With all of the big-name additions to New York City FC’s roster, one name that may have been overlooked at the beginning of the season was midfielder/forward Kwadwo Poku. The player was a quiet offseason signing, and one that would likely remain on the fringe of a lineup stacked with international stars the likes of David Villa, Frank Lampard, Mix Diskerud, and now Andrea Pirlo. But the opposite has been true.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the 22-year-old from Ghana, who moved to the United States in 2010 to play in the fourth tier of American soccer with National Premier Soccer League, has proven to be one of the most critical players for NYCFC. Poku leads the club in assists with seven helpers and has tacked on two goals in 17 appearances, while accruing an undefeated 4-0-0 mark in his four starts.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the 22-year-old from Ghana, who moved to the United States in 2010 to play in the fourth tier of American soccer with National Premier Soccer League, has proven to be one of the most critical players for NYCFC. Poku leads the club in assists with seven helpers and has tacked on two goals in 17 appearances, while accruing an undefeated 4-0-0 mark in his four starts.
Poku first caught the interest of multiple MLS clubs after making the move from the NPSL to the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2014. In a fourth round 2014 U.S. Open Cup match against MLS’ Real Salt Lake, Poku would bag Atlanta’s game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory. The Ghanaian then went on to help Silverbacks to the quarterfinal round, where they would ultimately lose to the Chicago Fire. Poku’s exploits caught the attention of NYCFC coach Jason Kreis who signed him for the New York club’s inaugural MLS season.
Starting his first MLS season as a spark off the bench, Poku quickly worked his way into the hearts of NYCFC supporters with his unbridled hustle and offensive prowess. In NYCFC’s 3-1 victory over the Montreal Impact on June 13th, Poku came on as a substitute and notched an assist and his first MLS goal to secure the victory (watch goal HERE).
On July 26th, Poku would have a day to remember as he notched three assists in NYCFC’s wild 5-3 victory over fellow expansion club Orlando City SC, coinciding with Andrea Pirlo’s MLS debut. In the Bronx-based club’s match against Eastern Conference leading D.C. United on August 13th, Poku would notch an assist and his second goal of the season in their statement 3-1 win.
D.C. United head coach Ben Olson had high praise for Poku’s performance after the match declaring, “Poku and Villa made us look like boys. They manhandled us in the second half.”
Despite teammates Frank Lampard, David Villa and Pirlo soaking up most of the spotlight, Poku has been able to make himself indispensable for NYCFC, and has shown that it’s not only the largest stars that shine the brightest.
Starting his first MLS season as a spark off the bench, Poku quickly worked his way into the hearts of NYCFC supporters with his unbridled hustle and offensive prowess. In NYCFC’s 3-1 victory over the Montreal Impact on June 13th, Poku came on as a substitute and notched an assist and his first MLS goal to secure the victory (watch goal HERE).
On July 26th, Poku would have a day to remember as he notched three assists in NYCFC’s wild 5-3 victory over fellow expansion club Orlando City SC, coinciding with Andrea Pirlo’s MLS debut. In the Bronx-based club’s match against Eastern Conference leading D.C. United on August 13th, Poku would notch an assist and his second goal of the season in their statement 3-1 win.
D.C. United head coach Ben Olson had high praise for Poku’s performance after the match declaring, “Poku and Villa made us look like boys. They manhandled us in the second half.”
Despite teammates Frank Lampard, David Villa and Pirlo soaking up most of the spotlight, Poku has been able to make himself indispensable for NYCFC, and has shown that it’s not only the largest stars that shine the brightest.
By: Editor
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