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Atlanta United Vs Philadelphia Union: Winners and losers – Five Stripes stumble again

By Chris Smith

ATLANTA, GA MARCH 10: Atlanta head coach Frank de Boer gestures from the sideline during the MLS match between FC Cincinnati and Atlanta United FC on March 10th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA MARCH 10: Atlanta head coach Frank de Boer gestures from the sideline during the MLS match between FC Cincinnati and Atlanta United FC on March 10th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 17: Ezequiel Barco #8 of Atlanta United looks on during the second half of the game between Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 17: Ezequiel Barco #8 of Atlanta United looks on during the second half of the game between Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Winner – Ezequiel Barco

Ezequiel Barco may have been totally unmarked and ignored in the box for Atlanta’s equaliser, but his movement to ghost in there and the power he generated with the header were still very impressive.

Had Atlanta not spent the last couple of weeks touring around North and Central America for the CONCACAF Champions League commitments, Barco would probably have started on Sunday, given his fantastic performance against Monterrey in mid-week.

However, he still had a telling impact, scoring just three minutes after arriving from the bench and sparing yet more blushes for the Five Stripes. Seeing Barco finally having an impact on games, asking questions of his opponents and taking responsibility, is refreshing and will be absolutely vital for Atlanta as Pity Martinez continues to find his feet.

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