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Is this a likely pre-cursor to the MLS Championship Game? I'm not sure, but given the wild west, and more predictable east, it isn't beyond reason to think so. In preparing my information for your consideration here's a link to my Total Soccer Index: The Science (Attacking): Toronto at home compared with Portland on the road. The... Continue Reading →
This time it's about the weather; record temperatures in Portland this week are forcing the Timbers vs Galaxy match to kick-off at 11 AM 'left coast of America time' and it should be a doozy... Here's my take using my new publication format, for your consideration. Pre-Match Report Portland Timbers vs LA Galaxy Best, Chris... Continue Reading →
Much has transpired in the world of soccer statistics over the past four years since I first published: Possession with Purpose - An Introduction and some Explanations. Three years ago I published my Possession with Purpose - Revised Introduction. In 2014 the concept was presented at the World Conference on Science and Soccer 2014. Last year the concept... Continue Reading →
If you're part of the Portland Timbers supporter-base or football organization this (should?) be a picture out your rearview mirror - not a vision on what's ahead. As noted by Porter in his latest post-game presser - there's been some bullets flying... part of them their own making... Getting Hot in Portland For me, even in... Continue Reading →
Normally a headline like this could be attributed to the beginning of summer and the secret heat wave we experience in Portland, or... it could be attributed to Portland Timbers heating up for a mid-to-late season run like they did in 2015. But no, today it's about Caleb Porter and whether or not he's in the hot... Continue Reading →
Many times in a head coaching career you're confronted with situations beyond your control - as in players will be injured or missing and those issues have nothing to do with you or your coaching staff. As such, you make do with the best you have and hope that 'consistency of previous purpose' takes over.... Continue Reading →
Mathematically, yes... psychologically... probably not. The Portland Timbers have two wins, three draws, and five losses in their last ten games with a season goals against average of 1.66; that's higher than last years' record setting 1.55. Last year (after just four games) the Timbers showed some early season trends "Is it too Early to Worry?" that are surfacing again this... Continue Reading →
I've struggled with the title of this article as much as I've wrestled with the best approach on my topic for your consideration this week. In all my indecision, I keep coming back to the one team issue I've had since last year... Goals Against. Last year the Timbers set a record - a horrible... 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 →
