Atlanta United Vs Orlando City: 5 key players to watch – Martinez watch
By Josh Bouland
3. Leandro Gonzalez Pirez
Atlanta’s defense is often overlooked and underrated. This is in part to a pair of somewhat silent center backs, captain Michael Parkhurst and the talented Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. Because of Atlanta’s skillful and eye-catching attack, their outstanding defenders take a backseat. Gonzalez Pirez falls directly into that category.
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LGP is a fan favorite, and one of the better defenders in the league. Every game is worth watching to see how he impacts the Five Stripes. This Friday is no exception, and for good reason too: Gonzalez Pirez became a father this week.
He and his wife welcomed a baby girl to the world late Tuesday night. Last week Gonzalez Pirez spoke to reporters about the possibility of his wife going into labor during the Columbus game, but luckily for him it happened a couple of days later. LGP is expected to start and play this Friday night, but what effect, if any, will the birth of his child have?
It is unlikely that Gonzalez Pirez’s becoming a parent will change anything, but it will be worth watching for anyway because of how important his contributions to the team are.