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New York City FC Vs Montreal Impact: Player ratings – Still winless

By Joshua Bowers

BRONX, NY - NOVEMBER 04: Maxime Chanot #4 of New York City kicks the ball toward the goal during the 2018 Major League Soccer Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semi-Final Leg 1 match between New York City FC and Atlanta FC at Yankee Stadium on November 04, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York. Atlanta United won the match with a score of 1 to 0. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY - NOVEMBER 04: Maxime Chanot #4 of New York City kicks the ball toward the goal during the 2018 Major League Soccer Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semi-Final Leg 1 match between New York City FC and Atlanta FC at Yankee Stadium on November 04, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York. Atlanta United won the match with a score of 1 to 0. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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BRONX, NY – MARCH 10: Alexander Ring #8 of New York City looks for the ball during the 2019 Major League Soccer Home Opener match between New York City FC and DC United at Yankee Stadium on March 10, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY – MARCH 10: Alexander Ring #8 of New York City looks for the ball during the 2019 Major League Soccer Home Opener match between New York City FC and DC United at Yankee Stadium on March 10, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Midfield

CDM – James Sands – 7.5

James Sands had another successful performance against Montreal after struggling in the team’s last match. The youngster is proving to be a good ball-winner. He had five tackles and one interception. He is averaging the eighth-most tackles (3.8) in MLS this year among players who have played at least three matches.

Against Toronto FC, in their last match, Sands was caught trying to do too much to influence the play when in possession. However, he was better this week, playing a supporting role. His pass accuracy was 91% and he was successful on eight of his nine long passes. Most importantly, Sands did not get caught out of position all night.

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CDM – Alex Ring – 6

For the first time this season, Alexander Ring played as a defensive midfielder, aligning alongside James Sands in a double-pivot. Despite staying back most of the match, Ring let Sands do most of the dirty work on defense. Ring was more active in possession. He had the second-most touches on the team and made the second-most passes (Chanot led both statistics). Unfortunately, Ring struggled to make many line-breaking passes. Only half of his long passes were successful (six of 12), and he only had one key pass in the match.

Ring was tidy in possession and did not have to do much on the defensive end. However, he struggled to make a large positive impact on the match, despite getting on the ball often.

CAM – Alexandru Mitritu – 6

As a central attacking midfielder, replacing the injured Maxi Moralez, Alexandru Mitrita started the match well. His most dangerous attack came early, as he dribbled into the box and got a shot on goal. He also recorded his first key pass in four matches, connecting with teammates better from this position.

Unfortunately, soon after, Mitrita ended up drifting to the left where he is more comfortable (but has largely been ineffective). He and left midfielder Jonathan Lewis too often occupied similar space and the middle of the pitch was left vacant. This left the midfield (Sands and Ring) disconnected from the four attackers in front of them and New York City FC relied on long passes for most of the rest of the match.

With Moralez absent for a second-straight match, NYCFC needed Mitrita to step up and become a go-to player. However, he proved, once again, incapable of being the star that he is paid to be.

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