Following the opening whistle, New York came out energized and with high pressure. Midfielder and captain Dax McCarty continually plays a large role in the team’s ability to transition quickly and efficiently.
NYRB Player Ratings vs Vancouver Whitecaps
Robles 5-
Nothing Robles could do on the first goal, as his backline allowed Kekuta Mane to run between them and fired an unstoppable in-step volley from close range. The second goal provided a better opportunity for Robles to come up with a big save, but Vancouver’s Kainze Froese was afforded too much of an angle and took a nice finish
Zubar 5.5
Playing with a man down is never easy for a center back, though still put in a decent shift. His major slight was the trouble Kekuta Manneh caused him throughout most of the first half, with Perrinnelle having to bail Zubar out of a couple failed challenges against the tricky Vancouver attacker.
Perrinelle- 5.5
Made a couple great last ditch stops, but Perrinelle was caught flat footed on Vancouver’s counterattack goal in the second half. Had Perrinelle gained another step or two during the counter attack, he would have been able to cut off Kainze’s angle for the far post, allowing Robles the opportunity to make the easier near post save.
Miller-5
It wasn’t that Miller was guilty of making a run and then having to check back for Grella’s fateful cross-cross-field pass, but rather that he should have delivered a much better tackle on eventual goal-scorer Kainze
Duvall- 5
Was at fault more than anybody on the first goal, as he allowed Kekuta to make an inside run right in front of him and was punished for it. In truth, Duvall struggled to contain the speedy Manneh all night. However, Duvall redeemed himself with a great assist to substitute Abange with a great searching cross from the right flank
McCarty- 4.5
Not a sharp day for McCarty, who was caught in possession too often for a player who’s role requires quick distribution. McCarty’s mediocre day was surmised by his negligent square pass to Miller, who had already started a run forward and was forced to check back, that allowed Vancouver to cut off the ball and ignite the counterattack that led to the Whitecaps’ second goal.
Felipe- 5.5
Put in a diligent shift protecting in front of the back four, and was tidy in possession. Given the fact they were a man down, it was unsurprising to see Felipe rarely wander into the attack. Felipe’s service from corner kicks was sharp and provided New York with some solid opportunities.
Kljestan- 4
Kljestan seemed to let out a few incredulous chuckles after getting his marching orders in the 11th minute. Even if Watson did completely embellish the confrontation between himself and Sasha, the Red Bull’s playmaker still through an elbow to Watson’s chin, and childishly continued to engage Watson in a way that easily allowed the Vancouver to defender to easily take advantage, as unsporting as it was. The bottom line: Kljestan should have more experience and maturity than to allow his team to play a man down with 79 minutes left
Zizzo-6-
Looked sharp out on the left flank, and did well to win the first penalty. His contribution was cut short, however, as he made way for the more physical presence in Abange at halftime.
Grella- 6.5
Again looked like one of the best players on the field, Grella was New York’s most dangerous player on the night. He was NYRB’s main hub of creativity, and the opportunities he has been creating really do deserve better end product from the attacking players around him, specifically BWP.
Wright- Phillips- 4.5
Everybody misses a penalty now and then, but Bradley managed to inexcusably miss both penalties. The attempts themselves were atrocious- waste high and not angled enough towards the corner. Wright-Phillips really does seem to be a striker without confidence, and his general play was epitomized by his frustrated and generally negative body language throughout the game. Rightfully subbed off in the 77th minute.
Subsitutes-
Abange- 6
Abange came in made a positive impact with his physicality and his intelligent movement. His positive play was rewarded when Duvall found Abange in some space between the Vancouver in the box, and Abange finished well with an in-step volley into the corner of the net.
Mazga –5.5
Came in for Duvall Zubar in the central defense and put in a solid shift, looking calm and composed. Hard to blame for Vancouver’s second goal, and did well to put out the flames of another counter attack later in the game.
Manolo Sanchez- 6
Subbed on for the last thirteen minutes, Sanchez made a positive impact coming into the game. Did well to create some space in the attack and get a shot off that forced a save from the Whitecap’s Ousted in the 82nd minute.
