Atlanta United's Josef Martinez acknowledges the fans after scoring a goal against Orlando City during the second half of an MLS soccer match Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Josef MartÃnez 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.
MartÃnez 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 MartÃnez's 22nd goal of the season and 17th in a 12-game stretch.
MartÃnez 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.
Orlando City's Dom Dwyer (14) falls as he collides with Atlanta United's Leandro Gonzalez Pirez while going for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Orlando City's Kyle Smith (24) moves to control a header in front of Atlanta United's Justin Meram during the second half of an MLS soccer match Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Orlando City goalkeeper Brian Rowe (23) deflects a shot on goal by Atlanta United's Josef Martinez, left, during the second half of an MLS soccer match Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Atlanta United's Hector Villalba (15) looks for a way to get past Orlando City's Robin Jansson during the second half of an MLS soccer match Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press
Referee Nima Saghafi, center, separates Atlanta United's Julian Gressel, left, and Orlando City's Lamine Sane (22) as they get in an argument during the final moments of an MLS soccer match Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Associated Press