Josef Martinez scored his first goal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in over two years to help Atlanta United beat LAFC 1-0 on Sunday in a blockbuster showdown involving the previous three Golden Boot presented by Audi winners. Ezequiel Barco, who was only in the same starting XI for the second time this season, set up Martinez for the game's first goal just over a minute into the second half. Marcelino Moreno's long ball bounced off Jesus David Murillo's leg and landed neatly in Barco's path. Martinez did what he does well, finishing first-time past, Tomas Romero, from 16 yards out after the open Argentine slid a ball to him. Jose Cifuentes, who came in at halftime, hit the crossbar with a near equalizer two minutes later as LAFC drove for an equalizer.

Carlos Vela rolled a pass to Cristian Arango on a dangerous free kick in the 64th minute, but the newly-signed Colombian striker blasted a low effort just wide of the net, and Diego Rossi missed the target on LAFC's final quality opportunity after Arango's back-heel delivery in the 82nd minute.

In an exciting but scoreless first half, both teams produced chances. In the 32nd minute, Barco had a 26-yard free-kick deflected off the LAFC wall by Latif Blessing. After a fast transition following an LAFC error in midfield, Barco found Martinez in the box three minutes later. Martinez attempted a right-footed cutback, but Romero made the stop at the edge of his six-yard box.

Brian Rodriguez pushed Brad Guzan to make a diving stop from a low shot into the far post moments later. Mamadou Fall pounced onto a beautiful Eduard Atuesta whipped-in free-kick five minutes from halftime to head in what seemed to be his first MLS goal at the back post. However, after Video Review, referee Chris Penso went to the monitor and the goal was ruled back for offside. Barco and Martinez combined shortly after the restart to help Atlanta United take all three points in the star-studded match.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Rachel Pearce]