Player Ratings

Player Ratings: FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution

Brad Weigel grades FC Cincinnati’s 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution on Saturday.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Miller/Graphic by Joey Koehling

FC Cincinnati lost 1-0 in front of 11,000 supporters Saturday afternoon in Cincinnati. New England’s Adam Buksa headed home a free kick in the 70th minute that proved to the winner for the away side. Coach Jaap Stam’s team falls to 1-1-4 (four points) on the season. 

Check out Cincinnati Soccer Talk’s post match report here for more details.

Rules:

  • Each player starts off with a 6 as a 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 statistics and the Audi Player Index (API), Who Scored, and Stats Zone 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.

Expected Goals (xG): New England – 1.9, FC Cincinnati – 0.6, per mlssoccer.com

Now onto the ratings:

GK – Kenneth Vermeer: 7.5 (Man of the Match)

After a rough couple of matches to begin his season, Vermeer showed the shot-stopping ability that had Stam so high on him. He faced 21 shots in the first half and was a large part in keeping the match close early. 

RWB – Joseph-Claude Gyau: 5.5

It was a bit of a mixed bag for me with Gyau, but I do think he is making a lot of progress. My biggest gripe is that for a former attacking player, Gyau’s service and decision-making in transition continues to let him down. 

RCB/CDM – Caleb Stanko: 6

Jaap Stam applied Stanko in a back three in the first half but brought him out into the defensive midfield in the second half. I thought he was adequate, doing nothing that would make hip pop out in this match either way. I did like the professional foul that earned him a card early after a FC Cincinnati turnover.

CB – Geoff Cameron: 6.5 

I can not overstate the effect Cameron’s arrival has had on the organization of the defense. While New England had 21 shots in the first half, his presence made the challenges difficult with a lot of opportunities coming with crosses off the wing. He had his hands full in the second half with Buksa once Stam shifted Stanko into midfield. Hopefully, the international break will be a time where the backline can finally get some time together to work on partnership and continue its upward trajectory.

LCB – Gustavo Vallecilla: 6.5

I feel it was a slow start for Vallecilla, but he grew into the match. He, like Cameron, made things tough in the air for Buksa. He won five duels and clearances and is starting to help solidify the defense. 

LWB – Rónald Matarrita: 6

Matarrita had his hands full as New England ran 46% of their attack up his side of the field. Any time Tajon Buchanan and Carles Gil are on your side of the ball, it will be a tough evening. I do like how he always has his head up looking for the next chance.

CM – Yuya Kubo: 7 

For my money, this was Kubo’s best match in central midfield for FC Cincinnati. Kubo was a pest all match defensively but is also speeding up his transition from defense to attack. Unfortunately his foul gave the freekick that led to the goal, but I don’t think he was fully to blame. With things coming together behind him, I think we’ll continue to see improvement in Kubo’s game.

CM – Allan Cruz: 7 

Like Kubo, I thought Saturday was another building block performance by Cruz. He had a pair of clearances off the line in the first half and then was effective holding down the midfield late in the second half when Stam switched to an offensive formation. While the result wasn’t what FC Cincinnati wanted, you are starting to see progress and confidence coming from Cruz and the rest of the team.

CAM – Luciano Acosta: 5.5

One drawback to the 3-5-2 is that Acosta was unable to get on the ball often, especially in the first half. He is dynamic on the ball, but New England didn’t give him much space and was able to physically push him off the ball.  

FW – Jurgen Locadia: 7

Is it too little too late for Jurgen Locadia in Cincinnati? Locadia was all over the field, providing chances in the final third for FC Cincinnati. Saturday, he finally looked like the high-profile designated player FCC fans have been looking for. He created a pair of chances and put New England defenders on ice skates several times. Unfortunately, he did not covert the chances, but he looked lively and able to score at any moment. 

FW – Brenner: 5.5

It wasn’t Brenner’s best match, but he was still dangerous in moments. I think he might be starting to press a bit as he’s used to scoring at a high clip, but FC Cincinnati isn’t getting him consistent chances. I think it will come through as he gets used to working with Locadia and Acosta. There were several moments where the three weren’t on the same page, and you could see the run didn’t match the pass.

SUB – Alvaro Barreal (71st Minute): 6

Alvaro Barreal came in for Stanko as FC Cincinnati switched to a 4-1-3-2. Barreal created one chance and put a shot on goal. It will be interesting to see how Barreal can be incorporated into the team if Stam sticks with the 3-5-2 or if they can find a way to get he, Locadia, Brenner and Acosta all on the field at the same time. 

SUB – Brandon Vazquez (77th Minute): 6.5

Vazquez was a late sub for Yuya Kubo. He had a couple of chances he put on goal and was effective with New England conceding possession to FC Cincinnati. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him off the bench this season. 

Injury Notes: Franko Kovaćevič (hamstring), Maikel van der Werff (sports hernia)

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