Atlanta United extended their winning streak to three games on Wednesday night, defeating Toronto FC 1-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium thanks to an Ezequiel Barco first-half goal.

Barco's hot streak continued, as Atlanta extended Toronto's winless streak to five games. In his previous four games, the Argentine offensive midfielder has three goals and two assists.

While looking to continue their winning run, Atlanta fired a couple of warning shots at Toronto, including a hit from beyond the box by new signing Luiz Araujo, which was saved by Quentin Westberg. Barco's curling left-footed shot inside the area rebounded off Eriq Zavaleta's foot and past Westberg in the 20th minute to give them the lead.

As Toronto attempted to tie the game, head coach Javier Perez sent on Alejandro Pozuelo and Yeferson Soteldo, as well as defender Kemar Lawrence, in the 53rd minute. Just before the half-hour mark, Patrick Mullins' header from Soteldo's free-kick came agonizingly close to beating Brad Guzan. Guzan was called into action again in the 70th minute, this time denying Pozuelo a point-blank chance as TFC gained momentum.

Atlanta had many chances to end the game, including one in the 87th minute when Erik Lopez appeared to score after an initial stop by Westberg but was called offside. Barco's lone goal, though, proved to be the game-winner thanks to some last-ditch defending.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Rachel Pearce]