Here are your Etihad Player of the Month nominees for August.
Luighi
The new arrival from Palmeiras in Brazil has adjusted well to his new surroundings.
He scored his first MLS goal against the Philadelphia Union from the penalty spot, showing tremendous composure to help his team earn a point.
He then built on that performance with a well-taken strike against FC Cincinnati. Showcasing good movement and a calm finish, it was a great example of why the Club were so excited to add the forward to the roster.
A helpful focal point in attack, Luighi’s ability to bring his teammates into the game has been valuable during his early involvement with the side. A tireless runner off the ball, he will be hopeful of building on his bright start with the Club during the remaining games of 2026.
James Sands
The native of Rye, New York, returned home after a spell on loan in the Bundesliga and has taken to his old surroundings effortlessly.
Adding quality to the team’s backline, Sands’ ability to calmly pass out from the back has been a major asset in New York City FC’s buildup play.
August saw him find the net against the New England Revolution. Assisted by Talles Magno, Sands reacted quickest to his teammate’s knockdown to poke the ball home and earn New York City FC a vital point on the road.
A familiar face to New York City FC fans, his return has served as a timely boost to the team at a key moment in the season.
Matt Freese
A key component of Pascal Jansen’s New York City FC team, Freese showed once again why he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in MLS.
The talented shot-stopper is a vocal presence at the back for New York City FC, helping the defense stay organized.
Among the many impressive saves he made during August was a double stop against the New England Revolution that denied Carles Gil from the penalty spot.
After doing incredibly well to deny Gil the first time, Freese quickly got back to his feet and tipped the Spaniard’s follow-up shot over the crossbar. It proved to be a game-changing save that helped his side claim a valuable point on the road.
