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Atlanta United star Josef Martinez named MLS MVP

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez reacts after received the MLS MVP with Darren Eales, Atlanta United President, left, at the Arthur M. Blank Family Office Wednesday, December 5, 2018, in Atlanta. (JASON GETZ/SPECIAL TO THE AJC) Photo: Jason Getz

ATLANTA — Atlanta United superstar Josef Martinez was named the 2018 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player on Wednesday.

Martinez scored 31 goals and notched six assists in 34 regular season matches this season. His 31 goals set a MLS single-season scoring record to win him the Golden Boot.

"Sometimes people say things and you don’t believe them,” Martinez said. “This is an award that we all wanted. Lot of work from myself, teammates, coaching staff and my family. Want to thank them for all of that.”

The 25-year-old forward finished with almost 48 percent of the vote while teammate Miguel Almiron finished second with a little over 15 percent of the vote.

Atlanta United, MLS to make special announcement

BREAKING: Josef Martinez wins 2018 MLS MVP!!!! --------- Atlanta United FC and the Major League Soccer (MLS) are expected to make an important announcement any moment.

Posted by WSB-TV on Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Martinez is the first player from Venezuela to win the award. He also becomes the fifth professional athlete in Atlanta to win his league's MVP award:

  • Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, 2016 NFL MVP
  • Braves infielder Chipper Jones, 1999 MLB MVP
  • Braves third baseman Terry Pendleton, 1991 MLB MVP
  • Braves utility player Dale Murphy, 1982 and 1983 MLB MVP

Martinez and United will look to win the MLS Cup Saturday night against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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BACKGROUND

Martinez joined Atlanta United with more than 100 professional appearances spread across the first divisions in Venezuela, Switzerland and Italy.

He has earned 42 caps for the Venezuelan Men's National Team and has scored nine goals since he made his national debut in 2011.

In his three seasons with Torino, Martinez scored 13 goals while adding six assists in 76 combined appearances.

Martinez joined teammates Hector “Tito” Villalba and Miguel Almiron as Atlanta United’s third Designated Player.

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