Here are your nominees for the Etihad Player of the Month for September 2022.
Alex Callens
The ironman of MLS has been in stellar form this month for New York City Football Club.
Operating as part of a back three, Callens has also become a major attacking threat for NYCFC. The defender is having his best season for the Club in terms of goals, and posted up two vital ones in September. The first, just minutes in against Atlas in Campeones Cup, set NYCFC on the path to a 2-0 victory. He managed to find the net even quicker a few days later when scoring inside the opening minute against Red Bulls.
Making plays at both ends of the field, Callens will be aiming to collect his fourth Player of the Month award in September after being given the award in March, April, and June.
Kevin O'Toole
The word 'patience' has defined Kevin O'Toole's first season with NYCFC so far. The Montclair, New Jersey, native was selected in the SuperDraft at the start of the season, but has had to wait for regular opportunities with the first team.
Those came in abundance this month after he earned a start in the Campeones Cup against Atlas as a left wingback. Excelling in this role, he earned a second start days later against Red Bulls. Once again excelling, his blend of technical quality and intelligence made him an asset both defensively and offensively. Helping NYCFC claim back-to-back 2-0 wins, he will now be hopeful of finishing the season strong.
Santiago Rodríguez
Rounding out the nominations for September is Santiago Rodríguez.
His hard work matches a talented and industrious forward, Rodríguez's quality on the ball off it as he seeks to deliver a well-rounded performance for NYCFC.
The Uruguayan youth international leads the Club for assists this season with 13 in MLS, and arguably his finest performance in September came in the Hudson River Derby. Assisting Alex Callens' first-minute opener, Rodríguez then delivered the final touch himself to double NYCFC's advantage and secure a memorable 2-0 victory.
