Orlando City vs New York City FC: Player Grades and Man of the Match

Orlando City and New York City FC squared off for the third time this year and this time NYCFC came away with the victory, handing Orlando its first defeat at home this year. The loss also continues a downward trend for the Lions in May, as they have yet to win a game this month.

An unlucky break for Orlando saw David Villa slot away a penalty after a Kaká handball in the box. Then NYC doubled the lead after Rodney Wallace put away a back post cross that skimmed across the face of goal. A missed penalty by Cyle Larin summed up the night as Villa added another with 10 minutes left to seal the 3-0 loss for Orlando

Well, let’s break it down

Starters

GK, Joe Bendik, 5 — Rough night for Orlando’s net minder. Couldn’t really be blamed for the three goals he gave up, except maybe the second one that skimmed across the face of goal. Still was able to hold of the bleeding with some solid saves. Had a good save off a bending effort by Jack Harrison in the 71st minute.

D, Donny Toia, 4.5 — As with his most recent games, seemed a step slow trying to cover Jack Harrison on the wing. Got dragged too much inside and struggled to recover on overlapping runs. Offensively, he couldn’t get much going forward and struggled to get back on defense.

D, Jonathan Spector, 5 — After missing the last game with an illness, Spector looked a bit off. Some uncharacteristic play from the defender, including a few poor passes, bad touches and a 76% passing accuracy accumulated into an off day for the American.

D, Leo Pereira, 4.5 — Just like the rest of the defense, it was collectively an off day for the rookie. Started out with a silly foul on David Villa in the ninth minute just outside the box that gave NYC its first big chance of the game, but luckily Orlando was able to clear it. Came in on Villa again in the 16th minute, clipping him from behind. He struggled to come up against the NYC pressure and just booted a lot of balls down field, which disrupted play. Yellow shown in stoppage time after a foul. Sliding clearance in stoppage time to prevent an easy tap in.

D, Scott Sutter, 5 — Had arguably the best game out of the defensive line than the rest of the back line. Struggled offensively to get forward and help in the attack, which is shown by the 70% passing accuracy he had in the game, although he did draw the penalty that Larin ultimately missed in the 62nd minute. Still did well marking Rodney Wallace for the most part, other than the goal he scored in 35th minute. Still, it seemed that he had the better game than the others.

MF, Will Johnson, 5 — Much of the game, Johnson looked like the multitude of games played recently had caught up to him. Not his usual ball of energy that helped dominate the midfield over the past games and NYC had an easier time breaking them down as a result. He did have 89% passing through the game, but a lot of those passes were back into the defense. Also was second on the team in clearances. Had a volleyed shot in the 77th minute that went wide.

MF, Antonio Nocerino, 5.5 — Much of the Italian’s night was spent in the back line, trying to provide defensive depth and help in distributing the ball. His 85% passing accuracy was second on the team, and led the team in tackles and interceptions. Gave away a dangerous free kick just outside of the box in the 40th minute. Ended up coming out in the 60th minute for MPG.

MF, Cristian Higuita, 5 — Higuita tried to be the usual ball winner that he is known to be, but like the rest of the team, he was a step slow. His passing was much improved with an 85% clip. He was fourth on the team in interceptions and tackles.

MF, Kaká, 4.5 — Tough break for Ricky in the early parts of the game. Was called for a handball in the 13th minute, which didn’t look intentional, but his arm was well outstretched, leading to the Villa penalty kick. Struggled for the most part to make an impact in the game. Came off in the 60th minute for Barnes.

MF, Carlos Rivas, 6 (MOTM)— In a mix of lackluster performances, Rivas showed the most out of anyone. Received a yellow card for tripping Villa as they were going for a loose ball. In the second half, he continued to pressure the back line and run at the defense. Helped Orlando earn a penalty after a through ball to Sutter played him in on goal. Had a chance at a header in the 78th minute, which flew wide. Took a free kick just a minute later which flew way into the stands. He was really the only player to threaten Sean Johnson much.

F, Cyle Larin, 4 — It was not meant to be for Cyle Larin. The forward just did not have anything going for him on the night. He tried his best to create something in the attack, but credit to Maxime Chanot, who kept Larin quiet throughout the match. The Canadian did have a chance to get off the schneid with a penalty in the 63rd minute, but blasted it off the post. Summed up the night in a nutshell for Larin and the Lions.

Substitutions

M, Matias Perez Garcia (60’), 5 — Came on in the 60th minute and provided a bit of speed on the wings, but only touched the ball 12 times. A few of those touches led to chances, but ultimately they led to nothing.

F, Giles Barnes (60’), 5 — Also came on in the 60th minute. He had one more touch than MPG and tried to do a bit on his own, but the NYC defense shut him down.

M, Luis Gil (75’), 5.5 — Came on for Higuita. With his first touch of the game, he blasted an effort outside the box, which was just parried away by Sean Johnson. Completed 100% of his passes.

That’s how I saw it. What did you think? Vote for your Orlando City MotM below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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