Who has scored 13 goals through the first 16 MLS games in 2018?

Josef Martínez scored 13 goals through Atlanta United’s first 16 MLS games of the 2018 season.

The Venezuelan striker was the centerpiece of Atlanta’s attack, combining explosive acceleration, clever movement, and unusually clinical finishing. His scoring rate helped turn Atlanta United into one of Major League Soccer’s most dangerous teams only two seasons after the club’s debut.

Martínez continued scoring at a remarkable pace throughout 2018. He finished the regular season with 31 goals in 34 appearances, setting an MLS single-season record at the time and winning the Golden Boot. He also helped Atlanta win the MLS Cup, scoring in the final against the Portland Timbers and earning match MVP honors.

A common mix-up is confusing Martínez’s 13-goal mark early in 2018 with his later totals. His 31 regular-season goals do not include every goal he scored in other competitions or the playoffs. He also became famous for hat tricks and for scoring in consecutive matches, making his record-breaking season one of the most dominant individual campaigns in MLS history.