MLS Review: In-form Martinez lifts Atlanta, Altidore scores brilliant goal for Toronto

Josef Martinez continued his prolific form in a resounding win for Atlanta United, while Jozy Altidore scored a stunning goal for Toronto.

Martinez netted a brace as defending champions Atlanta crushed Houston Dynamo 5-0 in MLS on Wednesday.

Darlington Nagbe got the scoring started for the hosts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before Brandon Vazquez’s close-range header.

Martinez’s header from a Julian Gressel cross extended Atlanta’s lead on the hour-mark before the Venezuelan finished brilliantly again 19 minutes later.

I mean… @JosefMartinez17 puts ’em on the ground and smashes it in pic.twitter.com/i0nctOkU0f

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 18, 2019

The striker has scored six goals in four games since returning from the Copa America, while Gressel sealed Atlanta’s win.

Frank de Boer’s men moved into second in the Eastern Conference, sitting three points behind leaders Philadelphia Union.

At BMO Field, Altidore’s fine goal led Toronto to a 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls.

Altidore produced a brilliant flick from a Tsubasa Endoh cross to give the hosts the lead before Alejandro Pozuelo’s penalty.

I mean, c’mon now. That’s just silly @JozyAltidore | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/LWfgGE7qgZ

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) July 18, 2019

Tom Barlow pulled a goal back for the Red Bulls in the 63rd minute, but Ashtone Morgan’s strike helped lift Toronto into sixth in the east.

Elsewhere, New England Revolution hammered Vancouver Whitecaps 4-0 and Columbus Crew twice came from behind to salvage a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire.