Well... There's a World Cup like Major League Soccer tournament starting in July and I'll be with you all the way as I bring to bear my Possession with Purpose Total Soccer Index. As a reminder here's what my Index is all about: PWP TSI Within you'll find: Definition of TSI Purpose of TSI Premise... Continue Reading →
@Timbersfc 1 @NashvilleSC Nil #RCTID
If you were expecting to see significant tactical changes against Nashville (weak expansion side) compared to the pathetic controlled possession we saw against Minnesota I pity you. Yes, Portland got three points, at home. But should we be satisfied with that result? Many will argue yes, as in four or five weeks time we'll forget... Continue Reading →
Moneyball 3 Soccer Statistics – Major League Soccer (2014 to 2016 in Review)
Each year for the last two years I've offered some thoughts on current soccer statistics, their strengths and weaknesses, how current efforts are taking shape, and how English Premier League team statistics (in a limited measurement period) offer that one size / type of statistic doesn't show equally. Here's a link to those previous articles in case you missed... Continue Reading →
Wayne Rooney and @DCUnited
DC united introduced the addition of Wayne Rooney a few weeks back and I wanted to check and see if he's made a difference in team performance as measured by the Total Soccer Index. My analysis and thoughts on Rooney's impact for your consideration: DC UNITED After reviewing the data and ending analysis it's... Continue Reading →
Gluck: Coaching Youth #Soccer Part I
Soccer is a global sport - and some say it's the largest, organized, youth sport in the United States. Why, in a country with such a huge population of youth soccer players, do we see ourselves failing to qualify for the World Cup? I don't think it's because we aren't teaching players the mechanics of technical... Continue Reading →
US Soccer Humiliated by the Minnow Guatemala
There has to be a change in the Head Coach for US Soccer; and up front not just Jurgen Klinsmann but Sunil Gulati!. In my 20 odd years of watching soccer, four year of analyzing professional soccer and seven years of coaching youth soccer I don't think I've ever seen a team so uncoordinated in... Continue Reading →
Ride on! Timbers play for the MLS Championship Cup
In all walks of life there are few things that transcend the passion that both players and their supporters feel about football! If you happen to be a Portland Timbers supporter you know what I mean... if not suggest you start. So how bout those Timbers? In this game, and for the better part of the... Continue Reading →
Major League Soccer – Can it truly reach the heights of top European Leagues by 2025?
What prompted this piece was the recent article published on Soccer By Ives about Don Garber's vision for MLS by 2025 : http://www.sbisoccer.com/2015/09/insists-worlds-leagues.html It's a good article and worth the read. Editorial - In a follow up to this article (below) Stephen Brandt and I, on Yellowcardedpod, interview Brian Dunseth and Thomas Rongen on some... Continue Reading →
Catching up with Europe…
It's been a bit since I last offered anything on Europe - sorry - just a whole lot going on to include putting together an Academic Paper, or five, on Possession with Purpose. Since it's been awhile here's the primary Composite Index for all four areas covered - I'll try to offer some more insight... Continue Reading →
An hour with Jamie Clark – Head Coach – University of Washington
I haven't done this in the past but I felt and thought that the gem of discussion we had with Jamie Clark was worthy to generate a short article about College Soccer. If you wish to take a listen to our discussion please click here. First off - a challenge to the NCAA. Align College... Continue Reading →