ATLANTA — Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez’s feet sizzled in the penalty box that he almost scorched himself after scoring a goal … Literally.
Martinez scored the lone goal against the Colorado Rapids in United’s 1-0 victory Saturday night. He then ran towards the crowd, jumped on an advertising board and felt the flames approach his body. Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard was left vanquished on the ground, engulfed by the celebratory bursts of flame roaring behind him.
But to the Atlanta United faithful, it represented more than just a goal celebration.
Similar to a Phoenix reborn from ashes, a new form of Martinez seemed imminent.