MLS Multiplex
Fansided

New York City FC Vs Orlando City: Player Ratings – Heber scores another

By Joshua Bowers

BRONX, NY - MARCH 27: Héber #9 of New York City is congradulatd by teammates after scoring a goal to tie the match during the MLS match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium on March 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York. The match ended in a tie of 1 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY - MARCH 27: Héber #9 of New York City is congradulatd by teammates after scoring a goal to tie the match during the MLS match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium on March 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York. The match ended in a tie of 1 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
BRONX, NY – MARCH 27: Captain Alexander Ring #8 of New York City stops the advance of Nani #17 of Orlando City during the MLS match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium on March 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York. The match ended in a tie of 1 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY – MARCH 27: Captain Alexander Ring #8 of New York City stops the advance of Nani #17 of Orlando City during the MLS match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium on March 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York. The match ended in a tie of 1 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Midfielders

RM – Anton Tinnerholm – 7 

Anton Tinnerholm put in another solid shift for New York City FC. He has a significant responsibility in New York City FC’s new system. He needs to push high to provide width in the attack but also track back to provide defensive cover. This match, Tinnerholm pushed very high up the pitch. He often played higher than the right winger, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi. That left New York City FC exposed at the back at times, and Orlando City mounted several dangerous counter-attacks when Nani ran into that space. Tinnerholm had four tackles, one interception, and two clearances on the defensive end.

Despite not recording a key pass in this match, Tinnerholm was effective in attack. He is one of the best full-backs in MLS at getting by defenders with the ball at his feet. None of his five crosses found a teammate in the box, but he plays a good ball in nonetheless. Tinnerholm took two shots, one of which was on target.

More from MLS Multiplex

CM – Alexander Ring – 8

Alexander Ring played his best match since returning to a defensive midfield role. At the start of the season, Ring was deployed in a more advanced position with James Sands playing behind him. However, his performance against Orlando City SC was a showcase of the best Ring has to offer in a deep-lying role.

He did a good job of stifling attacks: He had four tackles and an interception, while fouling just once — Ring does have a history of reckless tackling, but he kept control for most of this match. Ring’s greatest contribution in this match came in distribution. Ring received more touches (113) than any player and orchestrated New York City FC’s attacks from the midfield. He played 26 long passes, approximately one every three minutes, and he was successful on 18 of his attempts (69%). That is an impressive completion percentage, considering the number of long passes. New York City FC has dominated possession in most matches this year. However, they often have difficulty connecting the midfield and their front three. That was not the case in this match because of Ring’s effectiveness.

CM – Ebenezer Ofori – 7.5

After every New York City FC match I seem to write the same thing, ‘Ebenezer Ofori had a solid, mistake-free match, where he did not do anything exciting but contributed at both ends.’ That is true following this match as well. However, I’ll add that Ofori is an exceptionally good ball-winner. Ofori made eight tackles against Orlando City, while fouling just once.

LM – Ben Sweat – 5

Ben Sweat started in place of the injured Ronald Matarrita. Matarrita is perfectly suited at left wing-back, but Sweat is not. Sweat is a defensive-minded left-back, meaning he struggles in more advanced positions. Still, Sweat pushed high, playing six ineffective crosses throughout the course of the match, one of which inexcusably missed wildly over several targets in the box. On the defensive end, Sweat was burned by Orlando’s right-back, Ruan, leaving Alexander Callens to take on the speedy full-back one vs. one. Sweat finished the match with a tackle and two interceptions. He did win five aerial duels.

Home/New York City FC