MLS Review: Atlanta score six for first win, Villa leads NYC
Josef Martinez netted a hat-trick and Miguel Almiron scored twice as Atlanta won the battle of the expansion franchises amid heavy snowfall.
It was an ice-cold performance from Atlanta United, who celebrated their first MLS win with a 6-1 demolition of Minnesota United in snowy conditions on Sunday.
Josef Martinez netted a hat-trick and Miguel Almiron scored twice as Atlanta won the battle of the expansion franchises amid heavy snowfall in Minnesota.
Atlanta impressed in last week's opener before they were overpowered by New York Red Bulls but there was no repeat after racing to a 3-0 lead before the half-hour mark.
Martinez scored twice in that period, including the third-minute opener, while Almiron was also on target.
Kevin Molino pulled a goal back for Minnesota from the penalty spot in the 30th minute but that is as good as it got for the hosts as Atlanta pilled on three unanswered goals in the second half, with Jacob Peterson joining in on the action at the death.
David Villa lead the way as New York City routed DC United 4-0 earlier on Sunday.
Spain's all-time leading goalscorer scored in either half to help NYC to their first points of the season following last week's defeat at Orlando City.
Rodney Wallace and Maximiliano Moralez also found the back of the net for the hosts at Yankee Stadium.
Meanwhile, LA Galaxy are still searching for their first win after crashing to a 1-0 loss at home to Portland Timbers.