The game in 100 words (or less more): First of all, let’s start with the numbers and get those out of the way. In three games at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, there have been 16 goals scored (13 by the home side, Atlanta United). Seven of those 16 goals have been scored by Josef Martinez (16 in 14 games this season), including three more (his second straight hat trick, joining Eddie Johnson and Robbie Keane as the only players in MLS history to achieve the feat) in Saturday’s breathtaking 3-3 draw with Orlando City SC.
Only 2 in @MLS history to avg >1 goal/90 (min: 1000 minutes): Stern John (1.08) & Wolde Harris (1.03), both 1998
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) September 16, 2017
Josef Martinez, 2017: 1.39
On the other side, Dom Dwyer bagged his first two goals for Orlando City, while Cyle Larin also got his name on the scoresheet to bring his season tally to a dozen. While the six goals were certainly thrilling for the new MLS-record 70,425 fans in attendance, the result is hardly ideal for Atlanta (43 points), who so desperately needed to make good on their games in hand. With seven games left to play, Tata Martino’s side sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, just two points back of the Chicago Fire (with a game in hand), and seven back of second-place New York City FC. Orlando, meanwhile, remain ninth in the East, six points back of the sixth and final playoff place.
[ MORE: MLS weekend preview — TFC’s Shield chase continues in LA ]
Three Four Five Six moments that mattered
10' — Dwyer heads home at a near-impossible angle — It took him seven appearances and 445 minutes, but Dwyer has his first goal since being traded to Orlando at the end of July.
First goal with the new club. 😎
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 16, 2017
What a header from @Ddwyer14! #ATLvORL https://t.co/ijLuOLhS12
36' — Martinez taps home at the back post for 1-0 — Julian Gressel did the really hard part, keeping the ball in play and somehow sliding it past Joe Bendik. Martinez arrive to the right place at the right time, and it was 1-1.
Too quick, @ATLUTD! 1-1. 🔥 #ATLvORL https://t.co/6q5C3Kbk4V
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 16, 2017
39' — Dwyer does it again, puts Orlando back ahead — 445 minutes for his first goal, but just 29 minutes for his second. 99 percent of strikers are streaky scorers, and Dwyer has never been any different.
✌️ for @Ddwyer14. ✌️ for @OrlandoCitySC. #ATLvORL https://t.co/KQ0o1RqtUS
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 16, 2017
55' — Martinez rises above to head ATL level — Chris McCann’s cross begs to be headed into the back of the net, and Martinez duly obliges.
First, @JosefMartinez17 tied things up with his 15th of the season... #ATLvORL https://t.co/XZRJ71cFgg
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 16, 2017
58' — Larin heads home Dwyer’s cross to restore the lead — Scorer turns assister, as Dwyer floats the ball to the back post for Larin.
…but @CyleLarin responded with a header of his own at the other end. 3-2! #ATLvORL https://t.co/ipAxBJ1fkL
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 16, 2017
69' — Martinez slots home at the near post for 3-3 — Martinez explodes into the space as he races to get onto the end of Hector Villalba’s cross. Terrible recognition on the defense’s part, and brilliant movement by Martinez.
You knew it was coming.@JosefMartinez17 finishes his hat trick! #ATLvORL https://t.co/FDy2Ruhtw6
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 16, 2017
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Man of the match: Josef Martinez
Goalscorers: Dwyer (10', 39'), Martinez (36', 55', 69'), Larin (58')