The first half against the Chicago Fire was a tight competition, with Atlanta United battling for every ball on the road like teams often have to do away from home in MLS. But it was a moment of pure brilliance that turned the game on its head.
"It was a really quick play,” Ezequiel Barco said after the game, through a translator. “We caught Chicago a little off guard, and Miguel Almirón made a great pass and I was lucky I was able to finish it."
All it took was a trademark electric counter attack from Atlanta United, and Ezequiel Barco had his first goal in an Atlanta United shirt. Head Coach Tata Martino says it’s a moment that will go a long way toward helping Barco settle into the team.
"For sure it will make him more calm, make him more secure within the team,” he said through a translator. “It's important for him as he is getting better, and playing with his teammates."
It was a perfect example of what Barco was brought in to do: help break down teams that are organized defensively, finding the seams, and adding that bit of quality that can change the game at any second.
"The first half was tough,” Barco said, “so in the second half I dropped back a little bit and Miguel moved up a little bit on the field and we were able to get the goals. Chicago is a difficult team, but tonight we got the three points which is important for us to keep growing, and keep improving as a team."
While it was Barco’s first time on the scoresheet, his contributions to the team have not gone unnoticed by his teammates and outsiders alike. The 19-year-old was named in the bench of last week’s MLS Team of the Week, and with another step forward this weekend, it’s a promising sign for a young player adapting to a new country and a new league.
“A player always thinks about scoring but the most important thing is to help the team,” Barco said. Every game I have more confidence just to be able to contribute to the team and that’s what’s important.”
“Every game I have more confidence”: it’s a tantalizing prospect for Atlanta United fans and a scary thought for teams lining up on the other side of the ball. It’s a sign of maturity for a player who knows this is only the beginning of something special.
“The idea is always to improve every game and that’s all I’m thinking about now. In the last game I wasn't able to get it, but luckily tonight I was able to score. I was really happy for the result."
The win helped push Atlanta United up into first place in the Supporters’ Shield standings with a game in hand on their closest competition. They’ll have a tough challenge right away to defend that top spot as they host Western Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday. Tickets to that match are still available, so make sure you’ve reserved yours here.
