Atlanta United Vs Club America: 3 things we learned – A lasting mistake

2. Barco, Pity shine despite outcome

Although most of the match was bleak for Atlanta United supporters, there were a handful of bright spots as the night progressed. Despite playing from behind early, Ezequiel Barco rose to the occasion. He spent the entire match running all over the pitch and creating as many chances as possible for his teammates.

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Barco played four key passes on the night, which led the team. He also made an impressive recovery in the 68th minute after a defensive lapse on Atlanta’s part allowed an America attacker into space and almost into a one-vs-one with goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Barco’s impressive recovery capped off a shining night for the young Argentinian attacker.

Gonzalo ‘Pity’ Martinez also shone brightly despite failing to score. Although Pity’s usual distribution was below average as he completed only 24 of his 42 passes, his biggest moment of the night came in the 67th minute when his freekick smashed the underside of the crossbar, bounced onto the post, and then away from the goal. About twenty minutes later, Martinez came close to creating a goal with some impressive dribbling in the box.

Despite the loss, and despite being unable to score, both Barco and Pity looked up for the challenge. First-half tactics and unlucky bounces aside, the two attackers tried to lead the way even though the outcome was unwanted.