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What a game. More specifically, what a game from Kemar Lawrence! The RBNY left back basically pulled triple duty on Saturday's 2-1 win over New England Revolution, picking up the slack for Sal Zizzo and Damien Perrinelle on defense (and there was a ton of slack to pick up at times) and showing off his skills in the attack with terrific crosses and major contributions on both of the New York Red Bulls' goals in the second half.
The Jamaican Sensation has been lights out on defense, to the point where teams like the Revs barely even try to make plays happen on the left side since Lawrence is so adept at shutting them down.
He's the MVP of the team so far this season, and thanks to Lawrence, the Red Bulls are back in the "W" column.
Here are the RBNY player ratings vs New England:
Luis Robles - 8
He guessed the right direction on the penalty kick from Nguyen, but this time he couldn't keep it out of the net. But he kept the net clean from open play and made several huge saves.
Kemar Lawrence - 10 (Man of the Match)
How does one give a defender a perfect score in a game the team trailed for over 30 minutes? Let me count the ways:
1. Had the best shot of the first half that required a mega save by Cropper to keep out of the net.
Kemar Lawrence with a rocket. Cropper comes up big with the stop. #NYvNE pic.twitter.com/oHo9hlkuK2
— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) May 28, 2017
2. Neutralized every single attempt by NE to set up on the left side.
3. Recorded the game-winning assist.
Lovely ball from Kemar Lawrence and Royer sweeps it home to give RBNY a 2-1 lead! pic.twitter.com/ppJpnP9WAg
— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) May 28, 2017
4. Played all over the field.
Aaron Long - 7
Damien Perrinelle - 4
If I'm not mistaken, that's two weeks in a row he has caused a penalty kick.
Sal Zizzo - 4
Felipe - 6
Sean Davis - 6
A major improvement from his last two outings, but has yet to truly prove that he deserves the job over AmeriKante.
Daniel Royer - 8
Sacha Kljestan - 5
The captain displayed solid skill with the ball, but his decision-making and hesitancy in the opposing half could have cost the team dearly.
Mike Grella - 7
Bradley Wright-Phillips - 8
Welcome to the 100 goal club, Bradley!
Subs:
Gonzalo Veron - 2
Did Veron anger the mafia or something? Why did he suddenly have cement shoes whenever he had the ball?
Alex Muyl - 6
This super-sub role might be the best role for Muyl while Royer and Grella are healthy. He looked solid in the last 15 minutes.
Connor Lade - n/a
Not enough time to make a noticeable contribution.