Professional Soccer Team Analytics
Caleb Porter left Portland Timbers at the end of 2017. There were many rumors as to why that happened; I put (some) of my thoughts in writing here: Porter Pulls out of Portland I didn't include everything and still won't; what happens behind closed-doors should stay behind closed doors. But here's what I offered almost... Continue Reading →
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 →
This game is a clash of tactics and both teams have shown an ability to advance playing possession-based, counter-attacking or direct-attacking soccer. For me, this is all about which team can control the game (and win) playing "with" or "without" the ball. Here's how they've done so far. I categorize games where less than 45%... Continue Reading →
Coming into the Quarterfinals the Total Soccer Index had been 100% accurate in predicting the Knockout stage winners: When removing Cavani player performance, for Uruguay, prior to the Quarterfinals, the Total Soccer Index had been 100% accurate in predicting the quarterfinal winners: That ends up seeing the TSI being 12 for 12 in predicting... Continue Reading →
There is no doubt most pundits offer this as being the greatest World Cup ever, espousing upsets throughout the competition. I think the majority of those upsets are more about FIFA have a dodgy ceding process than how teams are really performing on the pitch. In tracking the odds on favorite to take the World... Continue Reading →
Major League Soccer nears the All Star break and most teams have reached the mid-point in games played. From top to bottom here's the latest on MLS team performance in possession, passing accuracy, penetration, creation, precision, and finishing. Being the best in just one of those categories does not mean you are the best in... Continue Reading →
Dear Earnie (Sir), you've got five tasks: Lead the hiring process and serve as counsel for head coach Establish a style of play and nurturing team culture Identify short- and long-term player pool Build relationships with players, clubs and leagues Facilitate internal player development Lead the hiring process and serve as counsel for head coach: You shouldn't... Continue Reading →
With betting on sports games legal in the United States I will no longer publish details behind how my Total Soccer Index was created. I will, however, from time to time keep you updated on the correlation of my Indices relative to points earned in the league table. Here's the latest for your consideration: ... Continue Reading →
Ironic? An epithet created by the Timbers Army, which had sincere meaning in the playoffs last year, might have even more meaning this year. The Path Long, The Way Unknown, You are the mapmakers. Caleb Porter is out and Gio Savarese is in. In case you missed it - my thoughts on why Caleb... Continue Reading →
In my most recent article, Coaching Youth Soccer Part I, I spoke about decision making. If you struggle making decisions you'll struggle knowing how to play soccer. For what it is worth here's how I teach decision making as part of coaching players how to play soccer. My main training tool is Rondo. My training plans... Continue Reading →
