New York City FC is coming off of one of their best defensive performances in recent weeks following a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.
The Club limited Toronto FC and their playmakers including Sebastian Giovinco (17 goals; 13 assists) and Jozy Altidore (10 goals) in order to earn their fourth shutout of the season and first since June 20.
"I thought they did a really good job," goalkeeper Josh Saunders said of the defense. "When they were making plays with slide tackles and blocking shots they were high-fiving each other and giving each other pats on the back. There was lots of communication."
New York City FC strive to replicate their defensive performance on Saturday evening against San Jose. Kickoff is 7 p.m. from Yankee Stadium (YES Network, WFAN, WADO).
Home, Sweet Home
Every team in professional sports strives to make their home field/court a daunting environment for any opponent. Wins at home become guarantees.
New York City FC want to accomplish the same feat by turning Yankee Stadium into hostile territory for visitors. They're getting on the right track. The Club has won two of their last three matches in the Bronx and three of their last five at home, alternating wins and losses during that span.
Date |
Opponent |
Result |
|---|---|---|
Sept. 16 |
Toronto FC |
2-0 W |
Aug. 29 |
Columbus Crew SC |
2-1 L |
Aug. 13 |
D.C. United |
3-1 W |
Aug. 1 |
Montreal Impact |
3-2 L |
July 26 |
Orlando City SC |
5-3 W |
Godoy Acquisition Paying Dividends
San Jose acquired midfielder Anibal Godoy on August 6. The 25-year-old Panamanian has shored up the middle of the park for the Earthquakes, who hover around the playoff line in the Western Conference.
The club is an unbeaten 4-0-2 in Godoy's six appearances this season with an increase in goals per match and a decrease in average goals against.
With Godoy |
Stat |
Without Godoy |
|---|---|---|
6 |
Matches |
23 |
4 |
Wins |
7 |
2 |
Draws |
5 |
0 |
Losses |
11 |
1.8 |
Avg. Goals For |
1 |
0.3 |
Avg. Goals Against |
1.3 |
2.3 |
Points Per Game |
1.1 |
Key Numbers
- San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski has 107 career goals and is one shy of tying New York City FC head coach Jason Kreis for fifth on the MLS all-time list.
- The Earthquakes are winless in their last three league matches (0-1-2).
- David Villa is second in MLS with four braces this season.
- Josh Saunders has faced a league-high 158 shots. He leads MLS with 104 saves.
- San Jose has won its last two road matches by a combined score of 7-0.
- The Earthquakes have the second fewest shots on goal this season in MLS (101). They had a league-low 126 shots on goal in 2014.
