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SPORTS Thursday 6 december 2018

Atlanta’s Martinez wins MVP award in Major League Soccer

By PAUL NEWBERRY people.” ons,” Martinez said. “We’ve
AP Sports Writer He credits his teammates been working two sea-
ATLANTA (AP) — Josef for giving him plenty of sons for this opportunity.
Martinez claimed the MVP scoring chances, including We don’t want to let it slip
award from Major League fellow MVP finalist Miguel away.”
Soccer on Wednesday af- Almiron. The other finalists After coming to Atlanta
ter shattering the record for were Zlatan Ibrahimovic United from Torino in Italy’s
goals in a season and lead- of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Serie A, Martinez made an
ing Atlanta United to the Wayne Rooney of D.C. immediate impact with
championship game. United and Carlos Vela of the MLS expansion team
The 25-year-old Venezu- Los Angeles FC. in 2017. He scored 19 goals
elan striker received his “If it wasn’t for all those in 20 league games and
Landon Donovan trophy guys, all the passes they might’ve broken the scor-
during a ceremony at the assisted me on this sea- ing record if not for a quad-
headquarters of United son, the spectacular year riceps injury that kept him
owner Arthur Blank. that all of them had, we out for two months. He was In this Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, file photo, Atlanta United forward
Martinez already earned wouldn’t be talking about hurt while playing for the Josef Martinez celebrates after scoring a goal against the New
the Golden Boot for scoring this award or talking about Venezuelan national team. York Red Bulls during the first half in their Eastern Conference
31 goals in 34 games this Atlanta United playing in Atlanta coach Tata Mar- finals MLS soccer game in Atlanta.
season, breaking the mark the final,” Martinez said. tino came into this season Associated Press
of 27 shared by Roy Lassit- He has added three goals with high expectations for
er, Chris Wondolowski and in the playoffs. Atlanta won the diminutive striker. times people say things, nez said. “Maybe we’ll re-
Bradley Wright-Phillips. the Eastern Conference “When I rejoined the team but you don’t expect it to connect in the future.”
“I’m very happy because title and will host the MLS in February, there was a come true. Thanks to every- Martinez said he keeps his
this is an award we all want- Cup final on Saturday night meeting between myself one, I was able to do it.” Golden Boot trophy on
ed,” Martinez said through against the Portland Tim- and Tata,” Martinez re- Martino will be coaching a table at his home, sur-
a translator. “It is due to a bers. called. “Tata told me all I his final game with Atlanta rounded by game balls.
lot of work by myself, my The MVP is eager to add have to do is find space in the MLS Cup. He is ex- When asked what he plans
teammates, my coach- one more trophy to his col- and I could score 30 goals pected to take over at to do with the MVP award,
ing staff and my family. I lection. in a season. At the time, I Mexico’s national coach. he couldn’t resist having
just want to thank all those “We want to be champi- didn’t believe him. Some- “I just wish him the best some fun.q
wherever he goes,” Marti-