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Atlanta United completed a total of 936 passes in their 4-0 win over a 10-man Chicago Fire on Saturday. That seems like a lot...Is it a lot? Apparently it is, because it broke an MLS record and did so by 124 passes.
The 936 passes by @ATLUTD this weekend is the most in an @MLS game, with the next closest being 812 by SKC vs. Montreal Impact in 2014.
— Tom (@Worville) March 21, 2017
It should be noted that MLS’ statistical department hasn’t kept these records for their entire existence. It’s only just been focused on around the last six years. However, that shouldn’t take away from the amazing dominance put on display by Atlanta. Yes, they played against a short-handed Fire side for 79 minutes. But that doesn’t automatically mean a team dominates a match. It takes talent and a great gameplan to pull of the 83% possession that they did.
Lucy Rushton, Atlanta United’s Head of Technical Recruitment & Analysis was pleased with the passing numbers put up, but also correctly pointed out that the great stats are only great because of the goals the came from them.
This stat is made great only by the fact that we also scored 4 goals and kept a clean sheet... #endproduct #passwithpurpose https://t.co/USbK563hRd
— Lucy Rushton (@lucyrushton12) March 22, 2017