The Poku Effect continues to have an impact as New York City FC continue their playoff push with a nationally televised match against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Kwadwo Poku has three goals and one assist in the last two matches -- a 3-1 win over D.C. United on August 13 and a 2-2 draw at Columbus Crew SC on August 19.
New York City FC is an undefeated 4-0-1 in matches Poku starts. The Club averages 2.3 goals during that stretch and 0.9 per 90 minutes when he isn't in the Starting XI.
"He’s a strong dude, that’s for sure," midfielder Mix Diskerud said. "He’s scoring lots of goals now and that’s what we need from him and everybody."
For the Galaxy, Sebastian Lletget is having a similar impact. The defending MLS Cup Champions average 2.5 goals per 90 minutes with Lletget on the field and 1.1 when he's absent.
StubHub Center Dominance
Every team wants to make their home field like an impenetrable fortress where three points are a guarantee.
The Galaxy have done that at the StubHub Center.
Los Angeles are 10-1-2 at home this season and have scored a league-leading 31 goals at home in 2015. In fact, the dominance in Carson is nothing new. The Galaxy have suffered just one defeat at home in their last 29 regular-season MLS matches.
They have won five straight league home matches (averaging 4.4 goals per match) -- three shy of a franchise home record.
Date |
Opponent |
Result |
|---|---|---|
Aug. 9 |
Seattle Sounders |
3-1 W |
July 17 |
San Jose Earthquakes |
5-2 W |
July 4 |
Toronto FC |
4-0 W |
June 24 |
Portland Timbers |
5-0 W |
June 20 |
Philadelphia Union |
5-1 W |
Key Numbers
- New York City FC have never given up more than two goals in an away match this season.
- Alan Gordon is tied for a league-leading 16 substitute appearances this season.
- Robbie Keane has scored an MLS-leading 10 goals since July 1.
- David Villa has taken 41.9% of New York City FC's shots this season (49 of 117).
- The Galaxy have won five MLS Cups in franchise history -- the most in league history.
