In their second matchup of the year, FC Cincinnati fell to the Philadelphia Union 2-0. Goals from Kacper Przybylko and Fafa Picault.
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: (7.3), Audi Player Index: 498
For sixty-three minutes Spencer was the biggest reason FC Cincinnati was still level. He conceded a pair of goals, the initial goal he had little chance of keeping out of the net. He commanded the box throughout the game and saved 3 shots that originated from within the penalty area. One big area that Richey needs to improve on is his distribution, he was only 9 of 26 on his passes and far too many times the ball went over the touchline.
LB- Mathieu Deplagne: (5), Audi Player Index: 120
The Union made it a priority to attack the right side, was that was to avoid Cruz or to neutralize FCC’s best-attacking side of the pitch(Lamah/Deplagne)? Regardless, Mathieu was unable to get involved offensively and struggled to keep up with the more athletically gifted Union players
CB- Nick Hagglund: (5.8), Audi Player Index: 791
Nick had himself a game statistically, he had 6 clearances and had a good distribution percentage. But when we needed big clearances he struggled to truly relieve the pressure. Too many times the ball was just reset by Philadelphia and sent back into the box. Nick did have the best goal-scoring chance for the Orange and Blue but was unable to get the ball past the Union keeper.
CB- Kendall Waston: (5.5), Audi Player Index: 505
See above without the scoring opportunity.
RB- Alvas Powell: (4.5), Audi Player Index: 318
Alvas has not looked comfortable playing fullback in most games and tonight was no different. He was criticized early in the season for getting too far forward and out of position and last night he did not get forward enough on Philly’s first goal. Powell kept Union’s Przybylko onside by not pulling forward enough allowing the German to open the scoring. When Koch says “manage the moments” this is the moment.
CDM- Caleb Stanko: (5), Audi Player Index: 153
Caleb does not make it easy for opposing players to get by him. His tackle at midfield created the one dangerous counter where Lamah and Mattacks got in on goal. Other than that instance in the second half, he and Alexander struggled to show that their pairing was a functioning one.
CAM- Leonardo Bertone: (5), Audi Player Index: -298
Leo was a little more free of his usual defensive duties, he still had them but being wider should allow him to get forward more. The problem is, FCC was stuck in defensive mode and despite the shift, he created only two chances. It was not a horrible night for him but again not one where he showed his value. He continues to struggle on service into the box from set pieces and corners. It is almost like the last good service into the box was to Waston against Portland. Set Pieces should be a strength with FCC’s height but if the set-piece taker is not providing the service, the club is in for a long year.
LW- Roland Lamah: (4.7), Audi Player Index: 62
Lamah did not have a good game but he was one of the few players to get forward and create a couple of chances with his limited number of chances. For a winger to pass the ball only 22 times a game is baffling. He created two chances but in reality, he needs to make himself available to receive the ball to get a better counter-attack going and become involved with it.
CDM- Eric Alexander: (6.0), Audi Player Index: 196
Eric was one of the better players on the field last night. Alexander was in the pivot spot and performed well in that role when going forward, he was 38 of 44 passing and the majority of his passes were getting the team to move forward. Defensively he struggles and probably needs to be paired with someone instead of a single pivot role.
RW- Alan Cruz: (4.5), Audi Player Index: 13
Alan did his best magician impersonation because he was mostly invisible all game. I think Koch needs to understand Cruz is not a winger, for him to pass the ball 16 times the entire game is a travesty and not fair to a guy that has been traditionally a box to box midfielder. The one positive is that when Philadelphia attacked it was usually not down Cruz’s side, which is an indicator he does make it difficult for opponents. **Note: Watch where he plays and how he plays in the Gold Cup for Costa Rica
FW- Darren Mattocks: (4.8), Audi Player Index: 474
The tape is out on Mattocks, he is fast but if you get him in wide spaces you can use the angles to minimize his impact. Darren led the team with 5 shots with one on target and missed a couple of crucial chances. Darren waits too long to pull the trigger on his shots and allows defenders the opportunity to recover and deflect, poke, or block his shot entirely. He can be dangerous as he has shown in the past but his style of play is not lending itself well when it comes to getting his teammates involved in the play.
SUB- Fatai Alashe(76 min.): (5.5), Audi Player Index: 193
In the 15 minutes Alshe got to play he brought some energy onto the pitch and made the most of it. He had two shots and created to corners for FCC. The Union was happy to play the game out and allow FCC to have possession by this point and nothing serious came of it.
SUB- Kekuta Manneh(76th min.): (N/A), Audi Player Index: -85
Struggled to get involved and really did not contribute.
SUB- Emmanual Ledesma (82st min.): (N/A), Audi Player Index: 25
Too late to have any real impact.
Coaching- Alan Koch: 4.5
The team was obviously set up to defend and minimize Philadelphia chances, but the Union was able to find 25 shots with 8 on target and create numerous dangerous opportunities. Cincy’s defenders often resorted to a diving stab/block by a defender to relieve the pressure. When FCC did clear the ball it was usually to just an open space and not to a teammate. The three subs were brought on in the 76th minute, which seemed late in the game. Koch stated in post-game that the team was getting tired but we waited to make subs. There is not a lot to say, we are told to “Trust the process” but when there are not a lot of positives to take away it is difficult to feel like there is an evolution occurring.
@khoetker for @CincySoccerTalk
Recommended for you
