Here are your nominees for the Etihad Player of the Month for April 2024.
Julián Fernández
The talented winger joined New York City FC from Velez Sarsfield last year and showed in April how he can be a game-changing player for City.
Fernández’s bag of tricks is supplemented by speed and dynamism that makes him a nightmare for defenders. April saw Fernández score a pair of late goals to help New York City secure six vital points in the league.
The first, against New England Revolution, was a driving run finished by a brilliant curling effort. His second goal of the month, this time against D.C. United, owed to smart movement as he stole a yard in the box to convert Santiago Rodríguez’s cross.
Rounding out the month in style, Fernández turned provider as he assisted Keaton Parks with a brilliant cross.
Matt Freese
Freese continues to excel between the posts for New York City FC and that has seen him again nominated for the Player of the Month award.
His vocal leadership from the back has helped to improve City’s backline and he was central to them conceding just twice in April. That string of results saw City go unbeaten as they recorded back-to-back clean sheets against New England Revolution and D.C. United.
On an individual level, Freese was able to produce a number of brilliant saves that were key to the team’s overall success. A key component in the team, Freese is establishing a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in MLS with his performances.
Santiago Rodríguez
Fresh off wining the Player of the Month for March, Rodríguez is back on the ballot in April.
The Uruguayan forward has enjoyed an impressive month with New York City FC in which once again he was central to the team’s success in MLS. Rodríguez started the month with a goal against Atlanta United in a 1-1 draw at Citi Field.
He built on that with goal and an assist against D.C. United as City ran out 2-0 winners before finishing April with a stoppage time assist for Alonso Martínez as City beat Charlotte FC 2-1.
April saw Rodríguez reinforce his reputation among attackers in MLS as he moves closer to surpassing his goal and assist tally from 2024.
