The future is red, black and gold. Two Atlanta United players have been named in the MLS 22 under 22 rankings, with Andrew Carleton coming in a #19 and Ezequiel Barco ranked at #6 in the league.
Carleton has thrived at two levels this year, running the show in midfield in his time with ATL UTD 2 in USL competition. He's been a spark off the bench for the most part in MLS this season, tallying an assist against LAFC earlier this year. And his first MLS start coming at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was a moment Atlanta United fans will never forget. Barco, meanwhile, has 17 starts and 6 appearances off the bench, scoring four and assisting three this year. The highlight has to be his first-time blast in the top corner in Orlando that would eventually go down as the game-winner against the Lions of Orlando City.
The rankings, put together by a vote of MLS media members, is determined on the following criteria: technical ability, tactical IQ, physical attributes and future potential. Last year, when it was the 24 under 24 list, Atlanta United's own Miguel Almirón was named at #1 in the list.