Martinez scores to lift Atlanta to win

ATLANTA — Atlanta’s high-octane offense pressured, possessed, yet struggled finding the back of the net.

So United kept attacking until it paid off.

Josef Martinez scored in the 67th minute to help expansion United beat the Colorado Rapids 1-0 in front of 44,938 fans at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Atlanta (7-7-3) has won four straight at home after dropping two of its first three.

The highest-scoring team in the MLS struggled to get good looks in the first half. It came out firing in the second.

“They put you under a ton of pressure,” Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard said. “(A lot of) attacking power and they proved to be worth it tonight. They make it tough to get out, they press you well and they take care of the ball.”

Atlanta started the second half with eight shots, all by Martinez and Miguel Almiron. Three of Martinez’s seven shots were on target, both season highs.

Despite Atlanta’s attack, Howard was an imposing presence in the net, making six saves.

In the 65th minute he made a diving one-handed save on Martinez’s bicycle attempt.

“That is why he is the U.S. national team goalkeeper,” Martinez said. “He made some big saves tonight. Luckily, I was able to convert one of my chances and that’s why the three points stayed at home tonight.”

Martinez beat with a left-footed shot off a cross from Brandon Vasquez for his seventh goal in seven appearances this season. He started after coming off the bench in three games since returning from a thigh injury. The assist was Vasquez’s first of the season.

Alex Kann made two saves for his second shutout of the season for Atlanta.