StatSide Soccer

(Data from @fbref.com and @fotmob.com)

Chara went the full 90 minutes, led the team in tackles, and was second in successful passes in the 3-2 win over Columbus.

The man is aging like fine wine 🍷

Everyone is talking about the #NYRB youngsters (and rightfully so!) but want to look at the other end of the spectrum and highlight the legend Diego Chara.

He was the oldest player to get minutes in GW1 at 39 years old!

#MLS #RoseCity #Legend #POR

I'll update this more once the transfer window officially closes and do something similar once World Cup rosters are announced. Would be fun to see how many "local" MLS players end up in the tournament.

Stay tuned!

While most other World Cup qualified nations are somewhat represented in MLS, there is a noticeable lack of players from AFC and CAF countries.

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, I thought it would be interesting to see how well each of the competing nations are represented in MLS.

No surprise, the US leads overall followed by fellow host Canada:

#MLS #Data #FIFAWorldCup #WC26

Looking a little closer at player salaries vs minutes played, we can see that a lot of value is gained from players who are NOT in the top 25% of salary spend (highlighted in green)

The Union also got a real bang for their buck with Westfield in 2025

Think MLS teams need to spend to be successful?

The Union might have something to say about that.

Their Supporter's Shield winning season also saw them be the team with the lowest salary total in 2025:

#MLS #Data #Philadelphia #Union #DOOP

Looking at Week 1 starting lineups, the 4-2-3-1 seems to be the prevailing formation in MLS.

Fun side note that every 4-3-3 lineup won their game this week - all against the 4-2-3-1!

#MLS #Soccer #Data #Tactics

While a few games were more lopsided, over half of games had both teams scoring

#MLS #Soccer #Data

MLS is back!

Opening weekend saw at least one goal in every game, so plenty of early excitement no matter which match you tuned into

#MLS #Soccer #Data

As MLS teams start looking ahead at 2026, I looked back at the teams that made the playoffs in 2025 to see if I could come up with some targets for teams to shoot for this year:

#MLS #SportsData

Also want to give some quick love to the team at FBRef who, in just a day, are going from the standard for soccer stats to uncertainty as people start looking for alternative sources to fill their needs.

I'm sure they will adapt, but probably not a great feeling right now...

Really bummed about the Opta-FBRef situation... While we are not entitled to it, accessible sports data helps others (like myself) get into sports analysis and bring more voices to sport. This also helps engage others with sports in different ways.

RSL knows a thing or two about penalty stoppers 😉

Something fun to watch for in 2026 will be how Rafael Cabral is as a penalty stopper.

Last season Real Salt Lake were tied for second-most penalties faced (9) but Cabral was able to come away with 4 saves.

#MLS #RSL #SportsData

Looking ahead, SKC have a top goal scorer in Joveljić and Manu Garcia has shown he can pull the strings, but they will need to focus on capitalizing on the chances they create. (3/3)

#SportingKC #SKC #SportsData

But as we can see, they rank near the bottom in shooting and chance creation.
So, while they were able to build into the attacking third, they struggled to convert into real opportunities. (2/3)

As Sporting KC look to rebuild in the 2026 season, its interesting to take a look at where they fell short last year. Looking at their attacking touches and progressive carries, they led most teams in MLS... (1/3)

If LinkedIn could play football

a man wearing glasses is sitting in front of a white board with the year 2014 written on it ALT: a man wearing glasses is sitting in front of a white board with the year 2014 written on it

Similar to how Norwich look rn

With those numbers in mind, its important to remember that the pieces around him will be important and that the style and level of play between the Championship and MLS are by no means equal.

Its an interesting move for Toronto and Sargent but I'm not sure if its worth the $18M price tag

#MLS

If we go back one season for Sargent (arguably much better form) he does end up with better per 90' expected goals, but he still trails behind league leaders like Surridge and White...

As the transfer drama around Josh Sargent continues, I wondered how he compares against other MLS forwards if he does end up in Toronto.

Looking at current form, it doesn't seem like he would be the outright starter with Deandre Kerr having stronger goals per 90' (albeit with less minutes)...

Starting a new series focusing on telling quick, "bite-sized" data stories. Check out the first one above!

#MLS #SportsData #DataBites

Data Bites: Looking at Overperforming MLS Teams in 2025 Taking a look at how each team performed against their expected goals in 2025.

Data Bites: Looking at Overperforming MLS Teams in 2025

Taking a look at how each team performed against their expected goals in 2025.

What Each Western Conference Team Should Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving Thanksgiving encourages us to come together with loved ones to savor delicious meals, engage in spirited conversations, and reflect on the past year. As the 2025 MLS season approaches its thrilling conclusion, it's the ideal moment for teams in the Western Conference to look back on their experiences over the year and express what they are thankful for. Austin FC…

What Each Western Conference Team Should Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving.

#MLS #Thanksgiving #Turkey

What Each Eastern Conference Team Should Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving Thanksgiving invites us to gather with loved ones to enjoy delicious meals, navigate lively discussions, and take stock of the past year. As the 2025 MLS season approaches its climactic finale, it's the perfect opportunity for teams in the Eastern Conference to reflect on their journeys throughout the year and highlight what they are grateful for. Atlanta United After a season that was a disappointment for the Five Stripes, the Thanksgiving table feels a bit warmer with the return of some friends who have been away for a bit.

What should each Eastern Conference team be thankful for this Thanksgiving?
#MLS #Thanksgiving #Turkey

Messi vs. Messi – How do his MVP years compare? With the announcement of the five 2025 MLS MVP finalists last week, one thing became very clear: Messi is inevitable. After the final round of regular season games were played, Messi stood above al…

Messi vs. Messi 🐐

In this latest piece, we take a look at Messi's 2025 season and how it compares to 2024.

#MLS #Messi #MVP

statsidesoccer.com/2025/10/30/m...

Who Should Win the 2025 MLS MVP Race? As we head into the final game week of 2025 and another MLS season comes to an end, the conversation around end-of-season accolades intensifies. While some awards like the Golden Boot are fairly st…

First piece is now live!

Looking at the 2025 MLS MVP race - will Messi take the crown? Or does someone else have a case?

Check out the piece here: statsidesoccer.com/2025/10/16/w...

#MLS #Messi