MLS Review: Martinez extends scoring streak but Atlanta fall to Union in top-of-the-table clash

Philadelphia Union moved clear in the Eastern Conference after blitzing reigning MLS champions Atlanta United 3-1, despite Josef Martinez extending his goalscoring streak.

Atlanta star Martinez scored in his 13th successive league match but Frank de Boer’s side still lost to Philadelphia in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash.

Martinez broke the deadlock in the second minute of first-half additional time – the Atlanta forward combining with Darlington Nagbe before finding the back of the net in front of a sell-out crowd at Talen Energy Stadium.

However, the Union scored three unanswered goals in the second half to beat Atlanta, who claimed the US Open trophy during the week.

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME 

Impressive build up play to feed the King, @JosefMartinez17 pic.twitter.com/M9LWHessFf

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) September 1, 2019

Brenden Aaronson equalised in the 61st minute before Union pair Kacper Przybylko and Sergio Santos scored during the final four minutes in Philadelphia.

The Union clinched a play-off spot in the process as they moved top of the east on 51 points, a point clear of New York City and three ahead of Atlanta.

Three goals and of the East. #DOOP pic.twitter.com/q6YkTmRZna

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 1, 2019

New York booked a post-season berth thanks to a 3-1 win at lowly Vancouver Whitecaps.

DC United are fourth in the Eastern Conference thanks to their 3-0 victory over Montreal Impact in the absence of suspended captain Wayne Rooney, with New York Red Bulls slipping to fifth following a 2-0 loss to Colorado Rapids.

Elsewhere, Chris Wondolowski scored twice as San Jose Earthquakes accounted for Orlando City 3-0, Real Salt Lake went down 1-0 against Portland Timbers, Sporting Kansas City edged Houston Dynamo 1-0, Dallas defeated FC Cincinnati 3-1, New England Revolution and Toronto played out a 1-1 draw, while Columbus Crew drew 1-1 with Chicago Fire.