It was by no means an easy night for NYCFC, but there were some bright performances in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. One such performance came from Frederic Brillant, who took the defensive reins for City after his center back partner Alexander Callens was ejected in the 52nd minute.
In addition to providing the strong vocal leadership that helped organize a backline whose personnel had suddenly changed, Brillant pitched in with six successful tackles and four interceptions while completing 95% of his passing.
Brillant had plenty to do, and he did all of it well.