New York City FC Academy midfielder Tayvon Gray capped off 2018 with three solid performances for the Under-17 U.S. Men’s National Team at this year’s Nike International Friendlies. A stalwart in Shaun Tsakiris’ midfield three, Gray did not miss a single minute of action as the Baby Yanks went undefeated against competitive opposition in Portugal, Turkey, and Brazil.
Gray’s aggressive defending in midfield was a key factor to the United States’ high pressing style of play. The consistent pressure provided by Tsakiris’ midfield engine disrupted the opposition’s fluidity in midfield. The ensuing turnovers sparked quick fire counter attacks from the U.