Atlanta United's Josef Martinez wins MLS' MVP award

ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Josef Martinez claimed the MVP award from Major League Soccer after shattering the record for goals in a season and leading Atlanta United to the championship game.

The 25-year-old Venezuelan striker received his Landon Donovan trophy during a ceremony Wednesday at the headquarters of United owner Arthur Blank.

Martinez already earned the Golden Boot for scoring 31 goals in 34 games this season, breaking the mark of 27 shared by Roy Lassiter, Chris Wondolowski and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Martinez credits his teammates for giving him plenty of scoring chances, most notably fellow MVP finalist Miguel Almiron. The other finalists were Zlatan Ibrahimovic of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Wayne Rooney of D.C. United and Carlos Vela of Los Angeles FC.

Martinez has added three goals in the playoffs. Atlanta won the Eastern Conference title and will host the MLS Cup final on Saturday night against the Portland Timbers.