If there’s been anything consistent all season for New York City FC, it’s been the play of Ismael Tajouri-Shradi.
The Libyan’s moments of brilliance Saturday night overshadowed the Patrick Vieira-to-Europe coaching rumors — and his hapless 3-5-2 formation — as NYCFC squeaked past Orlando City 3-0 at Yankee Stadium.
Considered a depth option when NYCFC (27 points) inked him in the offseason, Tajouri-Shradi has been a massive piece to NYCFC’s success, stepping up as the team’s second-leading scorer by tearing through defenses with pace and power.
With David Villa not starting, the 24-year-old once again showed his prowess by picking up the scoring slack on a night when NYCFC didn’t seem all that threatening, at least for the first 75 minutes.