Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average, don’t follow up
Player profile:
- Nationality: Venezuelan
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 20/01/2000
- Current Club: New York Red Bulls
- Career: Atlético Venezuela (Y), Deportivo La Guaira, New York Red Bulls
- Position: Central Midfield
- Secondary position: 10 and Right Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Despite being on the losing side, Casseres put on a high quality display that shows much promise for his future. The central midfielder demonstrated a good level of technical ability when in possession, linking up well with his teammates, with some clean passing and good turns under pressure. The young Venezuelan played an important role in bridging the gap between the defence and midfield and seems to play with a positive mindset, always looking to move the ball forward. Despite his small size, he was aggressive in the tackle and often looked to nip in front of his opponent to win the ball – however this also lead to him overcommitting on a few occasions, leaving his team exposed to the counter attack. Casseres showed good composure in an all round impressive display.
Rating: A2
Player profile:
- Nationality: Panamanian
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 11/02/1996
- Current Club: Anderlecht
- Career: San Francisco, New York Red Bulls, Anderlecht
- Position: Right Back
- Secondary position: Defensive Midfield and Central Defender
- Preferred foot: Right
Murillo put in an impressive performance that was marred by a couple of unfortunate errors on the day. The Panamanian full back was particularly effective in attacking areas of the pitch, making some good forward passes and regularly driving with the ball deep into the final third. He also linked up with his teammates to good effect, continuing his run into the penalty area to receive return passes and he was perhaps unlucky not to register an assist or goal in the game. Physically, Murillo is over 6 foot and is of a strong build that allowed him to dominate his opposite number, winning almost every aerial battle or shoulder to shoulder duel.
There were two parts of the defender’s game that let him down against Toronto; firstly, his defensive positioning was questionable at times as he failed to close down the attacker, and secondly he was too indecisive with the ball in his own half ,which came back to haunt him for Toronto’s third goal as he gave away possession. Overall, an exciting attacking display from Murillo that was somewhat overshadowed by his defensive shortfallings.
Rating: B1
Alejandro ‘Kaku’ Romero Gamarra
Player profile:
- Nationality: Paraguayan
- Age: 25
- Date of birth: 11/01/1995
- Current Club: New York Red Bulls
- Career: Huracán, New York Red Bulls
- Position: 10
- Secondary position: Left Wing and Right Wing
- Preferred foot: Left
‘Kaku’ played as the number 10 for the Red Bulls in this game and drifted in and out of the game, showing some real quality at times yet also fading into the background for periods. The Paraguayan was clearly given a licence to roam and often dropped deep to try and drive his side up the pitch. He showed a tremendous passing range on his left foot, finding some great deliveries for his teammates, although these could have been more consistent, and he should have scored himself after winning the ball high up following a good press. His close control was impressive at times and he seemed to cause some real issues for the Toronto midfield and defence. At times however, Gamarra was guilty of overplaying or trying to force passes that weren’t on and this let him down. He is small in build so does not pose a physical threat but demonstrated a good burst of acceleration and movement to evade defenders. A mixed display from the Paraguayan playmaker.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 08/07/1995
- Current Club: New York Red Bulls
- Career: Reading United AC, Des Moines Menace, Chicago FC United, New York Red Bulls
- Position: Striker
- Preferred foot: Right
Tom Barlow played as the lone striker for the Red Bulls in their 4-2-3-1 system and found it difficult to get a foothold in the game for long periods. The 6’2 striker showed good energy and willingness to do the hard work for his team and managed to get his name on the scoresheet with a tap-in from 6 yards. However, that really sums up all his contribution to the match, for the most part he was too slow on the ball and occasionally failed to hold up the play. Furthermore, he missed two great opportunities to score which could have proved vital in the context of the game. He showed glimpses of ability but overall failed to impress in a frustrating game for him and his side.
Rating: C
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 30/09/1995
- Current Club: New York Red Bulls
- Career: New York Cosmos (Y), New York Red Bulls
- Position: Right Wing
- Secondary position: Left Wing and Striker
- Preferred foot: Right
Muyl had an incredibly quiet game on the right wing against Toronto, failing to make any real impact before being substituted on the 55th minute. He played some nice passes, one in particular which set up Barlow for a good chance and he battled well in the tackle despite his fairly average build. Asides from that, Muyl’s final ball was very inconsistent and he rarely troubled the opposition full back. A difficult game for the American who left much room for improvement.
Rating: D
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