New York City FC Vs Minnesota United: Player ratings – Sean Johnson howler

Attack and Substitutes

RW – Ismael Tajouri-Shradi – 9.5

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi delivered New York City FC’s best individual performance of the year. In just his second start this season, Tajouri-Shradi had two goals and an assist. His second goal was a low freekick from the right side of the 18-yard box, which found the far corner of the goal from a tight angle. That was the only goal of the second half and allowed New York City FC to earn a point.

Tajouri-Shradi showed good chemistry with center-forward Valentin Castellanos. His first assist came when coming short, controlling a Tinnerholm lob off his chest; he then volleyed the ball into the box with his back to it, finding Castellanos running between defenders. It was a great effort by both players. Tajouri-Shradi’s first goal came following a back-heel pass from Castellanos after Maxi Moralez played a through ball to find him in the box. Those two provided the spark for NYCFC and showed a fluidity that has not been present in the team’s attacks up to this point.

In all, Tajouri-Shradi led the team in both shots, four, and key passes, five. Anton Tinnerholm consistently drove forward to provide width on the right, so Tajouri-Shradi enjoyed a lot of freedom to drift inside and come short to receive the ball in the midfield. It was interesting seeing both Tajouri-Shradi and Moralez play in a free role. However, that is how New York City FC should have played all along without a standard striker in the lineup.

ST – Valentin Castellanos – 7.5

Valentin Castellanos finally earned his first goal of the year, making a nice run into the box and showing some good control with his first touch before sliding the ball into the back of the net. Castellanos’ connection with Tajouri-Shradi was the highlight of the match for New York City FC, and he should have earned an assist after providing the pass that led to Tajouri-Shradi’s first goal (Tajouri-Shradi’s first shot was blocked but he immediately followed up with a second that scored).

Unfortunately, Castellanos slowed down in the second half and found himself more isolated once New York City FC reverted to a back four. Castellanos only took two shots, but the one he put on target, he put in the back of the net. He had two key passes as well. Castellanos is New York City FC’s greatest aerial threat. He won another five aerial balls this match. It will be interesting to see what New York City FC’s plans are for Castellanos once new forward signing Heber gets up to speed.

LW – Maxi Moralez – 8

Maxi Moralez returned to the lineup, and not coincidentally, New York City FC’s attack showed some teeth again. Moralez may not have provided the final ball on any of NYCFC’s goals, but he was consistently getting on the ball, and playing teammates into good positions. He often dropped deep into midfield to control the flow of the attack. Moralez took just one shot, but he did have two key passes.

Sub – Alexandru Mitrita – 5

Alexandru Mitrita missed his first start of the season. Prosoccerusa.com had reported earlier in the week that he was dealing with a rib injury and was questionable for the match. I joked on Twitter that that may be best for the New York City FC attack (can’t say I was wrong).  The offense showed significantly better chemistry and link-up play in the first half of this match without Mitrita than they had in any previous outings.

Once in the match, Mitrita once again struggled to connect with teammates. He did have some success running behind defenders on the left-hand side, typically he cuts inside onto his right foot to shoot. However, he held onto the ball too long and was unable to cross and pick out teammates from that position. Just one of Mitrita’s three shots were on target, and of course, he had no key passes despite playing the entire second half.

Sub – Jesus Medina – N/A

Jesus Medina came on in the 78th minute and only received 12 touches. Medina has had a rough start to the season, and following Tajouri-Shradi’s breakout match, he will likely be consigned to the bench for the foreseeable future. Medina did take a pair of shots, with one on target.

Sub – Heber – N/A

Heber came on for Castellanos very late. He still is not fit to start, and he may have come on later in this match due to the effectiveness of Castellanos. It will be interesting to see if Castellanos has played his way into a starting role in place of Heber or if Heber will immediately step into the starting lineup when he is ready to play 60-plus minutes.

New York City FC’s search for their first win of the season next comes this Sunday against the Chicago Fire at 7pm EST.