Daniel Wicker

Funny to hear “18th *best* pressing stats” as if we’ve somehow decided pressing is de facto good rather than a tactical choice

This viral post on the US Institute of Peace is worth your time

Thank you!

Are they also going back to Louisville again? Or just using visuals from last year's trip?

As promised last week!

Come join the first team analysis staff in Houston and work with me to support our players & coaching staff with actionable insights both on & off the pitch.

Happy to answer any questions via my messages! 🟠⚫️

www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/41...

I still get quite a few questions about breaking into football.

Answer remains the same. Write about it. Blog. Qualifications mean nothing in this industry. Long form writing is a free job application. People will read it.

MLS talking points: Inter Miami see red, Crew miss Cucho and more The Seattle Sounders are as deep as they appear, while Sporting KC set an ignominious mark with yet another loss

www.theguardian.com/football/202...

ASA in the guardian is pretty cool

MLS data deep-dive: LA Galaxy’s problems, Philadelphia Union’s efficiency & more The LA Galaxy need to get the ball into the box. Plus, FC Dallas are wildly watchable and San Diego FC’s defense is spectacular.

On this week’s edition…

-The Union’s hot start 🐍
-The Galaxy’s struggles 🌌
-FC Dallas is fun 🤠

… and a little more.

For @backheeled.com

So, about those anonymous soccer analysts Minnesota are working with... www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2025/3/1/american-soccer-analysis-announce-minnesota-united-fc-as-analytics-consulting-client

I'm enjoying seeing one of our Where Goals Come From models used out in the wild more this young MLS season. It's called the "xG Tiers".

Starting with the fact that every professional league has an average conversation rate of ~10%, the xG Tiers describe in shots in simple terms:

1/

For those of you on here not already attached to MLS, what if you took the normal randomness and chaos of soccer, but then didn’t allow the teams owned by oligarchs and nation states to outspend the other guys by orders of magnitude. But you still gave them enough rope to hang themselves repeatedly.

Recording a new episode tomorrow night!

Got any questions for the show? Drop them below! 👇

Don’t forget if you’re in our discord, drop them in our mailbag chat!

#ForTheCrown #PorLaCorona

another one for the sports analytics conference bingo: the best thing to do for the prospective sports analytics person is do your own stuff for fun and Share It #ASIS2025

Wondering where to find coverage of your local MLS club?

We've got you covered.

As Jack McGlynn scores his first #USMNT goal, from around 30 yards out, a reminder of his shot map from the 2024 MLS season for Philadelphia Union (@fotmob.com)

Continuing the tradition, I have compiled an end-of-year overview of the soccer analytics content that I liked the most in the past year. The 2024 edition includes pointers to over 160 resources, including research papers, blog posts, articles, podcasts, and books.

janvanhaaren.be/posts/soccer...

Are you kidding me

Love to hear Charlotte FC. Merry Christmas!

Anyone following me that’s interested in Charlotte FC coverage should take the time to subscribe to Carroll Walton and follow the great work she does covering our club.

Doyle is right (as he often is), local coverage is critical

carrollwalton422581.substack.com?r=29v0pj&utm...

Transfer window needs, GAM totals and, for some reason, barnyard animals Our final Extratime of 2024 went off the rails

Free newsletter: Local coverage is the lifeblood of pro sports. It’s true of the NFL, and it’s true of the EPL, and it’s been true of MLS since day one.

What I want for Christmas is for you all to find & support someone providing local coverage in 2025.
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...

The 2025 Superdraft is here, and as such, here is our analytical big board from @paulharvey.theoutfield.nyc. There are dashboards, there are tier lists. Get it all: www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2024/12...

ASA best XI: Coach: Nancy Kahlina Orellano, Robinson, Zimmerman, Bernardeschi Bassett Lucho, Puig Bouanga, Cucho, Pec

Riqui Puig is very good

Real ones know the true MVP this season.

Las Palmas to Barca: 1,350 miles

#MNUFC yearly road trips over 1,350 miles: 7 (Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, LAFC, LA Galaxy, San Jose, now add in San Diego starting next season)

My theory is that 3rd party companies providing tools for clubs has severely hindered the advancement of analytics, simply because 99% of clubs are content (or simply don't have the money) to buy off the shelf data and basic tools rather than invest in an actual research department.

Substituting Similarity Summary statistics are problematic for comparing players

New (first) post on the Central Winger substack. With thoughts on Player Similarity, problems with current approaches, and a path forward.

Here’s a starter pack featuring all MLS, MLSNP, NWSL, USL, USL Super League, & CPL clubs. Updated daily, but please let me know if I’m missing anyone.

go.bsky.app/HgJuQra

Thanks guys! 👊

Had a great time at Soccerex Miami discussing trends in data and analytics in soccer!

Also, hi Bluesky 👋

👋