Midfield
CDM – James Sands – 5.5
James Sands was the Man of the Match (at least in my opinion) last week against D.C. United. However, he was less impressive this time around. It is important to remember that Sands is only 18 years old and has already played more minutes in three matches this season than he had in all the matches played previously in MLS.
Thus far this season, I have praised Sands for his discipline and his commitment to his role. He is playing as a single-pivot defensive midfielder, sitting between the two center-backs. However, this match, he tried to do too much. He drifted forward too frequently, which allowed some threatening counter-attacks that the center-backs needed to shut down, and he forced the play with his passing at times as well.
Sands did have another four tackles, but he also committed four fouls. In the second half, Sands was also overpowered by Adama Diomande whenever the forward dropped into midfield to get on the ball, which became an issue for the NYCFC defense.
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CM – Alexander Ring – 7
Bobby Warshaw of mlssoccer.com brought up a point in his 24 things this week, that lines up well with what I have observed watching Alexander Ring this season. Ring is one of the best holding midfielders in the league. He led the league in tackles in 2017. However, as Warshaw points out, Ring is also New York City FC’s best box-to-box midfielder. It seems Dome Torrent has decided that Sands playing the “six” and Ring playing the “eight,” is better than Ring dropping back into a holding role and letting the next best box-to-box midfielder play in front of him. This will be interesting to watch as the season continues, especially if NYCFC continue to give leads away.
Now, just because Ring is better suited to play a holding role, that does not mean he is not a pretty good box-to-box player in his own right. He is. Ring is very good at timing his runs into the box and he makes for a dangerous target there. He scored his second goal of the season, finding the back of the net on one of the two shots he put on target.
Ring also had one tackle, two interceptions, two clearances, and two blocked shots. Although, he was also responsible for four fouls as well. He is a good box-to-box midfielder. But he is a great defensive midfielder. That is the issue here.
CM – Ebenezer Ofori – 5
Ebenezer Ofori was tidy in possession, and contributed on the defensive end. He completed 89.7% of his passes. Unfortunately, he made no significant impact on the game. Ofori was ultimately subbed off soon after the second half began and Matarrita filled his position more effectively.