Professional Soccer Team Analytics
Serving as a head coach in Major League Soccer is not easy - the rotating door of coaches leaving seems non-stop. So the departure of Caleb Porter doesn't surprise me. I sense there may have been multiple reasons but I'll set the stage for one - main reason - a reason you won't see published... Continue Reading →
I'm sure there's many ways to determine what Head Coach might best lead the US Men's National Team out of darkness... I've narrowed my scope of who might fit best by limiting the selection pool to those who currently lead a team in Major League Soccer. This obviously includes a broad band of candidates -... Continue Reading →
I'm sure many feel the Timbers were unlucky this weekend - perhaps rightly so. For now, at least, I'm not convinced. In the post-game press conference Caleb Porter offered these thoughts about missing Darlington Nagbe; they struck a chord with me, perhaps they will with you too? Porter: "And I think today missing Darlington you could see... Continue Reading →
Over the course of a season, in Major League Soccer, it is likely every team will have players and head coaches/managers who make mistakes that cost a team three points or two points. In a league with a salary cap it's almost expected. The critical piece is not making the same mistake twice. In the Portland... Continue Reading →
Portland Timbers visit FC Dallas Perhaps the two most prolific head coaches in Major League Soccer Soccer meet again this weekend for what many are hoping will be a precursor to the Western Conference playoff finals this year. Some will say the gloss and glamour of this match will be lost with Mauro Diaz and Diego... Continue Reading →
Five -nil and eight goals in two games - the Dynamo are Coyled to strike from anywhere with anyone, to include using the opponent to score for them! All told, Houston have two goals from Andrew Wenger, and one each from Will Bruin, Ricardo Clark, David Horst, Cristian Maidana, Giles Barnes, and Matt Hedges (FC... Continue Reading →
Two years ago I wrote this article, it had widespread readership across the college soccer coaching establishment and it appears to have had considerable influence with US Soccer too. I'll leave everything as is and let you read it anew... Original article offered in January 2016. If you're anywhere near being an enthusiast of Major... Continue Reading →
Much could be subjectively offered here on the strengths and weaknesses of Jason Kreis and the decision by New York City FC to sack him; but not knowing the details behind the decision means it's not worthy to comment. Instead - some analysis using the foundation of Possession with Purpose - on the why and... Continue Reading →
While the result, and how that result was achieved, will certainly not be lost on the soccer world I do feel and think there is a cause for concern to consider as the Timbers prepare for Vancouver, and beyond, this Sunday. The decision to replace Lucas Melano with George Fochive in the 85th minute. As a caveat,... Continue Reading →
It's the final game of the regular season in MLS and those of us in Portland are hopeful the season continues. In preparation for tomorrow a couple of questions come to mind given their latest form as well as their overall performance this year. First off - and perhaps foremost on everyone's mind is the... Continue Reading →
