Starting XI

Sean Johnson

B-

SeanJohn didn’t get too many opportunities to play hero on Sunday against Atlanta United. However, Johnson did pull off a big stop on a low-crossed ball in the box in the dying minutes of the game. For that, he deserves a positive review.

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Sweat

C

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been truly disappointed in one of Sweat’s performance. Despite what he lacks in flair, he more often than not makes up for it in effectiveness and competency. Unfortunately, this game was certainly not his best. Too often was he caught ball watching on the wing and for it, ATL were able to consistently make runs down the left flank.

Maxime Chanot

B

The Luxembourg international put in another exceptional shift on Sunday, much like he has all season thus far. Chanot’s key stops, good positioning, and shadowy marking practically eliminated Josef Martinez from the game. However, a few minor mistakes and a failure to effectively mark Chris McCann on Atlanta’s second goal put some blemishes on an otherwise solid shift

Alex Callens

B+

NYCFC’s ironman contributed to locking down Martinez just as much as Chanot did. The Peruvian was a pest in the box all game and constantly snuffed out attacks. Not much wrong with Callens’ performance here

Anton Tinnerholm

C

Much like Sweat, Tinnerholm struggled to get involved in the game and wasn’t as much of a presence on the right flank as he normally has been. Though I can’t say his performance was terrible, his ball watching in the 29th minute is exactly what allowed Greg Garza to walk into the box unmarked and put up Atlanta’s first tally.

Alex Ring

A+

The Finnish destroyer put in one of his best shifts on Sunday since he put on the famous Eithad shirt. Not only did he bag an absolute screamer of a goal, Ring made his presence known on defense as well. Not bad for his first start since returning from a knee injury

Yangel Herrera

D

On the contrary, Herrera put in what I consider to be his worst performance since joining New York City FC. Lousy turnovers and nonsensical fouls marred the Venezuelan’s 90-minute shift. We know Herrera is capable of way better, and we expect (and hope for) a better performance against the Portland Timbers this weekend.

Maxi Moralez

B-

The dimunitive playmaker wasn’t as much a presence in this game as fans hoped he would be. Still, it was a solid outing for Moralez. Good passing and even a few defensive stops showed that the Argentinian is still a factor even when he isn’t allowed to do what he does best.

Jo Inge Berget

B-

Though some have mixed feelings about his performance at the Merceds-Benz Stadium, it’s important to factor in that the Norweigan forward isn’t a first choice selection for Patrick Vieira. With that said, I can’t find much wrong with Berget’s showing on Sunday. He was solid most of the game — his nifty last-second touch is what led to NYCFC’s equalizing penalty — and his runs were are pretty good, even if he did disappear a bit in the second half. Passing grade for me.

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Jesus Medina

C+

Medina is obviously not an ideal option at the No. 9 position. When he was moved to the right wing following David Villa’s entry into the game, he looked better. However, a good defensive effort from the Five Stripes limited the Paraguayan’s influence upon the game. It’s safe to say that Miguel Almiron won this round.

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi

N/A

I honestly can’t give Shradi-Doddy a fair grade here due to him exiting early with an apparent hamstring injury. I can say, however, that he didn’t look bad while he was on. Here’s hoping for a quick recovery.

Substitutions

David Villa

A

El Guaje looked great off the bench. Three minutes after coming into the game, he scored his 399th career goal on an equalizing penalty. And it was his world class hold up play which allowed Ring to be in space for his golazo. It’s safe to say that El Capitan is back and as good as ever.

Rodney Wallace

C+

We’ve been pretty critical of Wallace in the past here at Hudson River Blue. But we couldn’t find anything wrong in particular with his appearance off the bench. The Costa Rican national team player definitely provided City with a slight boost off the bench, though it wasn’t exactly gamechanging like Villa’s was.

Ronald Matarrita

N/A

Mata came on late for Medina to provide some fresh legs. Unfortunately, he didn’t factor much into the result and for that, we couldn’t provide you a specific grade for his performance.