Professional Soccer Team Analytics
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'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 →
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 →
