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Atlanta United’s 5-0 win over LAFC on Saturday was a blast to watch, whether you were one of the 45,000+ in attendance or watching at home. While the victory and three points are a fine prize for the team’s efforts, there was also three unique things that either happened in the match or were a result of the win. Here’s a look at what all was accomplished in that single match.
Josef Martinez sets a new pace
With his goal today, Josef Martinez of @ATLUTD set a league record with 24 goals in his first 25 #MLS games.
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) April 7, 2018
That is one more than the previous mark, shared by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Carlos Ruiz (Per @EliasSports)
As a result of his second half goal, Josef has now found the net 24 times in his first 25 games in the league. In addition to that just being a ridiculous strike rate, he’s set the MLS record for most goals in league history through 25 appearances, surpassing Mamadou Diallo, Stern John and Carlos Ruiz. It’s important to note that several of those appearances came off the bench while he was coming back from injury. So, he’s scored in more games than he’s started in his MLS career so far.
Making VAR history
Didn't know this: the overturning of the #ATLUTD McCann red card was the first time that's happened by use of VAR in #MLS history
— Doug Roberson (@DougRobersonAJC) April 8, 2018
The ever-controversial Video Assistant Referee system made history during this match when it helped overturn Chris McCann’s first minute red card. After Ted Unkel reviewed McCann’s dangerous tackle on Benny Feilhaber, he reverted the red card he issued to a yellow card. This marked the first time since VAR was implemented last summer that has happened. Neat, I guess?
Getting the results
Maybe this is not as impressive as Josef’s scoring record, but something cool was accomplished with Atlanta United’s win over LAFC. With the result, it means that through a full season and five games of their existence, the Five Stripes have secured at least a point (a draw or win) over every team currently in MLS. The only teams Atlanta have failed to beat are: Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, Sporting Kansas City, New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC. The rest of the teams in the league have been beaten by Atlanta United. While pretty much every club in the league can say that through their experience, it’s kind of neat that Atlanta have accomplished this in such a short time.