Nashville’s end to it’s inaugural MLS season ended with drama and excitement, with the Boys in Gold coming from behind twice to defeat Orlando City SC 3-2 on decision day.
Below are our player ratings.
Each member of the Speedway Soccer crew gives each player that saw the pitch a rating based on their match performance. Below is a quick guideline for our evaluation process.
- A rating of 6 denotes an average performance. Each player starts out with a 6 and their performance either adds or subtracts from that rating.
- Scores are determined after re-watching the match and looking at the stats, and are the averaged total of each Speedway member’s ratings.
Joe Willis – 6.8: Was rather unfortunate to concede the two goals he did, as both did not truly come at his expense. Did provide some quality saves though to keep Nashville in the match.
Daniel Lovitz – 8.3: What a howler by Lovitz to bring the match level at 1-1 early in the match, already padding to an impressive performance by the leftback.
Dave Romney – 7.3: Didn’t close down Dike quick enough on the first goal, but had some solid efforts to hold off their front line.
Walker Zimmerman – 6.8: Zimmerman’s poor touch in the middle of the park set up the first goal, which was an uncharacteristc mistake from the centerback.
Alistar Johnston – 7.3: Johnston really performed well tracking Nani on the flanks. Although the former Manchester United winger scored an absolutel gem, he gave some kudos to Johnston for his work as he exited the match.
Dax McCarty – 6.3: Another uncharacteristic performance, McCarty was very reckless in his challenges. He was fortunate to not be sent off for a second yellow, and was ultimately withdrawn at halftime.
Anibal Godoy – 6.8: Made a goal-saving tackle on a break, but that was his only contribution. Pulled at halftime due to a potential injury that’ll keep him out of International duty.
Alex Muyl – 8.0: It’s been established by now that Muyl’s biggest contribution as a playmaker is his ability to set up teammates, and that was displayed when he put in a perfect cross to Mukhtar for the equalizer.
Derrick Jones – 6.8: Jones ripped quite the shot from outside the box in the second half, but that was his only action before being subbed off.
Randall Leal – 7.3: Leal continues to be the biggest threat for Nashville on the dribble, but Smith decided to sub him off late since he was also called up for International duty.
Daniel Rios – 6.3: A quiet outing for Rios after a string of strong performances. He was ultimately pulled at halftime, but will have the opportunity to get right in Nashville’s playoff match. Smith said after the match that he’s still carrying a groin issue, which would explain why he’s been withdrawn at the half the past couple matches.
Subs
Matt LaGrassa – 7.0: Came in for relief to try and slow down the Orlando midfield, and did a great job in his role distributing the ball.
Jhonder Cadiz – 8.0 Scored the stoppage-time header from Mukhtar that ensured the victory for Nashville. An excellent showing from the DP as well in his hold-up play and chances created. There’s some serious magic that goes on when he and Mukhtar are on the same field.
Brian Anunga – 7.0: Anunga’s pressure on the ball that won’t show up on the stats sheet, but it was apparant how much a difference it makes when trying to disrupt the buildup for Orlando considering how overrun Nashville was in the first half.
Handwalla Bwana – 7.3: Bwana is making the case for being a difference-maker off the bench with his dribbling. Don’t be surprised to see him make an appearance in Nashville’s playoff match.
Hany Mukhtar – 9.3: A true difference-maker, the game turned on its head when Mukhtar was introduced. The offense came alive, and he chipped in a goal and assist. His contribution during his short time was enough for him to be named to MLS team of the week.
Manager
Gary Smith – 8.3: You can make an argument that this is was Smith’s most-well managed match. He made the neccessary adjustments of personnel based on play, and continued to tell his team to press on even after securing the draw.
What say you? Do you agree or disagree with our match ratings? Feel free to reach out to us on Twitter and let us know your thoughts!
I think its interesting how much more comfortable Anunga is when he can play a true CDM role. Against Dallas, he paired with Godoy (also a CDM) and it lacked creativity. With Godoy sidelined, I think McCarty and Anunga could be a solid duo with Dax providing more offensive spark and the latter playing a true defensive midfield position.