Atlanta United grabbed a 1-0 lead over Columbus in the sixth minute of Saturday’s game in the Carolina Challenge Cup.

Chris McCann stole a pass up the middle about 50 yards from goal. He quickly split the defense with a pass to Josef Martinez. He laid it off to the right to Hector Villalba, who crossed it back into the penalty box, where Martinez headed it across the goal and into the net.

It was Martinez’ second headed goal in as many games after also scoring against Chattanooga in last week’s 4-0 win.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia State coach Jonas Hayes will lead his team in an exhibition against UGA on Wednesday, alongside his brother Jarvis. The Hayes brothers both played for UGA. (Courtesy of Daniel Wilson)

Credit: Daniel Wilson

Featured

Mathew Palmer, a former Delta Air Lines employee, at his home in Atlanta on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.  Palmer was fired less than two weeks after writing a post on social media about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Natrice Miller/AJC)