All this week, Hudson River Blue will hand out 2024 Final Grades to New York City FC. We will update this page every as new grades are issued.
• Matt Freese: A+
What else do you give to one of the best shot-stoppers in North America?
Read more here.
Matthew Mangam
• Central Defenders: B-
The defense took a step back in 2024, allowing 10 more goals than the did in 2023 — and that's with Freese in the net.
Read more here to see what needs improving.
Oliver Strand
• Fullbacks: B-
Once a position of strength, NYCFC's current crop of young fullbacks are growing in the position — but they have some improving to do if they're to return to the glory years of Anton Tinnerholm and Ronald Matarrita.
Read more here.
Noah Kassell-Yung
• Midfielders: B+
Santiago Rodríguez, James Sands, and Keaton Parks lay the foundation for much of the team's 2024 success, but there's still work to be done if they're to become an elite outfit.
Read more here.
Andrew Leigh
• James Sands: B+
He does the dirty work.
Read more here.
Matthew Mangam
• Santiago Rodríguez: B+
He improved drastically after a disappointing 2023, but Santi still has to level up if he's going to be counted among the very best in the league.
Read more here.
Oliver Strand
• Attackers: C
The 54 goals New York City FC scored in 2024 is a big improvement over the 34 scored in 2023, but there's still work to be done.
Read more here.
Mark Radigan
• Hannes Wolf: B
The midfielder impressed early in 2024 but fell off as the season progressed.
Read more here.
John Baney
• Malachi Jones: B
The 2024 SuperDraft pick was one of New York City FC's most exciting players to watch in 2024, but he needs to be more clinical in front of goal if he's to level up.
Read more here.
Takashi Williams
• Alonso Martínez: A+
It's safe to say that Martínez's role in the squad evolved far beyond what even the most optimistic fans might have expected at the start of the season, and that was before he single-handledly carried the offense at times.
Read more here.
Mark Radigan
• Front Office: A+
The C-suite were the undisputed stars of 2024 for New York City FC: They didn't kick a ball at any point this season, they just made sure the team finally broke ground on its permanent home in Queens.
Read more here.
Andrew Leigh
• Nick Cushing: Incomplete
Mixed messages sent out by the club made the assignment unclear. Was this year one of a rebuild, a time to put the pieces in place for a strong 2025? Or was 2024 when the team would return to their winning ways and a Top 4 finish — a goal often voiced by Cushing himself?
Oliver Strand
