The nominations for April 2023's Etihad Player of the Month have been revealed.
Three New York City stars impressed as the season kicked into gear, contributing at both ends of the pitch as Nick Cushing's side built a four-game unbeaten stretch.
Who gets your vote...?
Luis Barraza
The shot-stopper has earned plenty of deserved acclaim, producing a string of impressive displays between the sticks.
Across City’s five games in April, he made 21 saves, including seven against FC Dallas to help the Boys in Blue to a 3-1 win.
Head Coach Nick Cushing praised Barraza’s ability to step into the number one role, and the 26-year-old played a key part in the Club’s improved run of form.
Mitja Ilenič
The 18-year-old has slotted seamlessly into life at NYCFC since joining the Club in the off-season from NK Domžale.
The right-back has featured in all bar two games with eight appearances to his name, and has demonstrated his offensive prowess as well as his defensive solidity.
In April, he crafted back-to-back assists against Atlanta United and Nashville SC with pinpoint deliveries for Gabriel Pereira and Keaton Parks, and with performances beyond his years, has cemented his place at right-back.
Gabriel Pereira
Two assists and a goal in April continued the Brazilian’s fine start to the campaign.
The midfielder has tallied five goal involvements in nine games in 2023, and kicked-off the month with a notable cameo from the bench, crossing for Talles Magno to net a late leveler at New England Revolution.
Following up with a stunning effort against Atlanta United a week later – a sensational curling strike from range to equalize – he then teed up Santiago Rodríguez in the win over Dallas, once again highlighting his creative spark.
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