Break out night for Ezequiel Barco with two goals
Atlanta United defeated New England Revolution 2-0 Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. This is the first win in MLS play the season for the defending MLS Cup champions after two road losses and two draws at home.
The match saw an early collision with Juan Fernando Caicedo and Eric Remedi in the first minute of the match. Both players returned to the pitch, however, Remedi was ultimately taken off in the 15th minute when you just sat down on the pitch unable to continue. After the match, he stated he was unable to remember even playing or being on the field. He was replaced with Ezequiel Barco.
Atlanta United defeated New England Revolution 2-0 Saturday night at Gillette Stadium in front of 15,016 fans. (photo: Kari Heistad)
Scoring Details
New England Revolution 0 – Atlanta United 1 – Ezequiel Barco (Tito Villalba) 29’
Tito Villalba took a pass from Josef Martinez on the left and drove to the end line. He then crossed the ball into the box for Ezequiel Barco, who one-touched the ball into the back of the net.
Making a difference right away ?
Barco with his 2nd goal of the season! pic.twitter.com/ICny26LIBb
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 14, 2019
New England Revolution 0 – Atlanta United 2 – Ezequiel Barco (Tito Villalba) 49’
Barco had what is sure to be a “Goal of the Week” strike. Tito Villalba made a drive to the end line and centered a ball into the box that just missed an on-rushing Josef Martinez. As Martinez drew all the defenders with him the ball went untouched toward the edge of the 18-yard box. Barco collected the ball with his left foot and cut it back to his right foot before he curled the ball into the upper right corner.
???
An absolute beauty from Barco ? pic.twitter.com/C5nV79XQ9u
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 14, 2019
Man of the Match
Ezequiel Barco was the clear Man of the Match. His brace was the difference in the result. Beyond that, this is the culmination of a new Barco this season. His on-field determination has been much better all the way around. He has now scored three goals, just one less than all of last season. His performance off the bench has been solid.
Squad Details
Micahel Parkhurst made his first start at right-back since joining the club three years ago. He had a decent match holding his own defensively even though it was evident that the Revs were trying to work the offense on his side. Offensively, he provided just enough support to keep the field balanced. Late in the first half, he was able to earn a foul just outside the box for a dangerous opportunity. It was his pass to Tito Villalba that led to the second goal.
Atlanta United defeated New England Revolution 2-0 Saturday night at Gillette Stadium in front of 15,016 fans. (photo: Kari Heistad)
Brek Shea started on the left side and played a more defensive role. He had four clearances tied with Miles Robinson and behind team leader Leandro González Pirez who had six. He had two clearances and won three aerials contributing to a solid defensive effort. He had some contributions to the offense with a key pass and two accurate crosses. He was subbed out for Franco Escobar, who made just his second appearance of the season.
Atlanta United defeated New England Revolution 2-0 Saturday night at Gillette Stadium in front of 15,016 fans. (photo: Kari Heistad)
Line-ups
Atlanta United
- GK: Brad Guzan
- Defenders (4): Brek Shea, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Miles Robinson, Michael Parkhurst
- Midfielders (3): Jeff Larentowicz, Darlington Nagbe, Eric Remedi (Ezequiel Barco – 15’) (Pity Martinez – 87’)
- Forwards (3): Tito Villalba (Franco Escobar – 78), Josef Martinez, Julian Gressel.
Unused Substitutes
- Alec Kann, Florentin Pogba, Dion Pereira, Romario Williams
New England Revolution
- GK: Cody Cropper
- Defenders (4): Brandon Bye, Jalil Anibaba, Andrew Farrell, Luis Caicedo
- Midfielders (4): DeJuan Jones (Diego Fagundez), Carles Gil, Scott Caldwell ©, Wilfried Zahibo (Teal Bunbury – 56’)
- Forwards (2): Cristian Penilla, Juan Fernando Caicedo
Unused Substitutes
- Matt Turner, Justin Rennicks, Nicolas Firmino, Juan Agudelo
Up Next
Atlanta United returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, April 20th at 4:00 p.m. when they host FC Dallas.
Atlanta United FC
MLS
