Here are your Etihad Player of the Month nominees for September.
Nico Fernández
The summer arrival has wasted little time making his mark in New York.
The 25-year-old opened his New York City FC account in September, scoring in a crucial 3-1 victory over Chicago Fire. He built on that momentum with influential performances in wins against Columbus and Charlotte, before delivering his standout display in the Hudson River Derby.
Striking just two minutes into the clash, Fernández set the tone with a clinical finish and then dictated play in a false nine role. His ability to hold the ball under pressure, combined with tireless movement, proved a constant headache for the Red Bulls’ defense. That energy and creativity helped NYCFC lift the Hudson River Derby trophy for a second successive year.
Already a central figure in Pascal Jansen’s attacking plans, Fernández’s impact makes him a worthy nominee for September.
Andrés Perea
Versatile and dynamic, the midfielder enjoyed an outstanding September in City blue.
After missing the month’s opener against Chicago Fire, Perea hit the ground running. He played every minute of the win over Columbus Crew, before providing a clever assist for Alonso Martínez against Charlotte FC.
He saved his biggest contributions for the Hudson River Derby, where his aerial prowess came to the fore. A thumping header restored NYCFC’s lead in the first half, before another towering effort created the chance that Thiago Martins eventually converted.
Blending physicality, tactical intelligence, and a relentless box-to-box presence, Perea has become indispensable in the City midfield—earning his place as a standout nominee for September.
Tayvon Gray
The Bronx native continues to embody reliability and resilience at the back.
Trusted to go toe-to-toe defensively in 1v1 duels, Gray has also forged a strong connection with his winger, helping NYCFC threaten down the right flank. That balance was on full display in the dramatic 3-2 home win over Columbus Crew, where his neat pass to Agustín Ojeda sparked the move for Julián Fernández’s stoppage-time winner.
Gray’s consistency was just as evident in the 3-1 win at Chicago and the clean-sheet victory over Charlotte. He rounded out the month with another assured display in the Hudson River Derby, underlining his status as a dependable fullback for an ambitious squad.
A steadying force and a local favorite, Gray is a thoroughly deserving nominee for September.
