New York City FC vs D.C. United: Player ratings – Heber makes stunning debut
Midfield
RM – Anton Tinnerholm – 8
Anton Tinnerholm played great against D.C. United. Both he and left wing-back, Ronald Matarrita, are key players in this system. They need to provide cover on defense and push high to provide width in the attack. Tinnerholm received the third most touches, 65, of any player on New York City FC.
Previously, NYCFC have relied on their center-backs, and central midfielders to control possession, and get the ball forward with long passes to the team’s forwards on the wings. However, this match, the wingbacks were tasked with shuttling the ball up the pitch and connecting with the attackers.
Tinnerholm had three key passes and found a teammate on three of his five cross attempts. His overall passing accuracy was just 65.8%, but that’s because he was pushing so high. Most of his passes came from within D.C. United’s half and many of them, 17 of 55 passes, were played in the final third of the pitch. On the defensive end, Tinnerholm still put in his work: he had a tackle, two interceptions, and three clearances.
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CM – Alexander Ring – 6
Alexander Ring would seemingly be the beneficiary of James Sands’ move to central defense. After all, it allows him to move back into his own best position, holding midfielder. However, he was not as clean either in his defense or in possession, this match. Ring had two tackles, two interceptions, and two clearances. However, he also gave up four fouls, which is notable because seven of D.C. United’s ten shots came from set-pieces. Ring was not involved in the attack much either.
CM – Ebenezer Ofori – 7
Ebenezer Ofori continues to make the most of his starting opportunities; he has now made five starts this season. Ofori does not do anything special going forward, but he ably gets the ball to his attackers. He rarely gets caught trying to do too much.
He had two key passes against DC United, moved the ball nicely in possession and made his presence known defensively, winning a team-high five tackles, as well as an interception and a clearance.
LM – Ronald Matarrita – 8.5
Ronald Matarrita is enjoying a nice run of form this season. He is playing in his best position, left wing-back, with New York City FC playing a 3-4-3. Matarrita had the second most touches, 73, of any NYCFC player against DC United, and was just one touch short of Maxi Moralez’ team-leading 74. NYCFC depend on their wing-backs to get forward and play a vital role in the attack in this system. That is precisely what Matarrita did here.
He earned his first assist of the year, playing a chip over the defense to find Heber who scored with a well-taken strike. Matarrita had another three key passes. Neither of his two crosses found a teammate in the box. However, he was successful on three of his six long pass attempts. Matarrita is the most consistent wide-threat NYCFC have and is excelling as a wing-back in Torrent’s new system.