It was an ice-cold performance from Atlanta United, which celebrated its first MLS win with a 6-1 demolition of Minnesota United in snowy conditions Sunday.
Josef Martinez netted a hat trick and Miguel Almiron scored twice as Atlanta won the battle of the expansion franchises amid heavy snowfall in Minnesota.
Atlanta impressed in last week's opener before it was overpowered by the New York Red Bulls but there was no repeat Sunday after racing to a 3-0 lead before the half-hour mark.
Martinez scored twice in that period, including the third-minute opener, while Almiron was also on target.
What a hit, Miguel Almirón! #MINvATL @ATLUTD leads 4-1 in Minnesota https://t.co/RomnSnjBGk
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 12, 2017
Kevin Molino pulled a goal back for Minnesota from the penalty spot in the 30th minute but that is as good as it got for the hosts as Atlanta pilled on three unanswered goals in the second half, with Jacob Peterson joining in on the action at the death.
Cool, calm, and collected. @JosefMartinez17 finishes of his hat trick to put @ATLUTD up 5-1. #MINvATL https://t.co/oKiEMtoO1m
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 12, 2017
David Villa lead the way as New York City FC routed D.C. United 4-0 earlier Sunday.
Spain's all-time leading scorer found the net in either half to help NYCFC to its first points of the season following last week's defeat at Orlando City.
Who else? @Guaje7Villa makes it four for @NYCFC with his second goal of the day. #NYCvDC https://t.co/XsW3uO5y6N
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 12, 2017
Rodney Wallace and Maximiliano Moralez also found the back of the net for the hosts at Yankee Stadium.
Meanwhile, the LA Galaxy are still searching for their first win after crashing to a 1-0 loss at home to Portland Timbers.
Diego Chara scored the lone goal in a match that saw Galaxy captain Jelle Van Damme sent off in the first half.