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

Attack and Substitutes

RF – Maxi Moralez – 8

Maxi Moralez played in a free-roaming role in an attacking three. Neither he nor Alexandru Mitrita played wide, rather they both tended to tuck inside. Moralez often came into the midfield to get on the ball in deeper positions. He was at the center of everything NYCFC did on offense. He led the team with 74 touches, put two of his five shots on target, and connected on seven of his eight long passes.

With Moralez at the helm, attacking players connected with each other better and there was better movement from the players in front of him (Mitrita, Heber, and Jonathan Lewis). Moralez only had one key pass in this match and he still has just one assist this year, but he is still heavily involved in NYCFC’s build-up play and is the most creative presence on the pitch. This was in evidence in the first half, when Moralez worked down the left flank and played a nice ball into Heber in the box running into space. Heber tapped the ball to Mitrita who scored. Moralez did not receive an assist for that play, but he was vital to the creation of that goal and set the tone for New York City FC’s attack.

LF – Alexandru Mitrita – 7

Alexandru Mitrita had to come off the pitch shortly after the second half began and was replaced by Jonathan Lewis. Mitrita scored the first goal of the match. I have often criticized Mitrita for settling for shots outside the box. He took three shots against D.C. United. One of them, the goal, was on target. One of them, the goal, was taken inside the box.

Whether because of injury or gameplan, Mitrita did not get on the ball very often this match. He had just 19 touches in his half of play. New York City FC are actually at their best when Mitrita isn’t dominating the ball and trying to do too much on his own. They work better with him as a final attacking foil, not the heartbeat of the team.

ST – Heber – 9

Heber won Man of the Match in his first start with New York City FC, earning both a goal and an assist. He showcased good movement in front of Moralez and excellent control throughout. Moralez put him into a great position in the box in the first half and he was able to get the ball to Mitrita for an easy finish. Later, Heber controlled a lob by Matarrita and drove a shot home with a left-footed volley. In addition to his goal and assist, Heber put two of three shots on goal and provided two key passes.

SUB – Jonathan Lewis – 5.5

Due to Mitrita’s injury, Jonathan Lewis got to play most of the second half. He showed improved movement and made better runs than he has in prior games this season. However, he was still unable to make an impact on the match. He put his one shot on target, and had a key pass, while his overall passing accuracy was 78.6%. Lewis was a little careless with the ball at times and gave up possession needlessly.

SUB – Jesus Medina – 6

Jesus Medina came in for Heber, who was never going to be fit enough to play the full 90 minutes. Medina connected very well with teammates, especially Moralez, and had good movement. Despite playing less than 30 minutes, he had more touches than Lewis (22) and Mitrita (19).

SUB – Sebastian Ibeagha – N/A

Ibeagha came on in the waning minutes of the match as an extra defender.

Next New York City FC return home to face the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night.