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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 →
With soccer statistical analysis growing daily, a longer headline might be: What do the tea leaves show about team performance measurements in Major League Soccer? Does the goal prevented show greater value, relative to points earned, than the goal scored? Even that's a bit wordy though... maybe it's... Soccer Statistics: What does "right" look like now? If you read The Numbers Game:... Continue Reading →
Over the last three years there probably isn't a team (and Head Coach) that's been more focused on possession-based soccer than Columbus Crew. When Columbus out-possesses their opponents they are about 75% more likely to earn points... usually three... when playing at home. So in seeing early success for the Timbers, and a rematch (if you will) of... Continue Reading →
Last years' end state was horrible; the Portland Timbers, returning MLS Champions, missed the playoffs. Not good; especially when 60% of the teams in your Conference make the playoffs. Clearly changes needed to be made. Notable midfield additions include David Guzman, Sebastian Blanco, and the return of Dairon Asprilla. On the defensive side, where the Timbers had... Continue Reading →
For most, the hot topic/question for the Timbers is... What to do about Luca? For me, it's certainly a short-term concern, but I'd submit there's a longer term question that still needs to be answered that far outweighs what to do about Luca. To explain, if you will. The Timbers have seen the trees... Continue Reading →
My after season team performance analysis continues. This week I'm taking a look at Clearances. A much used individual statistic that many rely on to rate the value of central defenders. But does it add real value? Are defenders with more clearances better than those with fewer clearances? My research looks at clearances from two... Continue Reading →
CAN IT BE DONE? Over the last four years I’ve conducted research on various professional soccer leagues and competitions. To include Major League Soccer, the English, German, and Spanish Pre… Source: Gluck - Predicting Team Standings in Professional Soccer
CAN IT BE DONE? Over the last four years I've conducted research on various professional soccer leagues and competitions. To include Major League Soccer, the English, German, and Spanish Premier Leagues, as well as the UEFA Champions League and the Men's World Cup of 2014. Here's my latest analyses on how the Possession with Purpose... Continue Reading →
