Starts: 30
Minutes: 2,649
Age: 23
Key Stat: 90th percentile for successful tackles of all MLS right-backs (59)
Tayvon Gray made great strides defensively in 2025, offering support on the flank for one of the top defenses in the Eastern Conference.
Coming off a career year in 2024, when the Jamaican international made eight goal contributions across 33 matches, expectations were sky high heading into the Pascal Jansen Era. Gray met those expectations head-on, developing into one of Major League Soccer's best defensive right-backs.
Making 38 appearances across MLS, Leagues Cup, US Open Cup, and MLS Cup Playoffs, Gray started 30 matches from right back and, on occasion, right center back in a back three formation.
Despite missing the first four matches of the season due to injury, Gray still put up the seventh-most minutes in the New York City squad, with his versatility and keen eye for a tackle making him a mainstay on Jansen's team sheet.
Stepping up on defense
Gray was New York City's best attacking defender in 2024, leading the squad in assists (7) and finishing fifth in total goal contributions (8). While the Jamaican was outstanding going forward, his contributions on defense left a great deal to be desired.
The expectation was that, under new boss Pascal Jansen, the former academy talent would sure up his defensive woes and become a key part of the Dutchman's defensive machine.
And that's exactly what happened.
