New York City FC played the Portland Timbers to a gutting 1-2 stoppage-time loss on a cold, gray, soaking-wet Saturday afternoon in the Bronx. NYCFC went up early but couldn’t find a second goal, and a Portland didn’t quit, scoring a second-half equalizer and a 97th minute winner.
Now it’s time for you to rate the New York City players. The ratings form will remain open until midnight tomorrow — that’s Sunday, March 10. The results will be published on Monday, March 11.
I gave Santi a fairly low rating. Sure, he dribbled a couple of guys and scored a very good goal. Still, he didn’t do a good job managing the game. Plus, he allowed himself to get so worked up by the referee toward the end that he was a detriment on the pitch.
Question for anyone who watched yesterday: what are you thoughts on Bakrar’s performance from the left side of the pitch? I was under the impression from last year’s scouting reports that he is a “two footed” striker. However, I saw multiple left side attacks from him yesterday where he could have made a left footed shot, but opted to switch to his right foot, costing a precious extra second or two and rendering the shot ineffective due to defender getting better position, etc. Probably too small a sample space to conclude anything, but I’ll be watching this more closely. Wondering if anyone else has observed anything on this. I was thrilled with his signing last year and am rooting hard for him to break out soon. Just wondering if he’s unusually favoring the right footed strike?
Also noticed it. And that when Bakrar turned to square his right foot he give away whatever edge he gained by getting in behind or moving around the flank. Smart positioning undone by slow finishing.