Former NYCFC defenders have been struggling with injury | OneFootball

Many defenders who have played with New York City FC have found success in Major League Soccer. For the most part, the Pigeons have been fortunate to have talented players in the backline.

Alexander Callens and Maxime Chanot's partnership was a major part of the MLS Cup run in 2021. Then, Anton Tinnerholm was the most talented fullback in team history, with Homegrown Tayvon Gray growing into a fantastic starter over the last couple of seasons. Angeliño was loved during his half of a season with the Pigeons in 2015 while Ben Sweat played some of his best football at Yankee Stadium.

Notably, defensive struggles in 2023 aided in the disappointing and terrible season where the team missed the playoffs for the first time since the inaugural season. It did not help when Maxime Chanot left the team either. Still, the defenders improved this past season, especially Thiago Martins. Fans would love the Brazilian center-back more if he was not a Designated Player.

Former NYCFC defenders and their injury struggles

Nonetheless, defenders have had success with NYCFC. However, some of the former players have found themselves struggling with injury.

Former left-back Rónald Matarrita, who plays for Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in Costa Rica, has suffered a strain, had appendicitis, and went through fitness issues. Subsequently, he missed the majority of the first half of this season. Plus, he did not play often with his last club, Aris Thessaloniki F.C. in Greece.

Truthfully, Matarrita had not had luck with playing time since he left FC Cincinnati and MLS in 2022. The injury issues this year have not helped him in his return to his home country. Of course, he had the tendon injury in 2022 in Cincinnati, and one can only wonder if that began the derailment of his playing time and ability to play at a high level. Hopefully, the defender can figure things out and stay healthy for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Callens, who finally found his European success last season with Greek club A.E.K. Football Club, has also missed time recently. He has been out since the end of November due to an unknown injury. He was then out due to fitness issues, possibly due to the unknown injury. Ideally, he will get back to full health so he can continue to shine with his current club.

Nobody has struggled more with injury than Tinnerholm. The right-back returned to Malmö FF in 2023 after leaving NYCFC. Sadly, he has barely played over the last two years, first suffering from an inguinal hernia in 2023 that required surgery. In 2024, he had a muscle injury, leading him to make just ten appearances with Malmö during those two years.