Los Angeles: Josef Martinez produced his Major League Soccer record sixth career hat-trick to lead Atlanta United to a 3-1 victory over Wayne Rooney and DC United.
With a league-leading 22 goals in 22 appearances this season, Venezuelan-born Martinez is on pace to break the MLS season scoring record of 27 goals held by Roy Lassiter, Chris Woolskins and Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Martinez’s exploits meant Atlanta spoiled former England star Rooney’s first start for his new club DC United.
The 32-year-old Rooney, England’s all-time leading goal scorer, was the centre of attention as he came on as a substitute in his DC United debut last weekend, playing a role in two goals from Arriola as DC beat Vancouver 3-1.
After gaining the starting nod from manager Ben Olson, Rooney was replaced by Darren Mattocks after a relatively quiet 66 minutes.
