Player Ratings

Player Ratings: Toronto FC vs. FC Cincinnati

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Clay Winstead grades FC Cincinnati’s 2-0 victory Saturday over Toronto FC in Orlando, Florida.

 Photo Credit: Jeremy Miller/Graphic by Joey Koehling

FC Cincinnati beat Toronto FC 2-0 in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, starting its first winning streak of the 2021 season. The Orange and Blue got off to a hot start via Allan Cruz, who scored off a quick turnover and counterattack in the fourth minute. But Toronto fought back, and Marky Delgado nearly scored in the 18th minute only to have his header, saved by Kenneth Vermeer. Toronto would control much of the game afterward but FCC doubled its lead with a stunning strike from Luciano Acosta in the 68th minute. Despite all of their efforts, Toronto only put one shot on target and Cincinnati secured another clean sheet.

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): Toronto FC – 0.7, FC Cincinnati – 1.4, per mlssoccer.com

Now onto the ratings:

Kenneth Vermeer

Vermeer’s quick reaction save to block Delgado’s header in the 18th minute was clutch; it stopped Toronto’s only clear-cut chance on goal. Otherwise, the FCC keeper wasn’t asked to make another save but was called to make a few clearances. He can make even the easy plays look difficult, but he came through when the defense needed him. 6

Joseph-Claude Gyau

The winger-turned-fullback looked dangerous going forward with the ball at his feet again. Playing in Orlando, in an empty stadium, it almost felt like last summer’s MLS is Back Tournament. Gyau debuted in that wingback position back then and recaptured some of that energy on Saturday. Gyau and his teammates are now handling attacks on the right wing more confidently as well. 6.5

Geoff Cameron

Cameron has started every match for FCC since arriving from Queen’s Park Rangers, and it’s no coincidence that the defense has improved over that time. This was the team’s second clean sheet and in back-to-back matches. The veteran was central to these efforts again, winning five duels and making three clearances and two tackles. 7.5

Gustavo Vallecilla

The arrival of Vallecilla, alongside Cameron, has finally ushered stability into the FCC defense. The two of them made their sixth consecutive start against Toronto. Vallecilla wasn’t quite as proficient as his partner, however, but he did make five clearances before coming off in the 64th minute. 6

Rónald Matarrita

One of the more influential plays in the match was Matarrita’s late block to prevent Patrick Mullins from shooting on target in the 35th minute. The Toronto striker was in on goal, but the left back hustled back and poked the ball away before he could shoot. It preserved the lead when FCC was on the back foot. Matarrita led the team with three tackles. 7

Allan Cruz

The opening goal was vintage Allan Cruz. Pressure high up the pitch to force a turnover and a well-timed run into the box to get in on goal. Unsurprisingly, the goal came in the first 10 minutes, which is Cruz’s favorite time to score. I told you so. 7.5

Yuya Kubo 

Kubo was more accurate with his passing in this match, but his challenges continue to be sloppy. He lost seven of 11 duels and conceded four fouls. One of those earned him an early yellow card and gave Toronto a free kick in a dangerous area. Kubo will need to be more disciplined in the weeks to come. 6

Álvaro Barreal

He didn’t find himself on the end of a goal this time, but Barreal put in a complete performance. The young Argentine led the match with seven duels won, three fouls drawn and three tackles. Fans have seen Barreal score a lovely goal before, but now they know there’s more to his game. 7

Luciano Acosta

R.I.P. Michael Bradley. The former United States men’s national team captain survived that tragic night in Trinidad and Tobago only to meet his demise against Acosta, who froze his ankles in cement and scored a gorgeous golazo. The culprit remains at large after winning seven duels, making three tackles, and creating two chances for FCC. 9 (Man of the Match)

Isaac Atanga

This was Atanga’s best performance in the Orange and Blue so far. His pass to assist Allan Cruz’s goal was perfectly weighted and he led the team with three chances created. For the second consecutive match, Atanga only attempted 10 passes. But this time he completed nine of them, a much better percentage. Atanga proved why he deserves to keep his starting spot. 7.5

Brenner

The weakest link in the FCC offense was Brenner. The record transfer signing struggled to get involved in the attack and only attempted one shot. Brenner embodied the idea of “the first defender” out of possession, and he frequently put Toronto’s center backs under pressure. 5

Subs

Nick Hagglund (52nd Minute)

After keeping the same starting 11 for three matches in one week, coach Jaap Stam went to the bench early and often. He started by replacing Atanga with Hagglund and shifting to a 5-3-2 formation. The Cincinnati native completed 83% of his passes and made four clearances in nearly 40 minutes. 6.5

Brandon Vasquez (63rd Minute)

Vasquez was the first of a triple substitution, replacing Barreal and lining up as a second striker. He created two chances for FCC, including the assist for Acosta’s goal. Vasquez took a pass from Kubo and drew three Toronto defenders to the left of the penalty area which opened up space for Acosta. 7

Jürgen Locadia (63rd Minute)

FCC confirmed after the match that this was Locadia’s last appearance in the Orange and Blue. His loan deal expires Wednesday , after which he returns to Brighton and Hove Albion in England. Locadia leaves Cincinnati with no ill will but plenty of disappointment. The Dutch striker completed two dribbles, drew three fouls and placed one last unsuccessful shot on target in his final match. 6

Caleb Stanko (63rd Minute)

Stanko filled in as a third center back once again. He came on for Vallecilla and lined up to the right of Cameron in defense where he won three duels and attempted three tackles. 6

Haris Medunjanin (81st Minute)

Another late appearance for Medunjanin, who replaced Kubo. N/A

Injury Notes: Zico Bailey (hip), Calvin Harris (meniscus), Maikel van der Werff (sports hernia)

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