Starting XI

Sean Johnson

B

Despite giving up two goals — none of which really being his fault — Johnson played a strong game and was instrumental in keeping the game level towards the end. No complaints here.

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Ben Sweat

C+

The former Tampa Boy Rowdie wasn’t exactly at his best, but he was solid all game. Putting in an overall solid shift, Sweat made some good passes here and there, but seemed to be a relative non-factor in the result.

Alex Callens

C

The Peruvian may be making a compelling case for the “cutting your hair makes you lose your power” thing. He wasn’t terrible, but he wasn’t great either. But it’s still early.

Sebastien Ibeagha

D+

Trust me, I wanted to give Sebas a much better grade than this ecause for the most part, he played well. Unfortunately, we cannot forgive giving away goals, much less putting them in your own net. As much as I’d like to give Ibeagha a better grade, his own goal was definitely a factor in the result, and we must acknowledge that.

Anton Tinnerholm

B+

By far the brightest spot on New York City FC’s defense this past Sunday, Tinnerholm played by far his most physical game of the year in which he repeatedly went into challenges with little to no regard for his own well-being. Not to mention his deflected cross into the opposing box is what lead to City’s second goal. Here’s hoping the Swede was treated to a nice ice bath after that one.

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Alex Ring

B

While definitely not his best performance of the year, Ring put in another quality shift on Sunday and was a constant factor on the defensive side of the ball. We know what the Finnish Destroyer brings week in week out. We’d be foolish to expect anything less at this point.

Yangel Herrera

C

While it’s definitely an improvement over his last matches, Herrera has yet to really feel like a significant force on the pitch this season, a far cry from how he was in 2017. We know what he’s capable of and we know — or at least hope — that it will come out of him eventually.

Maxi Moralez

B-

The diminutive Argentinean playmaker started slow, but progressively worked his way into the attack in the second half. He had some quality shots and some key passes to go with it. Nothing special, but it was good enough

Jo Inge Berget

D+

I’m starting to really doubt the Norweigan’s ability to play the wing. I understand that he might be playing out of position, but his hold-up play is literally his only bright spot thus far. Berget had a big chance to put City in the lead late against LAFC, but pushed it way, albeit with a touch from goalkeeper Tyler Miller. Unless he can start contributing soon, I don’t see a case for him earning serious minutes as the season progresses.

David Villa

B

Villa found himself on the scoresheet against this week, banking in a headed after Miller saved his penalty shot. Apart from that, the Spaniard kinda disappeared late in the game. But a goal is a goal, and his final score should reflect that.

Jesus Medina

C-

I hate to be harsh, but I know Medina is capable of better than how he did on Sunday. He absolutely on fire through his first handful of appearances with the club, and I know that he’ll return to form eventually. But we expect more from a DP. And, in the case of the game against LAFC, Medina barely passes.

Substitutions

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi

A+

Isi did exactly what any quality sub should do: come one and immediately make an impact. His goal mere minutes after stepping onto the pitch is a testament to his hard work and the quality he displayed. Expect the Libyan to be back in the XI this weekend.

Ebenezer Ofori

B-

The Stuttgart loan seems to be improving each week. Ofori came in to help bolster City’s defense in a three-back formation, and he did just that.

Ronald Matarrita

N/A

The Costa Rican was a late change and didn’t really have the time to get into the rhythm of the game. For that, I have chosen not to give him a grade for this game.