Atlanta United Vs Orlando City: 3 things we learned – All hail the King
By Josh Bouland
2. Barco completes the comeback
Ezequiel Barco appeared in Atlanta’s Starting XI for the first time since July 15. The start snapped a four-game streak of absences from the starting line-up. He made an appearance as a substitute last week against Columbus, but given Franco Escobar’s sudden injury, Barco needed to be inserted into the Starting XI for the match against Orlando.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
Overall, the 19-year-old’s performance was good. Barco was involved in a lot of Atlanta’s attack, especially in the first half. Although he didn’t record any significant stats, his play on the ball and his role in both the attack and defense was very helpful to the team.
However, there were times where it seemed Barco was in the way of his teammates. There was one pass inside Orlando’s eighteen where Gressel was trying to find Martinez for what would have been the record breaking attempt, but Barco stepped into the pass and tried to find the shot himself. Other times, Barco would be in possession of the ball, and instead of finding an open teammate on one side of the field, he would dribble the other way into congestion and eventually pass the ball away in a failed team attack.
There will be more growing pains, considering Barco’s age and his lack of cohesion with the rest of them. Barco was already in the middle of a slump when his team suspension came, so the Argentine will have to find his groove and regain some confidence. His skills are important to the team, and they will be important over this final stretch of game as the team begins to prepare for the postseason and possibly a run at the MLS Cup.