MLS Multiplex
Fansided

New York City FC vs D.C. United: Player ratings – Heber makes stunning debut

By Joshua Bowers

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: D.C. United defender Steve Birnbaum (15) connects on a corner kick pass between New York City defender Maxime Chanot (4) and forward Heber (9) during a MLS match between New York City FC and DC United on April 21, 2019 at Audi Field, in Washington D.C(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: D.C. United defender Steve Birnbaum (15) connects on a corner kick pass between New York City defender Maxime Chanot (4) and forward Heber (9) during a MLS match between New York City FC and DC United on April 21, 2019 at Audi Field, in Washington D.C(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 21: New York City defender Alexander Callens (6) goes for the ball with D.C. United forward Paul Arriola (7) during a MLS match between New York City FC and DC United on April 21, 2019 at Audi Field, in Washington D.C (Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 21: New York City defender Alexander Callens (6) goes for the ball with D.C. United forward Paul Arriola (7) during a MLS match between New York City FC and DC United on April 21, 2019 at Audi Field, in Washington D.C (Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Here are the player ratings from New York City FC’s Week 8 match against D.C. United, in which they earned their first victory of the season.

New York City FC finally earned their first win of the season, going to Audi Field, and defeating D.C. United 2-0. That is a very impressive win. D.C. United are still at the top of the table in the Eastern Conference. New York City FC, though, looked like the better team in both of their matches with United this season, and their three points here are well deserved.

Manager Domenec Torrent played a back-three formation for the second match in a row, and NYCFC have acclimated well to it. Anton Tinnerholm and Ronald Matarrita especially are well suited to their new roles as wing-backs. James Sands also fits in nicely in central defense, with solid defenders on either side of him in Maxime Chanot and Alexander Callens. The three attackers displayed improved chemistry and connected more smoothly than in any previous match this season. Heber excelled in his first start with New York City FC, earning a goal and an assist. Maxi Moralez pulled the strings from a free attacking role and was involved in everything NYCFC did going forward.

Related Story. MLS: 3 things to watch in midweek action. light

New York City FC dominated this match despite losing the possession battle 46-54%. They allowed just ten shots, seven of which came from set-pieces. Meanwhile, NYCFC took 14 shots from open play alone. Torrent’s side looked revitalized with a new system, a new striker, and a healthy Maxi Moralez. They are ready for a new start to their season.

Here are the player ratings from the 2-0 victory.

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 21: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) heads towards New York City goalkeeper Sean Johnson (1) during a MLS match between New York City FC and DC United on April 21, 2019 at Audi Field, in Washington D.C (Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 21: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) heads towards New York City goalkeeper Sean Johnson (1) during a MLS match between New York City FC and DC United on April 21, 2019 at Audi Field, in Washington D.C (Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper

GK – Sean Johnson – 7.5

Sean Johnson kept a clean sheet against Wayne Rooney, Luciano Acosta, and the rest of D.C. United. He made three saves during the match, including one from inside the six-yard box.

Johnson was not very good in distribution this match. His passing accuracy was just 45% and he connected with a teammate on only four of his 15 long pass attempts. But his goalkeeping was sound, which is especially pleasing after last week’s fiasco.

Home/New York City FC