In his first minutes since Aug. 27, Ezequiel Barco looked sharp as a sub for Atlanta United in its 1-1 draw with Montreal Sunday at Stade Saputo.
Barco came on in the 63rd minute in place of Brandon Vazquez. In 27 minutes, Barco took two shots, putting one on goal with a fantastic free kick and the other off the crossbar on a chipped shot, and won two fouls.
“Very lively,” Atlanta United manager Frank de Boer said. “I was quite impressed with what he showed after a long period.”
Barco hasn’t appeared in a match for Atlanta United since suffering a muscular injury during the team’s win over Minnesota in the U.S. Open Cup on Aug. 27. Because of injuries, Barco has appeared in just 14 of Atlanta United’s 33 league games this season.
Barco threatened Montreal’s defense several times on Sunday while giving de Boer something to think about for next week’s regular season finale against New England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
It’s not yet known if Barco can go 90 minutes, which may mean that de Boer wouldn’t want to use him if he knows that he’s going have to use a sub.
But with the playoffs not starting until two weeks after next week’s finale, Barco will have plenty of time of train and be ready to go as a starter.
His ability to win one-on-one battles, hit free kicks and be imaginative caused Montreal fits.
“Good to see him on the field, first of all,” Julian Gressel said. “I thought he was busy, clean on the ball. I wish he could have put that chip away instead of on the crossbar, but I’m sure it will come for him again.”
X
Southern Fried Soccer Podcasts:
Can be found on I-tunes and Spreaker
For more content about Atlanta United:
Follow me on twitter @DougRobersonAJC
On Facebook at Atlanta United News Now
Atlanta United coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Have a question? Email me at droberson@ajc.com
About the Author
