Midfield
CDM – James Sands – 5.5
James Sands was once again the deepest-lying midfielder for New York City FC. Like Callens and Chanot, he did manage to win a few tackles, three, and interceptions, three. However, he was unsuccessful in minimizing the impact of Toronto FC newcomer, Alejandro Pozuelo. Pozuelo had free rein around the box and consistently threatened NYCFC, taking four shots and creating another five scoring chances.
Despite constant pressure from the opposing defense, Sands was good in distribution. He finished the match with a passing accuracy of 93.1% and completed all four of his long passes.
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CM – Alexander Ring – 6.5
For the third time in four games this season, Alexander Ring was deployed as the playmaking midfielder. Ring has been serviceable there, and he has become New York City FC’s only in-the-box target. However, it is far from his best position (I went into this more last match). In a key match, on the road, NYCFC needed their best players in their best roles. That meant Ring playing in a deeper position and Maxi Moralez in the playmaker role.
With that said, Ring was one of the best players on the pitch for New York City FC. He made his presence known at both ends of the pitch. Ring took two shots, one of which was on target, and was in the box in dangerous areas several other times. Ring also had a pair of tackles, and three clearances, proving he was truly playing box-to-box.
CM – Ebenezer Ofori – 6.5
Ebenezer Ofori is an understated player. That makes him easy to overlook. However, he does a lot of little things really well. He is another midfielder with some defensive grit. Ofori had three tackles, an interception, and a clearance this match. He is also very good with the ball at his feet. He had a team-high two key passes.
It is unfortunate Ofori was taken off before the 60th-minute mark so New York City FC could bring on another attacker because he was their most effective player up until that point.