Gonzalo Pineda named MLS Coach of the Week, Barco and Campbell in Team of the Week

The plaudits just keep coming for Atlanta United after the team’s dominant performance in a 3-0 win over Orlando City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Friday night despite a short-handed team.

In fact, the absences of 2018 MLS MVP Josef Martinez and 2019 Best XI Miles Robinson may be the reason why the league looked upon Pineda so favorably as to name him as the week’s top coach.

He’s joined by a pair of players who helped make up for the losses of those starters in attacking midfielder Ezequiel Barco and center back George Campbell (bench).

It’s worthy recognition for all three, but fans may be most encouraged by Pineda, who had the Five Stripes operating in an efficient and effective manner in just his second game in charge. Not only that, but there was a noticeable improvement in the level of tactical cohesion since his first game as coach two weeks prior. It’s clear that the time Pineda had on the training ground with his team made a noticeable impact. Hopefully it’s just a sign of what is to come for a team that suddenly looks playoff-bound and possibly, potentially, maybe, just maybe, an MLS Cup contender.

Congratulations to all three!