Few stars sit higher on Major League Soccer’s headline billing than Josef Martinez.
The Venezuelan has become the league’s most reliable, consistent goalscorer since making the move to Atlanta United three years ago, scoring 77 goals in 84 appearances, and that was expected to continue this year. However, Martinez’s 2020 season may have started and finished on the same day.
The 26-year-old suffered an ACL tear in Atlanta United’s season opener against Nashville SC on Saturday with the Five Stripes confirming the damage the following day. It’s an injury that will most likely keep Martinez out for the entire season, leaving a significant void for Frank de Boer to fill.