New York City FC vs. Seattle Sounders: Facts & Figures

When a player transitions from one playing level to a higher one, he's asked to do more.

If he's a defensive-minded player, what can he do to help his team when in possession? If he's an attacker, how does he help out in defense?

Midfielder Kwadwo Poku is being asked the latter by New York City FC head coach Jason Kreis. The 23-year-old Ghanaian, who was signed from the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL in January, has come on as a substitute in three matches this season. Poku's longest and most productive appearance was a 45-minute shift in the 1-1 draw with Philadelphia on April 16.

"I think Poku is a fantastically talented player when he has the ball at his feet, but I think he has a lot to learn and a lot to develop when he doesn’t have the ball at his feet," Kreis said. "When we’re in possession, what kinds of runs is he making to free himself and to get himself into good spots? When we don’t have the ball, is he really focused and committed to defend? We’ve challenged him with that and we’ve spoken to him about it and I think he’s headed in the right direction. He’s certainly shown it in the last couple of days of training."

Martins' Goals = Sounders Wins

In 2014, Obafemi Martins set a Sounders single-season record with 17 goals. The Nigerian also had 13 assists during his 31 appearances last season.

Seattle was an undefeated 12-0-0 in games Martins found the back of the net. In those 12 matches, Seattle outscored opponents 37-14, scoring four goals on six occasions, while registering three shutouts.

This season, the Sounders are 3-1 when Martins scores, losing 3-2 to San Jose on March 14.

Swiss Stopper

Not only does Seattle boast two of the league's deadliest finishers in Martins and Clint Dempsey, the Sounders also currently have the league's top goalkeeper.

Coming into tonight's match, Stefan Frei leads Major League Soccer with a 0.71 goals against average, surrendering five goals in seven matches (and just two in the last five). The Swiss stopper is also tied for the league lead with four shutouts. Frei's eight saves against the Colorado Rapids on April 18 were his most since a career-high nine on July 30, 2011 as a member of Toronto FC against Portland.

The stout Seattle defense will be boosted by the return of Chad Marshall, who was suspended against the Timbers for his late challenge on Colorado's Vicente Sanchez on April 18.

The Dempsey Difference

Dempsey and Martins are tied for third in MLS with four goals apiece this season.

The former Fulham and Tottenham man has registered a goal or assist in every match this season for Seattle. Dempsey is also the most-efficient goal scorer in the league, averaging .84 goals per 90 minutes played (minimum of 90 minutes).