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Josef's 100: Minute by Minute

A timeline of Josef Martínez's historic night.

Por Atlanta United FC

06 de October de 2021

On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, Atlanta United striker Josef Martínez made history when he became the first player to score 100 goals for the club.. He also became the fastest player in MLS history to reach the mark, doing so in 125 appearances. It was a significant moment for Martínez, the club and its fans.

We followed Martínez through his record-breaking day:

1:14 PM

Martínez’s BLVCK kit jersey hangs in his locker prior to kickoff between Atlanta United and Inter Miami. Atlanta enters the match looking for its first all-time win against Miami.

5:30 PM

The striker arrives to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and greets fans on his way up to signing the Golden Spike, a pre-match tradition for the players at home. Then, he makes his way across the pitch, through the Delta Club and toward the home locker room.

6:12 PM

Martínez prepares for the match by stretching, then heads onto the pitch for warm-ups. He and his teammates sport the Unite & Conquer Cancer warm-up jerseys they’re wearing during September to raise awareness for pediatric cancers. The first few fans make their way into their seats, ready to witness history.

7:02 PM

Martínez walks out of the tunnel for lineups and the national anthem, sung by Jackie Gonzalez.

7:05 PM

The starting XI, led by Martínez at center forward, pose for a photo and huddle up prior to kickoff against Inter Miami.

7:11 PM

Martínez first touches the ball in the second minute. The anticipation to score his 100th goal gets the best of him; he’s called for offside early.

7:18 PM

The team is pressing, looking to create chances for Martínez even more than they would in a normal match.

“I felt that the team knew about the 99 goals and [Josef Martínez] was close and they were trying to help their friend,” head coach Gonzalo Pineda said. “Josef is a beloved player on the team and in the locker room, so I am sure some of them were trying to get him to score the goal.”

7:30 PM

Martínez gets his foot on the ball for a shot a couple of times in the first half that are blocked. First, in the 22nd minute when a ball off a corner kick bounces around in the box, then again in the 26th minute when defender Brooks Lennon leaves a ball for Martínez right at the top of the box.

7:44 PM

Martínez gets his best chance of the match so far in the 36th minute. Striker Luiz Araújo puts a left-footed shot on frame. Miami goalkeeper Nick Marsman spills it in front of goal, and Martínez pounces on the loose ball. The crowd holds its breath. Martínez is alone with the goalkeeper and the net.

But his close-range shot sails high.

7:49 PM

Midfielder Marcelino Moreno sends a through ball and Martínez gets off a left footed shot from outside the box. Marsman saves the shot. It’s Martínez last good look before halftime.

8:17 PM

Atlanta threatens throughout the second half. Martínez gets off another left-footed shot at a difficult angle. The shot misses in the top left corner. The passion shows when Martínez runs past the goal after the miss and gives the field board a spirited shake.

8:34 PM

Atlanta gets several more chances in the second half, including a missed shot from striker Luiz Araújo. But it’s the 71st minute. Expectation intensifies. Time is running out for Martínez.

8:39 PM

Inter Miami defender Leandro González Pirez commits a handball in the box in the 76th minute. Atlanta is awarded a penalty. It seems like the moment is what everyone has been waiting for, but the man sitting at 99 goals for the club isn’t so sure.

“When I grabbed the ball, for a minute I was thinking about giving it to someone else,” Martínez said.

But teammates hand him the ball. It’s a high-pressure moment, but the relentless striker doesn’t pass up a chance at goal.

“I had a lot of things going through my mind, so I simply just wanted to take the ball and shoot.”

8:41 PM

The referees finish discussing the play. The moment arrives. Martínez steps forward. He places the ball on the spot. He runs up, stutters his step, then strikes the ball.

The shot hits the back of the net in the lower right corner. It’s Martínez’s 100th goal with the club.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium erupts for the historic moment. An airhorn blares. The stadium lights project 100 Goals! on the halo board.

A staff member tosses Martínez a custom-made jersey for the occasion: instead of his traditional number 7, the jersey has ‘100’ inscribed in gold on the back. The number marks another incredible feat in a remarkable career. Martínez holds up the jersey in front of the supporters section that are cheering him on.

8:42 PM

Players run over to congratulate him. Midfielder Ezequiel Barco and defender Alan Franco each give him a hug. The substitutes warming up on the sideline run onto the pitch to join the celebration. His team swarms him in jubilation.

8:53 PM

Play resumes. Atlanta holds its one-goal lead. Martínez comes off the pitch in the 89th minute. The crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium sends him off with roaring applause. The 42,519 fans in attendance chant his name. Martínez takes a quick moment to thank the fans before leaving the pitch.

Pineda and the rest of the coaching staff congratulate Martínez on his achievement.

“Josef is a warrior – someone that is going to do everything for this club,” Pineda said.

8:59 PM

Atlanta wins the match 1-0. Martínez’s goal proves to be the game-winner. The club picks up an important three points in its late-season push for the playoffs. After the match, teammates embrace Martínez again.

“When you see his reaction after the game, after the goal – that speaks volumes,” Guzan said. “What he’s done for us as a club, for this city, for this league, it’s his desire to want to win that is special.”

9:03 PM

“This club for me is much more important than any other, and this city, this stadium, they gave me a lot of love when I needed it most and going through a tough moment. And I’m a part of them and they’re a part of me.

My heart belongs to this club.”

The Man of the Match goes to Guzan. Just kidding… of course it’s Martínez.

9:07 PM

Martínez rounds out his post match honors by hitting the Golden Spike.

Martínez sees the limited-edition Century Club T-shirt designed for the occasion. The shirt has an image of Martínez sitting on a throne, wearing a crown. Like his jersey, there’s a gold outline of ‘100’ in the background. He puts on the shirt during his final lap around the pitch.

9:09 PM

In the Delta Club on his way to the locker room, Martínez takes time to speak with some 17s. He signs a fan’s 100 poster.

9:11 PM

In the locker room, Martínez goes around and greets his teammates.

Pineda presents him with a 100 King’s kit signed by all his teammates.

“Josef is a beloved player on the team and in the locker room,” Pineda said.

9:14 PM

In the locker room, teammates encourage Martínez to make a speech. He gives one first in English, then in his native Spanish. He gets tearful when speaking about the meaning of his accomplishment and the realization of one of his career dreams.

“I thanked all of the people there in the locker room, the doctors, the president, the cleaning staff, security staff – for this beautiful day. One of the most important days of my life,” Martínez said.

9:18 PM

Martínez gets a picture with the team.

“I’m happy because it’s not every day that you score 100 goals, so I want to thank all of my teammates and past teammates, everyone working at Atlanta United, and also for my city because they mean a lot,” Martínez said.

9:55 PM

After time in the locker room celebrating with his teammates, Martínez moves into another room to address the media. He takes questions, answering only in Spanish. A member of the communications team translates his answers to English. Reporters ask him about the penalty kick and what this moment means to him.

"It’s difficult because as I said the last time I was sitting here, six months ago I didn’t have the will to keep playing... A lot of days of suffering and thinking if it would be possible to reach 100 because you don’t get to 100 every day. And more at one club. But I play with passion, for love, not for money or anything specific – just to win."

10:14 PM

Following the media session, Martínez is pulled into a family room for one last surprise. On the table is a laptop. It plays a video of messages sent in from family and friends, congratulating him on his accomplishment. The well-wishes include messages from his grandparents, former teammates and fans.

The emotions of a memorable night show. Martínez can’t hold back his tears. There’s no way he can hide everything it all means to him.

“I hope one day to be remembered as a person who wanted to give the best for the club, the city, for the colors and that’s what makes it the most important… And I just want to thank each of you and every person who has been with me these five years.

And I want to reach 200.”

Photos by Jacob Gonzalez / Story by Sandy McAfee

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