Atlanta United's Martinez again makes MLS history

ATLANTA — Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez became the first player in MLS history to be named the MVP of the All-Star Game, season and MLS Cup.

Martinez capped the Golden Trifecta by being named the MVP of Saturday's title game, a 2-0 win over Portland at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Martinez scored the opening goal and added an assist on Franco Escobar's capping goal. Martinez is the third player in MLS Cup history to score a goal and add an assist in the same final. He is the second player in MLS Cup history to score a goal in the final in the same year as winning the Golden Boot.

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Martinez was named the league MVP after setting an MLS single-season scoring record with 31 goals during the regular season.  He added four more in the playoffs to set a league record for goals in a season.

The Venezuelan was named MVP of the All-Star game after scoring a goal against Juventus at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“I am most happy with the (MLS) Cup,” he said. “I think this team has had an incredible year, and I think we just have to appreciate the work of everyone this season, the players and coaching staff, because even though we had some ups and downs as a team, everyone on this team contributed something and made sacrifices. This is a win that we want to celebrate because it has been a long year and thank God also.”

Cox Media Group