D.C. United forward Tai Baribo has become the only reason his team is scoring, while Atlanta United looks completely lost in front of goal. The Five Stripes are sitting in 14th place with just 22 points, yet Baribo has already netted 14 goals this season. According to Field Level Media , he's accounted for a huge chunk of D.C.'s total output. That's a massive chasm between a squad that knows how to finish and one that can't find the net.
D.C. United coach René Weiler doesn't mince words about his star striker's ability. He told reporters straight up that Baribo understands his role perfectly. Weiler noted that the team relies on him to convert chances when they are scarce. The coach emphasized that Baribo is a real scorer and a vital asset for the team, and frankly, you can't argue with the results he's putting up in a league where goals are hard to come by.
Atlanta United coach Tata Martino is under serious heat because his team cannot score goals. The club lost 3-2 to Orlando City on Wednesday, and both of Atlanta's goals were actually own goals by the opponent. "It's a little bit frustrating because I didn't expect us to have a game like this," Martino said through an interpreter. He admitted that Orlando controlled the match for most of the night. For roughly 70 to 75 minutes of the game, Orlando demonstrated clear superiority. With games running out, the margin for error is gone, and Martino knows his squad is teetering on the edge of a full-blown collapse.
The numbers do not lie. Baribo scored twice in his return against Columbus Crew on Wednesday, netting in the 24th and 38th minutes. With 14 goals across 18 matches, he remains a consistent threat. Atlanta has only 23 points and sits in 14th place in the East. The gap between a team with a true scorer and one without is clear. D.C. United will play Charlotte next, but the message to Atlanta is already sent. If the Five Stripes cannot fix their attack, they will keep losing to teams like D.C.
