Josef Martinez scores twice for CF Montreal in 2-1 win over Atlanta United

CF Montreal forward Josef Martínez (17) raises his arms, celebrating his goal, during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Atlanta United on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez, Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Josef Martinez scored twice against his former team and moved into seventh in MLS history with 115 career regular season goals as CF Montreal beat Atlanta United 2-1 on Wednesday.

Tom Pearce bent an entry behind two defenders to the front post, where a charging Martinez tapped in a one-touch finish from point blank range that gave Montreal a 2-1 lead in the 76th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The 31-year-old Martinez -- who scored 98 goals across six seasons with Atlanta, including a then-MLS single-season record 31 in 2018 -- moved past Ante Razov (114 goals from 1996-2009).

"I knew we had the weapons and abilities," said Montreal head coach Laurent Courtois. "The guys showed composure, quality and resilience even when they were suffering.

"I am proud of them tonight. It was special for Josef to be here, but he was also eager to have an impact, and you can see that he can execute and do things that nobody else can. With the proper service, he's unstoppable."

Jonathan Sirois had six saves for Montreal (10-12-10), which vaulted over Toronto FC into eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. Toronto fell 4-1 to the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday.

The conference's eighth and ninth seeds meet in a playoff wild-card game. The winner advances to face the first seed in the best-of-three first round.

Montreal is at home to Charlotte (12-11-9) on Saturday.

Martinez opened the scoring in the 43rd minute when his pass was redirected by a defender back to Martinez, whose chip shot from near the penalty spot slipped under the crossbar to give Montreal a 1-0 lead.

"We fought for this win and it is a very important one for us," Martinez said.

"Of course, coming to this stadium, these fans and to play against this club was tough. It's always hard and I have a lot of love for them but I am professional and I need to fight for my colours.

"We are happy with this victory, but we need to focus on Charlotte now. Now we fight for one reason and it is to make the playoffs. The team is on the same page and this is why we are scoring goals."

Pedro Amador flipped a cross from outside the left corner of the area to Daniel Rios at the back post for a header into a wide-open net to make it 1-1 in first-half stoppage time.

Atlanta (8-14-10) is winless in five consecutive games and has just one win since returning from the Leagues Cup break.

Montreal beat Atlanta 1-0 on July 13 at home.

This report by The Associated Press was first published on Oct. 2, 2024.