Atlanta United Vs Columbus Crew: 5 things we learned

Atlanta United Vs Columbus Crew: 5 things we learned – Brilliance in big win

ATLANTA, GA JULY 21: Atlanta's Franco Escobar (2) moves the ball up the field during the match between Atlanta United and DC United on July 21, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC beat DC United by a score of 3 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 01: Ezequiel Barco of MLS All Stars during the 2018 MLS All-Stars game between Juventus v MLS All-Stars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

1. Barco finds the pitch again

After serving a team suspension for three league games, Ezequiel Barco finally made his way back to the pitch. Manager Tata Martino subbed Barco on in place of Gressel for the final 16 minutes of the match. It is still unclear as to why Barco was suspended, but the quiet murmurs suggest he interfered with a teammate’s relationship off the pitch.

Unfortunately, Barco’s mistakes could have a large impact on the team. Besides the issue of the general vibe in the locker room, we could see those problems spill over on to the pitch. Barco was virtually invisible on Sunday, although this may purely be a coincidence. Will his teammates avoid passing him the ball as retribution for his actions? So far the early returns aren’t great, but there are still a lot of games left this season for that to change.

No matter what Barco did, expect him to regain playing time very quickly. Atlanta plays Orlando City this week, a team Barco has two goals against this season.

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Martino seems to believe in Barco, and the front office has to believe in the young player because of his record breaking $15 million transfer fee and DP slot on the roster. But they also need returns on their investment. His return to the team will help that.

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