Sunday afternoon, FC Cincinnati drew at home to Sporting KC. Darren Mattocks got on the board in the 19th minute for FC Cincinnati, but Gianluca Busio landed the equalizer for Kansas City after a Spencer Richey mistake in the 62nd. In addition to our Match Report, we will recap each individual player performance for the match.
Rules:
- Each player starts off with a 6 as the standard rating. Six signifies an “average performance” for the match.
- Players will receive additions or subtractions to their score based on individual moments and the overall team performance.
- We’ll look at multiple criteria such as stats and the Audi Player Index (API) to assess a player’s rating.
- A player may receive an N/A if they are subbed in/off before any quantifiable statistics are available.
Now on to the ratings:
GK- Spencer Richey: (6), Audi Player Index: 306
Let’s face it, that was a howler that led to Sporting’s goal. Richey tried to be aggressive coming off his line and got mixed up with Greg Garza, leaving an open net for Gianluca Busio. The entire play was a mess, but if you are going to come out of the box as a goalkeeper you need to win the ball 100% of the time. The draw wasn’t his fault as he made several big stops, but missed chances doomed FC Cincinnati in the end. Unfortunately, the play overshadowed another solid night but as a keeper, your night often comes down to one play.
RB- Mathieu Deplagne: (6.5), Audi Player Index: 348
Mathieu has been a revelation for FC Cincinnati early this season. He has been near the least of the worries for Alan Koch and co. While he doesn’t get up the field as often as Garza, Deplagne has been a defensive force controlling his side of the field, and his budding relationship with Allan Cruz looks to take steps forward every match. At 89.5%, he led FC Cincinnati in passing for the night.
CB- Nick Hagglund: (6), Audi Player Index: -13
Hagglund nearly had the moment of the match in the 84th minute when his header into the KC was called off as the center back was slightly offside. Overall he had an average night. He was again solid in the air, but Johnny Russell made him look silly at least on one occasion. Luckily the Scot’s shot went just wide. I’d like to see him take the extra second to try and pick out the pass to his teammate once he forces the turnover. At times early this season, Hagglund has been a little too quick to clear the ball downfield.
CB- Kendall Waston: (6), Audi Player Index: 283
Capi returned to the lineup after two matches stemming from the international break, and he didn’t miss a beat. His physical presence is tough to match, and you see opponents avoid his side of the box. Through six matches FC Cincinnati has developed a style of play that makes things difficult on their opponents. Without the howler by Richey, FCC would be looking at their third clean sheet on the season.
LB- Greg Garza: (5.5), Audi Player Index: -301
Like Richey, a lot of the focus on Garza’s night will be his collapse on the Busio goal. What should be noticed is his increasing presence in FC Cincinnati’s offense. His 16 completed passes in the final attacking third led the match. He did a nice job overlapping with Roland Lamah, and his presence helped pull Sporting KC defenders away, giving more room for his teammates to maneuver. The goal conceded was disappointing, but overall Garza has proved early why FC Cincinnati spent so much on his transfer.
CDM- Victor Ulloa: (6.5), Audi Player Index: 372
The holding midfield had a much better night Sunday against Sporting KC. The partnership of Ulloa and Leonardo Bertone did a much better job to force the opposition wide into low-chance scoring opportunities. Something we haven’t seen much of early this season, Ulloa was able to get into the KC’s half regularly completing 26 passes while creating two of FC Cincinnati’s four scoring chances. Maybe that could be due to SKC’s second string midfield or the ability of Ulloa to work with Kenny Saief to hold possession and control the midfield battle.
CDM- Leonardo Bertone: (6), Audi Player Index: 213
As I said above, the Bertone/Ulloa partnership did a great job to control the midfield for FC Cincinnati. Whereas Ulloa did a great job getting forward, Bertone did a great job staying back on the right side and making things difficult for Gedion Zelalem. His strike in the 94th minute caused a tip over the bar by Adrian Zendejas but SKC was inexplicably given a goal kick to end the match. Bertone will have his matches to get forward, but you can see the midfield partnership improving each week as both players are figuring out when to go forward or stay back.
MF- Roland Lamah: (7), Audi Player Index: 160
Roland Lamah’s run into the box early in the first half won the penalty that gave FC Cincinnati the opening goal in the match. Lamah was sharp on the night with his passing, causing several dangerous chances in the first half. Unfortunately, he came off at the half with a tight calf, and if the Belgian has to miss Saturday’s match at LAFC, that would be a huge loss for FC Cincinnati.
MF- Allan Cruz: (5.5), Audi Player Index: -116
CAM Kenny Saief: (6.5), Audi Player Index: 202
Kenny Saief helped calm down a midfield that suffered last week against Philadelphia. His ability to control the ball under pressure and move the ball upfield is unmatched in the club. He was consistently an offensive force and bossed the midfield for large periods during the match. It was a nice match but was shocking to see him removed for Alexander late in the match.
FW- Darren Mattocks: (7), Audi Player Index: 770
The Jamaican scored his first official goal in the Orange & Blue after Lamah earned the PK in the 19th minute. Mattocks was active on the night and nearly got on the board for his second in the first half after a nice take on but his shot deflected off the far post. Also, his pass to Kekuta Mennah should have put FC Cincinnati up 2-0 in the match with 30 minutes to go. If there is one thing we’ve seen early this season, his hold-up play is lacking, but his ability to play off his teammates is possession is his biggest asset. Overall a nice night for the forward.
SUB- Kekuta Manneh: (5.5), Audi Player Index: -26
Mennah came into the match at the half for Lamah and had a chance to seal the match at the hour mark for FC Cincinnati but put his shot just wide of the open net. Once that happened, you saw FCC’s energy drop off, leading to KC’s goal. Manneh has next-level speed, but that missed opportunity cost the club three points on the day. If he wants to earn his spot in the starting XI he’ll need to put these chances away.
SUB- Eric Alexander (77th min.): (6), Audi Player Index: -2
Eric Alexander came into the match and moments later nearly helped FC Cincinnati land a winning goal for the home team. Nick Hagglund was just offside, voiding a goal for FC Cincinnati. Though the sample size was small, this match was a nice building block after a disappointing showing at Seattle.
SUB- Caleb Stanko (82nd min.): (N/A), Audi Player Index: -33
Stanko was a late sub for Darren Mattocks, and he came in to help lock up the point for FC Cincinnati. While some might disagree on his choice, Stanko has proven to be a flexible option for Alan Koch this season.
COACHING- Alan Koch: (6)
If you would have told me a month ago that FC Cincinnati drew Sporting KC, I would have taken the point and ran with it. Sunday night at home up a goal against a second tier squad and ending up with a draw leaves some disappointed. The starting XI and tactics pressing SKC were on point, but the late substitutions are open for questioning. Alexander for Saief and Stanko for Mattocks left one true attacking player on the field in Mennah. Mattocks was not happy coming off the pitch even though it made sense if the manager was looking for the draw. Losing Lamah early didn’t help things for the manager, but could have Frankie Amaya been a better move to replace Saief? You hate dropping points at home when the Bailey is an incredible advantage, but through six matches, you have to be pleased with eight points.
@bradleysweigel for @CincySoccerTalk
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