Josef Martinez returns with a goal as Atlanta beats Revolution

Josef Martinez had a goal and two assists in his return from injury, and Atlanta United FC earned a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference with a 3-1 victory over the visiting New England Revolution in Sunday’s regular-season finale.

Martinez, who had not played since suffering a leg injury on Sept. 21, looked quite fit in his return, especially when he drilled a laser past New England keeper Matt Turner to break a 1-1 tie in the 49th minute for his 27th goal of the season.

Julian Gressel, who also had two assists, scored eight minutes later to help Atlanta (18-12-4, 58 points) claim the No. 2 seed out of the East for the MLS playoffs. United, the reigning MLS Cup champions, will host this same New England side in the first round, starting Oct. 19 or 20.

The Revolution (11-11-12, 45 points) are headed to the postseason for the first time since 2015 after finishing seventh in the East. The club began the season 2-8-2, sacked coach Brad Friedel, then turned things around under the guidance of legendary coach Bruce Arena.

It did not take long for Martinez to get into the mix. He started with a pass on the right wing to Gressel, who delivered a perfect ground-cross into the box that Darlington Nagbe deposited into the net just three minutes into the match.

However, New England leveled the contest at 1 just five minutes later. Cristian Penilla got the ball between two United defenders and converted on a relatively easy one-on-one encounter with keeper Brad Guzan.

It stayed tied at halftime, but Atlanta turned up the heat in the second half. Martinez took a long volley, got behind the New England back end and easily drilled the ball home for the go-ahead goal. Gressel added his sixth of the season for insurance in the 57th minute.

Retiring Atlanta midfielder Michael Parkhurst played his final regular-season game Sunday.

–Field Level Media