Goals. Golazos. Tors. Buts.
No matter what language, who doesn’t love goals? They’re the moments that get us out of our seats and make our hearts race – and Atlanta United has scored plenty of them this year. But there’s more than just the shot that goes into a goal. So here’s a look behind the numbers at some of Atlanta United’s goals and top goal scorers this season so far.
Tito Villalba – 10 goals
23-year-old Argentinian forward Tito Villalba is leading the team with ten goals so far this year, including two in his last three matches. On average he’s scoring every 176 minutes so far this year, or about once every two matches. He’s taken 53 shots so far, with 25 of them hitting the target – a shot on target roughly every 70 minutes so far. Chipping in with four assists as well, Villalba has been a key contributor – often playing outside of his natural position – for the red, black and gold this year. But none of those topped the stunner against Orlando City last month.
One more look because why not...
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 23, 2017
That swerve, @TitoVillalba15 😱 pic.twitter.com/3654CDKHUQ
Josef Martinez – 9 goals
24-year-old Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez sits at second place in the Atlanta United goalscoring charts, a remarkable return for a player whose been sidelined with injuries for over half of the season so far. Josef’s nine goals have come in just 595 minutes played, a goal every 66 minutes played so far this year. He’s taken 32 shots with half of them hitting the target. To put that in perspective, MLS goalkeepers have only saved seven shots that Martinez has taken this year, with nine going past them in the net. He’s proven to be one of the most lethal finishers in the league in his time on the field, but none have been more slick than this finish against the Chicago Fire.
That's ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽ in 2 matches@JosefMartinez17's finish is up for @MLS Goal of the Week
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) March 20, 2017
VOTE here 👉 https://t.co/6ZfbgvqKGYpic.twitter.com/xWG0vWrMuS
Miguel Almirón – 8 goals
At third place on the season so far is midfield maestro Miguel Almirón. On top of his nine assists (one of the best in the league in that category) Almirón has also scored eight goals this season. The Paraguayan is creating a goal – either assisting or scoring it himself – every 101 minutes he’s been on the field. He’s averaging a shot every 30 minutes of game action, a team-leading 58 so far, and has averaged more than one shot on goal every match. His volley in the snow against Minnesota United stands above them all.
O. M. G. #UniteAndConquerpic.twitter.com/FIc2tqyHk3
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) March 12, 2017
Julian Gressel – 3 goals
In 4th place is MLS SuperDraft selection Julian Gressel. The first goal he contributed to was officially marked as an own goal, but he’s still chipped in with three of his own so far this year. Combined with his six assists from the wing so far, he’s creating a goal every 154 minutes this year. Considering he only has five shots on target this season – and only two of them were saved – he’s proven to be efficient in front of goal when the opportunity presents itself. It’s that efficiency, and his contribution to Atlanta’s high-pressing style that’s pushed him into the MLS Rookie of the Year conversation. But his best? This left-footed strike from outside the area to help earn a valuable road point against the Timbers.
No better way to start the second half! #ATLUTD 1 - 0 @TimbersFCpic.twitter.com/klXgHOC0h1
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) May 14, 2017
Yamil Asad – 2 goals
Rounding out the top 5 is Yamil Asad, who’s put two goals in so far this season. More a creator than a goalscorer himself, the Argentine has two goals this season, but his 10 assists puts him right near the top of the MLS assist chart this season. He's put nearly half of his 32 shots on target this season, and has scored or assisted a goal every 145 minutes. But as for beauty and significance, special recognition has to go to his first, the very first goal in Atlanta United history.
Make @YamilAsad11's historic finish the @MLS Goal of the Week ⚽️
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) March 7, 2017
Vote Now ➡️ https://t.co/3qrb04MJ2tpic.twitter.com/URP9Cls5Xv
That’s your top five Atlanta United goal scorers so far this season broken down by the numbers. Twelve regular season matches remain for the red, black & gold in their inaugural season, so make sure to catch every match to see how their impressive 42-goal tally continues to evolve.
