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Atlanta United Vs New York City FC: 5 key players to watch – Captain Parkhurst

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 28: NYCFC's David Villa (7) is held by Atlanta's Michael Parkhurst resulting in a yellow card during a MLS match between Atlanta United and NYCFC on May 28, 2017 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta United defeated NYCFC 3 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 28: NYCFC's David Villa (7) is held by Atlanta's Michael Parkhurst resulting in a yellow card during a MLS match between Atlanta United and NYCFC on May 28, 2017 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta United defeated NYCFC 3 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 28: Marco Delgado (18) of Toronto FC attempts to stop Ezequiel Barco (8) of Atlanta United FC during the first half of the MLS Decision Day match between Toronto FC and Atlanta United FC on October 28, 2018, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photograph by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 28: Marco Delgado (18) of Toronto FC attempts to stop Ezequiel Barco (8) of Atlanta United FC during the first half of the MLS Decision Day match between Toronto FC and Atlanta United FC on October 28, 2018, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photograph by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Ezequiel Barco

There is pressure on Ezequiel Barco to perform and produce for Atlanta. That pressure has existed all season and now that the playoffs are here, that pressure is only going to increase. You all know the facts behind Barco: he is the league’s most expensive incoming transfer, he is only 19, he was suspended by the club for a few matches this year. This is the perfect opportunity for Barco to break out and have some strong performances.

Barco is enduring a roller coaster of a season and his production leaves much to be desired. In 26 appearances, 19 are starts, and he has scored just four goals and logged three assists. In his last five appearances, he has taken only one shot. There is one positive from that span; Barco has drawn 12 fouls.

He is no stranger to the big stage though. Last year, while with Independiente in South America, Barco scored a penalty to help lead the club to the Copa Sudamericana title. Hopefully, that experience will translate well to the big stages of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

Barco may not even start on Sunday based on the players available to Martino. However, it is very likely that Barco will see the pitch at some point. It will be on him to play well and help the team to a result.

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