New York City FC took their undefeated start to the season into Atlanta. The gladiator battle ended up level, and it was Alex Ring, of course, who made the difference.
New York City FC’s midfield bruiser Alexander Ring had not started a match since March 17. An injury placed him on the sideline and, in his absence, the Cityzens were making due with new signing Ebenezer Ofori, paired with Ring’s midfield mate Yangel Herrera.
Obviously it didn’t go all that poorly, as New York City FC remained undefeated throughout his absence, but that is a credit to the depth of the squad, not to just how much Ring is needed.
Against Atlanta United, in front of a screaming crowd of red and black, New York City FC needed Alex Ring, in every imaginable capacity. And he was right there, to remind everyone just how much better this team is with him at the heart.
Related Story: MLS Week Six Power Rankings
Ring lined up next to Herrera, right where belongs, and in a game that was fast-paced, back and forth and more like two gladiators trading blows than a soccer match, Ring was right in the middle of it, winning the ball with his undying tenacity and pushing play where it needed to go.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
The problem is that Atlanta’s attack is a rather tough attack to wrangle. They come at you from every angle with speed, precision and incisiveness and they do it from touchline to touchline.
As such, Ring was stretched, but he managed it so well, as has come to be expected of him.
Ring led the pitch in defensive work, winning three tackles, four interceptions and five successful clearances. No one else was even close to that line of work. And let me again point out that against Atlanta United, if you aren’t winning the ball back, you are probably in danger, because you give them the ball and they will kill you with it.
Ring was winning the ball and, better than that, he was then proceeding to not lose it. His midfield mate Herrera had trouble in possession, losing the ball five times to the swarming Atlanta United midfield. Ring was not dispossessed a single time.
Next: MLS: Top 5 Goals from Matchweek 6
And then, of course, there is the matter of the equalizing goal. Ring hovered just outside of the 18-yard box, waiting. When David Villa found him, he knew exactly what he intended to do and he did it, reminding everyone in MLS just how much of a difference he makes on a team with so many difference makers already.