Breaking news. I've done some more analysis - looking at all my data, across four years of research. After creating new equations for attacking and defending team performance statistics I've made an update to my Total Soccer Index. To see what the Total Soccer Index was about prior to this late-breaking news read here. Good... Continue Reading →
Gluck: Tea Leaves on Timbers Traveling to Toronto
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 →
Gluck: Getting Hot in Portland? Yes… Only…
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 →
Gluck: Updated Possession with Purpose and the New Total Soccer Index
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 →
New Hat? Old Tricks? Portland Timbers Preview 2017
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 →
Defense First? Timbers to Ride the Rapids?
Portland Timbers travel to Colorado for the first time this year and the challenge for both teams is finding the right balance between attacking and defending. In their last league home game the Timbers struggled in the first half - not unlike their US Open Cup match as well. If not for an untimely hand-ball by David... Continue Reading →
New York City – For Kreis Sake?
Much could be subjectively offered here on the strengths and weaknesses of Jason Kreis and the decision by New York City FC to sack him; but not knowing the details behind the decision means it's not worthy to comment. Instead - some analysis using the foundation of Possession with Purpose - on the why and... Continue Reading →
Barcley’s Premier League – How Goes It?
In my latest installment of Possession with Purpose in Europe I have a number of diagrams to offer to include the latest on the PWP Predictability Index. You'll note that in every case the PWP Correlation to the League Tables for all four competitions has stayed the same or gotten better. Also of interest is... Continue Reading →
Scintillating Saints Stay Strong…
Southampton continues to stay strong in the Barcley's Premier League, and for me it's no fluke... in the first part of my two part analyses of the Saints I'll peel back how they are doing in Attack. Before digging in, a diagram and to put things into perspective about Southampton and their 'team' concept of... Continue Reading →
Chicago Fire – Candle Burned at Both Ends
I've heard rumor that the Chicago Fire are looking to add two Designated Players to their squad this off-season - in my view - it'll take a whole lot more than that. In my End of Season analysis here's some statistics, key indicators and observations for your consideration. In case you missed it - it... Continue Reading →