In the least surprising news of the year, Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez has been named the 2018 MLS MVP (a.k.a. Landon Donovan MVP Award). The Venezuelan Viper becomes the first player for the club to earn the award thanks to his truly historic and record-shattering season.
Martinez’s 31-goal season was enough to demolish the old single-season record of 27. His marksmanship in front of goal was the catalyst for Atlanta United’s second-best record in the league and has continued to carry them in the playoffs, all the way to their first MLS Cup. With his three goals in the playoffs so far, he’s broken Roy Lassiter’s record for most combined (regular and postseason) goals in a season.