - with seven victories. New England (10-13-5) hasn't won on the road this season.

Martinez, on loan from the Italian club Torino, has scored 13 goals in 12 games. He opened the scoring in the second minute of the game by running to Miguel Almiron's through ball on a give-and-go, and powering a shot past Cody Cropper from a difficult angle.

Martinez added two more goals on penalty kicks - eight minutes apart - for a 3-0 lead. In the 31st, Je-Vaughn Watson was called for a handball on Greg Garza's shot from distance, and Martinez caught Cropper going the other way. In the 39th, Antonio Mlinar Delamea was given a red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity, and Martinez calmly rolled it off the crossbar and in.

Anton Walkes scored in the second minute of first-half stoppage time for a 4-0 lead. Kevin Kratz, Yamil Asad and Hector Villalba all scored in the second half.

The Revolution received their first red card in the 16th minute after Xavier Kouassi's aggressive challenge on Asad.

Last Sunday, Atlanta opened its new stadium with a 3-0 win over FC Dallas in front of a sold-out crowd of 45,314.

Atlanta United midfielder Yamil Azad embraces defender Anton Walkes (26), who scored against the New England Revolution during an MLS soccer match Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) The Associated Press

New England Revolution midfielder Xavier Kouassi (12) received a red card during an MLS soccer match against Atlanta United on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) The Associated Press

Atlanta United's Miguel Almiron jumps onto Josef Martinez after Martinez scored on a penalty kick against the New England Revolution during an MLS soccer match Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) The Associated Press

Atlanta United midfieldeer Miguel Almiron works with the ball as New England Revolution's Andrew Farrel (2) defends during an MLS soccer match Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.