New York City FC Player Ratings are determined by Hudson River Blue readers — here are your NYCFC player ratings after the team settled for a 1-1 draw when Inter Miami scored a stoppage-time equalizer on a stormy Saturday afternoon in Southern Florida.
Starting XI
Mounsef Bakrar (off 73′) – 5.2
It was a day of “almosts” for Mounsef Bakrar, who found himself in great areas on several occasions, but just couldn’t find the back of the net.
It’s a growing trend for the Algerian striker, who’s been making all the right runs and popping up in all the right places since his mid-season arrival, but has perhaps lacked the clinical touch needed for these big moments. I’m a firm believer that he can flip that narrative with just a few clean finishes, but NYCFC are running out of time if we’re to see that version of Bakrar this season.
FotMob gave a 6.9 for the No 9’s performance.
Talles Magno (off 46′) – 6.4
Talles Magno picked up where he left off in recent performances in the first half, sporting his newfound confidence in all the best ways. He was unlucky not to have an assist to his name after slotting Bakrar in behind with a well-weighted through ball, only for the finish to sail just wide.
But there’s some injury concern with the young Brazilian coming off at half-time. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, as his recent form has been a huge spark for this NYCFC side desperately chasing the playoff line.
FotMob gave the winger a 7.2 for his contributions.
Andres Jasson – 6.6
It was a third consecutive start for Andre Jasson, who forced his way into the Starting XI off the back of some really impressive play of late. He looks at home at right wing, where his ability to take on defenders 1-v-1 and deliver balls with both feet has proved a nightmarish proposition for opposing fullbacks.
It’s always great to watch when a Homegrown catches form like this, so I’m really hoping Andres continues to see significant minutes in these massive remaining matches for NYCFC.
FotMob gave a 6.2 for his efforts.
Santiago Rodríguez (off 87′) – 9.0
Santi Rodríguez is a big game player, period. Remember his strike away at New England in 2021 to take the lead against the Supporter’s Shield-winning Revolution side? Or how about his four assists in last year’s playoff run to the conference finals? In the biggest moments, Santi seems to thrive.
In another huge moment on Saturday, Santi put the team on his back again, taking on three defenders by himself and rifling a near-post rocket to beat Drake Callender. Playoff Santi is a different beast, and for NYCFC, every match is basically a playoff game from here on out.
You’re showing him the love with the highest HRB Player Rating of the year.
FotMob gave the Uruguayan an 8.1
James Sands – 7.3
It was a solid performance from James Sands, who’s seemingly found his groove of late after a minor dip in form towards the end of the summer. In possession, he gathered 50 touches and boasted an 85% passing percentage. Off the ball, he compiled 6 ball recoveries and went 5/8 in duels.
FotMob gave a 7.0 to the midfielder.
Andrés Perea (off 84′) – 7.6
What an addition Andres Parea has been for this NYCFC side. He can defend, he can get forward, and he can change the complexion of the game in an instant.
His galloping run down the righthand side a feathered ball to the back post was worthy of a goal, but Bakrar just couldn’t find the finish. He was also on the wrong end of a brutal challenge from Dixon Arroyo, which could’ve easily resulted in a red card for the Miami player.
FotMob gave the loanee a 7.2.
Kevin O’Toole – 6.6
Another time game under the belt of Kevin O’Goat, who for the second consecutive year, has found himself hurled into the Starting XI at the most crucial point of the season.
But despite coming into these matches relatively cold, the moment never looks too big for him, playing with the confidence of someone who’s been starting the whole season.
FotMob gave a 6.3 to the fullback.
Tayvon Gray – 7.9
Not unlike Santi, Tayvon Gray has developed a knack for stepping up when his side needs him most — especially come playoff time. After sharing time with young Mitja Ilenič early on this year, Tayvon has established himself as an un-droppable member of the back line recently off the back of several dominant defensive performances.
It was Gray’s quick thinking and accurate ball over-the-top to Santi to se tup NYCFC’s goal, marking the homegrown’s first assist of the season.
FotMob gave the Bronx native an impressive 7.7.
Birk Risa – 7.5
I guess he can take free kicks too?
The mid-season signing has established himself as undroppable at left center back for NYCFC, whose clean sheet streak fell just short of extending to four matches with Miami’s late equalizer. Though that was no fault of the Norwegian.
FotMob gave a 6.7 to the center half.
Thiago Martins – 7.4
Say what you will about his salary, but when Thiago Martins is firing on all cylinders he looks to be worth every penny.
His athleticism alone is enough to overwhelm the most physical of attackers, but his ability on the ball in the last few weeks has really stood out to me. If he can keep that up, it’ll be hard to find many weaknesses in the Brazilian’s game.
FotMob gave the center back a 7.2.
Matt Freese – 7.5
It feels like the goalkeeper battle has finally been settled, right? Matt Freese just seems so confident out there, and his long frame and shot-stopping have proved vital to NYCFC down the stretch.
From the perspective of Saturday’s match, there wasn’t anything he could do about the Miami equalizer, and he’ll be kissing the crossbar for its contribution to keeping David Ruíz’s late strike out and preserving New York City’s point.
Fotmob gave the keeper an even 6.0.
Substitutes
Richy Ledezma (on 46′) – 3.8
Richy Ledezma came on at halftime for a banged-up Talles Magno, and hardly made the impression he was hoping for. In his 45 minutes of play, he wasn’t able to register a shot going forward, and picked up a yellow.
But the tough moment for the American came defending the corner that led to Miami’s equalizer, as he provided little resistance to goalscorer, Tomas Aviles. He never turned around to face the ball, and didn’t even jump with his opponent, who found himself with plenty of space to nod the corner home.
FotMob gave a 6.2 for the performance.
Keaton Parks (on 73′) – 6.3
Welcome back Keaton! After a nasty-looking injury in the Hudson River Derby just two weeks ago, the American midfielder was back in action on Saturday and looked healthy enough to hang. He’ll be looking to have an even greater impact next week down in DC.
FotMob gave the substitute a 6.2
Matías Pellegrini (on 88′) – 4.6
Coming on in the 88th minute, Matías Pellegrini had little time to impact the game. He didn’t play enough minutes for a fotmob rating.
Player of the Match
Santiago Rodrígueíz
This is the Santi we were waiting to see, the one who can dismantle a team almost entirely on his own. This Santi is a trickster who doesn’t go down easy, an attacking threat who frustrates the opposing defense. Most importantly, this Santi comes through at the big moments.
This Santi took 95% of your POTM vote.
Head Coach
Nick Cushing – 4.9
In terms of Starting XI and overall team performance, I think the gaffer did well. NYCFC went down to a very strong Miami side and outplayed them for the majority of the match. With better luck, better officiating, and some clinical finishing, I think NYCFC could have actually put this game out of reach and come home with 3 points quite easily.
Referee
Victor Rivas – 3.1
It just didn’t go our way out there in terms of refereeing, did it? That was a stonewall red card in my book for Arroyo’s challenge on Parea, and the SEVEN minutes of added time felt excessive given the flow of the match. I think if either of those decisions go NYCFC’s way, they’re walking out of Miami with three points instead of one.
But that’s football, right?
Broadcast Announcers
Steve Cangialosi, Danny Higginbotham, Katie Witham (Apple TV) – 6.0
There was some grumbling going into this game that the announcers would be particularly anti-NYCFC. After all, Apple TV is now the Lionel Messi network, and Steve Cangialosi is a former Red Bulls announcer. What a surprise to find that the announcers were informed, insightful, and fair.
Cangialosi in particular had a good night. His analysis of how NYCFC contained Sergio Busquets – and how Bakrar needed to finish his chances – was the sort of illuminating commentary we wanted all season. No wonder this 6.1 is your highest announcer rating so far this year.
Hats off to Cangialosi, Higginbotham, and Witham, easily the best Apple TV broadcast team to call an NYCFC game this year.
Thats football? Nah fam… refs are trash