Vancouver still win the ball high more than anyone in MLS. Since the World Cup, those regains have stopped turning into chances. Went and figured out where it broke and who used to make it work.
Vancouver Still Win the Ball. They’ve Stopped Doing Anything With It.
The Whitecaps press as well as anyone in MLS. Since the World Cup, it’s stopped creating chances.
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Kwaku Agyabeng is a player, and he’s only 20 in his first pro season.
Houston has one of the best defenses in MLS post World Cup, without pressing much or winning the ball back high. Went and figured out how.
Houston's No-Press Defense
A good defense doesn't have to mean winning the ball back early. Houston is proof.
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Houston has one of the best defenses in MLS post World Cup, without pressing much or winning the ball back high. Went and figured out how.
Houston's No-Press Defense
A good defense doesn't have to mean winning the ball back early. Houston is proof.
substack.com
What a signing this is! Forget about age, he’s still a monster in duels and should be one of the better center backs in the league.
Tom Bogert@tombogert.bsky.social · 4mo ago🇨🇮 The Columbus Crew have signed former Manchester United center back Eric Bailly. Bailly, 32, joins on a free transfer after leaving Real Oviedo this summer. Previously featured for Villarreal, Besiktas and Marseille since leaving United.
The World Cup is almost over and I went back to look at who’s been quietly outperforming their roster slot in MLS, one name kept coming up.
High-Level Production at a Supplemental Price
How one under the radar academy defender is beating the league market efficiency
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Mbokazi is only 20! He has the potential to play in a top 5 league. Chicago are going to get a healthy return on their investment.
Nmecha, that’s a great pass for the assist! He’s been balling the first two games.
Most goals, most xG, and the most successful crosses in MLS. The Quakes are flying, and Bruce Arena has found the perfect system for this roster. My breakdown on the data and tactics behind the surge
Inside MLS’s Best Attack: How San Jose Redefined Their Identity
Despite major roster turnover, San Jose is flying. A look at the patterns, player roles, and Bruce Arena's system that has the Quakes sitting top of the league's offensive charts.
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Most goals, most xG, and the most successful crosses in MLS. The Quakes are flying, and Bruce Arena has found the perfect system for this roster. My breakdown on the data and tactics behind the surge
Inside MLS’s Best Attack: How San Jose Redefined Their Identity
Despite major roster turnover, San Jose is flying. A look at the patterns, player roles, and Bruce Arena's system that has the Quakes sitting top of the league's offensive charts.
substack.com
The York vs Rochdale game has been the greatest ending I have ever seen in football. Wow.
Wilfried Zaha’s box score doesn't scream 'must-keep' for a 33-year-old DP, but the underlying data tells a different story. I looked into the metrics that prove his impact on this Charlotte team goes far beyond goals and assists.
Wilfred Zaha - What the Numbers Miss
A data look at why Zaha's impact at Charlotte runs deeper than his goal and assist tally
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Wilfried Zaha’s box score doesn't scream 'must-keep' for a 33-year-old DP, but the underlying data tells a different story. I looked into the metrics that prove his impact on this Charlotte team goes far beyond goals and assists.
Wilfred Zaha - What the Numbers Miss
A data look at why Zaha's impact at Charlotte runs deeper than his goal and assist tally
open.substack.com
Mapped MLS central midfielders by a combined defensive metric, duels per 90 multiplied by win rate, against progressive passes per 90. Tverskov, Berhalter and Mehmeti stand out doing both at a high level through six games.
Hall showing he’s more than just a finisher, has a higher potential than I thought.
Why was Zubimendi so highly rated before Arsenal signed him? He doesn’t have any standout qualities.
D.C United rank second bottom in xG created this season. I looked into why the chances aren’t coming and it starts well before the final third.
Why D.C. United Are Struggling to Create
The data shows a team bypassing its own midfield, struggling to build and leaving Baribo to carry the attack alone.
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📊Aerial duel % vs prog passes per 90 through 5 games. -Trewin hit the ground running, Raul alongside him. NYCFC CBs looking good. -NYRB CBs clustered high in prog passes, Bradley's fingerprint. -Makhanya a bright spot for struggling Philly. -Elliot yet to lose an aerial duel. -Boxall tough start.
Joel Waterman shouldn’t be getting beat by Iloski in the air.
Looked at who’s winning the ball back highest up the pitch this season. A few expected names, a few surprises. I broke down the numbers behind it, and they tell some interesting stories.
Four Games In: Who is Winning the Ball Back in the Opposition Half
Success in MLS often comes down to who can dominate the opposition’s half. I broke down the players leading the league in advanced regains.
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Atlanta hasn’t quite clicked through the opening weeks of the season. After watching the games and looking at some of the numbers from the first three matches, I share my thoughts on what’s behind the early struggles.
Atlanta United 2026: The Early Season Disconnect
Star power and familiar leadership haven’t quite clicked for Atlanta through the opening three matchdays.
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Atlanta hasn’t quite clicked through the opening weeks of the season. After watching the games and looking at some of the numbers from the first three matches, I share my thoughts on what’s behind the early struggles.
Atlanta United 2026: The Early Season Disconnect
Star power and familiar leadership haven’t quite clicked for Atlanta through the opening three matchdays.
substack.com
Nolan Miller looking like the next SuperDraft hit for Orlando City.