Defense
CB – Maxime Chanot – 7
Maxime Chanot continued his solid season against D.C. United. He operated as a right-sided center-back for the second match in a row and is benefitting from having less ground to cover as the opponent attacks as a result. He had two tackles along with two interceptions. His five clearances matched his season average (4.9), which is tied for eleventh best in MLS. Chanot also won six aerial duals.
Like Sean Johnson, Chanot struggled with his distribution. He has played an important role in commencing New York City FC attacks for most of the season. He is averaging 4.7 successful long passes per game. However, he played just one successful long pass, out of ten attempts, against D.C. United.
CB – James Sands – 7.5
James Sands excelled while playing as the deepest-lying midfielder in New York City FC’s first six matches. The versatile youngster is playing just as well after being moved to center-back the last two matches. As a holding midfielder, Sands is great at breaking up plays and winning the ball. However, he struggles at getting forward and joining the attack. So, it makes sense that he has taken to playing center-back so well.
Operating as a sweeper in the center of New York City FC’s defense, Sands won four tackles, while intercepting the ball twice. He also led the team with six clearances. His passing accuracy was 74.3% and just one of his five long pass attempts was successful.
Sands is a promising young player at just 18 years old. He has already cemented himself as a starter for NYCFC. There is an argument to be made he has one of the team’s three best players this season. It will be interesting to see what manager Torrent does moving forward. Will he continue to implement a back three with Sands playing as a central defender or will he return to a back four with Sands in the midfield? They have four points in two matches playing James Sands at center-back.
CB – Alexander Callens – 7.5
Alexander Callens returned to the lineup after missing the last couple of matches due to injury. He had one of his best matches of the season. Johnson, Sands, and Chanot all struggled passing the ball up-field. But Callens found more success. Half of his long pass attempts were successful, as he completed five of ten, and his overall passing accuracy was 81.8%.
Callens played on the left side of the back three, with Ronald Matarrita playing as the left wing-back beside him. Matarrita often pushes very high and that leaves a lot of responsibility for Callens. Last week, Tony Rocha struggled in this role, but Callens is well suited for it. He finished the match with four tackles, one interception, and three clearances. He left Paul Arriola very frustrated.