American Soccer Analysis: Recent Episodes
American Soccer Analysis
American Soccer Analysis is a new weekly podcast that covers Major League Soccer and the US Men's National Team from a numbers and analytics perspective. Hosts Harrison Crow, Matthias Kullowatz, and Drew Olsen believe that soccer is best understood not by fat old men in smoky rooms, but by fat young men staring at excel spreadsheets. The guys bring an enthusiasm, statistical acumen, and deep understanding of the game that can be rivaled only by Gus Johnson and John Harkes.
One down, 25 to go! The first round of NWSL matches is in the books for 2025, and it was a morass of beatdowns and 1-1 draws. Who's up and who's down relative to our preseason rankings? The guys look at all seven games and figure out who has shifted since they made their initial picks.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Bats took flight across the regular season, but were felled in penalties to Washington in the NWSL playoffs. Then the rumors of behind-the-scenes discord kicked up. Then a dozen players departed. Amid all of this upheaval, do they still have the goods to be one of the best teams in the league? Jenna Tonelli of Sports Illustrated dropped by to pitch herself as Gotham's goalie, with Evan as the no. 9 in a pinch.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Jaedyn Shaw is here! Can the Courage now win their first playoff game in six years, please? Kim McCauley of The Guardian returns to figure out whether Shaw and Ashley Sanchez can work together, who could possibly be the main goalscoring threat, and if the backline is due for some regression. Also, who is actually running recruitment right now?
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Kansas City Current were the best team on paper last year. They rostered the league's MVP and producer of one of the greatest seasons in league history, Temwa Chawinga. But they fell to budding rivals Orlando Pride in the semifinal. Are they read to take the next step and win a trophy? Thom Bomb of Shea Butter FC and Shades of Blue walked the guys through the (few) roster changes the club made, and how they can improve upon last year's historic performance.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Who is going to play for the Portland Thorns? With Sophia Wilson gone for the year, and Morgan Weaver on the bench for potentially all season, their attack feels thin. Their defense is getting a hard reboot, too. Portland may. have never had more questions around them than right now. Kim McCauley of the Guardian tries to find some silver lining in the dark clouds, with varying degrees of success.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Bay FC made the playoffs in their first season, and are rolling out a solid lineup with some high-upside college signings this year. But an investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment by head coach Albertin Montoya—along with the resignation of scout Graeme Abel over an earlier such report before he joined the club—has changed the complexion of the entire organization. Anna Daccache of Everything Bay Goals tries to parse her feelings on these recent stories, and what the team itself could accomplish on the field in 2025.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Chicago (Red) Stars squeaked into the playoffs on the backs of a completely new regime, from the owners to the GM to the head coach. Very little was done in the offseason, and with Mallory Swanson MIA, their 2025 playoff prospects seem remote. Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports came on to find the gold in the silt, and how Chicago can still offer some joy to its fans this year.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Angel City became the first club in NWSL history to be docked points for violations of the league's policies—namely, violations of the salary cap. They now have a new controlling owner, a new sporting director, and will have a new permanent head coach soon. Can the team on the field match the team off it? Michelle Chavez of the Sporting Tribune came on to hash it all out. (1:39) Then, the guys spoke to Angel City's new sporting director, Mark Parsons, about his first few weeks on the job and what people can expect in year one of this new regime in Los Angeles. (33:04)
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Four straight ninth-place finishes. A roster that has more or less stayed the same from the end of last season. What can we make of Racing Louisville's on-field stagnation. Bekki Morgan of NWSL This Week comes on to give the Kentuckian's perspective on what Louisville's ownership group has done to get the team to this point, and what can be done to get them over the playoff line once and for all.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Kieran returns to share his pitch to NWSL front offices about some partnership opportunities with American Soccer Analysis! Then we dive into the ins and outs of the Utah Royals. They've brought in some very enticing players. Is it enough to make them playoff contenders? Will standouts like Ally Sentnor and Mandy McGlynn level up or regress? And how many ways can three people proncounce Jimmy Coenraets's last name?
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Seattle Reign were old, slow, and boring last year. This year, they're slightly young, a bit faster, and potentially more exciting. Lynn Biyendolo will pep up the attack, and Madison Curry will stabilize and energize the backline. But can this group actually click? Sylvs of Shea Butter FC joined the guys to figure out what head coach Laura Harvey can do to get the Reign back on the right track.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Is Lucy going to pull the football? Will this time really be different? The Houston Dash have a new GM, a new head coach, and a slew of promising signings. It could really change the course of the franchise. Right? Sports Illustrated's Theo Lloyd-Hughes joins the guys to sift through the wreckage of the Fran Alonso era, and what Angela Hucles Mangano and Fabrice Gautrat may have in store for a team that now boasts Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan among its ranks.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Out NWSL season previews keep on a'truckin' with a team whose fall from the mountaintop has been quick and precipitous. The Wave shipped Jaedyn Shaw and Naomi Girma at their requests; the legal action around allegations of a toxic workplace still hangs heavy; and new head coach Jonas Eidevall has to whip multiple kids into professional shape. ASA's own Kieran Doyle-Davis dropped by to sort out what the hell San Diego can do to have a respectable 2025. (1:02) Stick around for a small bonus track! (22:57)
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Washington Spirit may have the best roster on paper heading into the 2025 season. Can they be title contenders? Ella Brockway of the Washington Postand the Hey Spirits! podcast joins the guys to talk about the Spirit's run to the NWSL Championship game last season, and what they've done since to get even better.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Song
Welcome to NWSL Season Preview Week! We'll be bringing you previews of all 14 NWSL teams with some outstanding guests to help us break down each and every club, leading up to the start of the NWSL regular season.
First up, last year's Shield and Championship winners, the Orlando Pride! They're keeping most of their roster in place, with key additions like Grace Chanda and Oihane Hernández. Can big purp run it back? Bridie O'Toole of Busy Watching Women's Soccer takes the guys through head coach Seb Hines's tactical plan for one of the best-run organizations in the league.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The USWNT has put three more friendlies in the books, and Emma Hayes earns her first loss of her tenure as head coach. After the guys sort through the NWSL jersey drop and injury report (1:41), they dive into all the ins and outs of the SheBelieves Cup, with special attention paid to the 2-1 loss to Japan. (7:47) What was the U.S. hoping to achieve with these three friendlies? Did the heavy rotation of inexperienced players work as intended? Is Japan actually a better team? No need to panic yet!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The guys make note of new signings Carissa Boeckmann to the Portland Thorns and Oihane Hernández to the Orlando Pride, and what Hernández's signing might add to the NWSL-vs.-Europe debate. Then, they turn over Emma Hayes's SheBelieves roster. This is the least experienced USWNT roster in the tournament's history! What does Hayes want to do with these three games? How frustrating is it that certain players were left at home? Which players will rise to the top? Find out today!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The guys touch on the Savy King transfer to Angel City (00:47) and the Hannah Bebar signing with Bay FC (13:00) before offering some thoughts on the NWSL's $5 million restitution fund for players affected by abuse and harassment, as well as the horrifying news surrounding Mapi León in Spain (17:33). Then they bring on Chris Henderson (23:05) to kick off Part I of College Week! Chris takes us through signings he has been impressed by, and what all of the player movement without a draft may mean for both players and college programs in the big picture.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
RECORDED BEFORE THE TRANSFER OF SAVY KING TO ANGEL CITY FC
It's xOG's first ever live pod! The guys chat about Crystal Dunn's move to PSG and the other stray transactions of the last week, before launching into their live conversation from the inaugural American Soccer Insights Summit in Houston, Texas. Bay FC director of data and analytics Arielle Dror and women's soccer researcher/historian/NWSL information director Jen "The Keeper" Cooper to talk about the past, present and future of statistics and analytics in the women's game. This was the most fun.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs (chopped n screwed remix by Evan Davis)
Arman Kafai, formerly the lead analytics consultant for FC Dallas stops by to talk about his analytics journey and drop some takes on the craziness of this MLS offseason.
Breaking news all over the place! Jenna Nighswonger is moving to north London. Where does this leave Gotham's offseason? (00:30) San Diego has made a flurry of moves, including losing Naomi Girma and gaining Kenza Dali. Yikes. (15:14) The Houston Dash picked up Danielle Colaprico and Messiah Bright. Are all of these parts adding up to something? (21:44) Angel City got another 30-year-old center back in Alanna Kennedy. Oh dear. (32:05) The Portland Thorns added Deyna Castellanos in a "blockbuster" deal. Is there room for her? (35:25) The North Carolina Courage signed a young Japanese midfielder to replace their other Japanese midfielder. (44:50). And we wrap things up with a not-so-scintillating London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal, which probably wraps up the WSL title for the Blues. (49:00) Packed show this week!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
RECORDED BEFORE THE SIGNINGS OF SHINOMI KOYAMA, SINTIA CABEZAS, DIDI HARAČIĆ, AND FAVOUR EMMANUEL
It's been a busy-but-not-busy period of the NWSL offseason. The North Carolina Courage released the financial details of the Jaedyn Shaw trade (1:38). The San Diego Wave brought in some young talent, and can't shake the rumors of Naomi Girma's impending transfer (8:00). Angel City hired Mark Parsons as sporting director (good!) and announced Christen Press had re-signed (less good!), to our confusion (18:16). Racing Louisville maxed out their roster spots with three college players, and noone else (29:00). the Houston Dash and Chicago Stars FC each signed a player who may or may not have an impact in 2025 (39:34). And the guys close the show mourning the loss of filmmaker, artist, musician, and pop culture icon David Lynch (44:40).
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Read Corpses, Fools & MonstersRead Laura Dern's birthday message to David Lynch
Read Kyle MacLachlan's remembrance of David Lynch
Read Naomi Watts's remembrance of David Lynch
Read Vera Drew's tribute to David Lynch
Ben and Kieran spoke to Matt Pfeffer about his origin in soccer analytics, the constructions of MLS from the viewpoint of financial markets, and a whole lot of hockey.
We're back! The guys return from their brief, fire-filled hiatus to unpack all the news of the first weeks of the new year. They chat about the senior USWNT roster for the January camp, then dive into some of the major signings and trades in the NWSL, with Jaedyn Shaw's move to the North Carolina Courage carrying the headlines. Back in the saddle, folks!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
We were lucky enough to have former Vancouver Whitecaps Direct of Recruitment Nikos Overheul join us again to talk some of the rules changes (and impending rules changes) in MLS since he left Vancouver, the differences squad building in MLS vs Europe, and we even got a story about driving with Vanni Sartini.
It's the last episode of 2024! No better time for the guys to look back on the previous year and all the things they and teams were wrong about, from Orlando's final table position to who would be Rookie of the Year. (You'll never believe who Evan picked for that particular trophy all the way back in March.)
Happy New Year, everyone! We'll be back on main feed on January 13th!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Becky Sauerbrunn retiring! Jonas Eidevall to the San Diego Wave! Lynn Williams to the Seattle Reign! Jaelin Howell to Gotham FC! Rocky Rodríguez and Lorena to the Kansas City Current! Julie Dufour to Angel City! The NWSL offseason is cooking with gas, and the guys break down all the major moves.
00:47 - Becky Sauerbrunn's retirement announcement
05:58 - Jonas Eidevall hired as Wave head coach
11:28 - Lynn Williams and Jaelin Howell trade
23:24 - Alex Loera trade to the Utah Royals
31:14 - Narumi Miura signs with the Washington Spirit
34:45 - Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena signs with Kansas City
38:20 - Rocky Rodríguez traded to Kansas City
43:05 - French attacker Julie Dufour transfers to Angel City
48:24 - College signings
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Art by Eli Elbogen
It's that time of year! The Best FIFA awards were announced on Tuesday, the final release of several end-of-year accountings of the year's best players. The guys merged all of these lists together and evaluated who really were the best of the bunch, and release their official top 10 of 2024.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
NWSL teams locked in their end-of-season rosters, traded some players, saw some others sign with new teams, and a whole bunch of free agents hit the open market when their 2024 clubs didn’t re-sign them. Ryan Dell moved from Louisville to Kansas City, while Angela Hucles Mangano hopped from Angel City to Houston. What does it all mean? The guys break it all down.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs
The USWNT wraps up 2024 with a draw and a win overseas. How did the Triple Espresso-less attack acquit themselves? Was that scary first half against the Netherlands real, or just growing pains? The guys peel back all the layers. (1:05) They also sing a brief requiem for Alyssa Naeher's international career. (22:34)
Then, they light up the hot stove with Spotrac's Taylor Vincent, explaining all the rules and weird tics that drive transactions in the NWSL. This was a blast. (26:55)
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
What. A. Game. The Orlando Pride are your NWSL champions, the first Shield-Championship winners in five years. Their 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium was a grubby, terse affair, with fouls galore and a controversial bit of magic from Barbra Banda. Marta finally claims her first U.S. trophy, and despite coming out on the losing side, Washington has a lot to look forward to. The guys break it all down from every angle.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Washington Spirit have made it to the NWSL Championship, despite massive injuries to key players in the back end of the season. Can they keep this momentum going, or will the Orlando Pride stop them in their tracks? André Carlisle of Hey Spirits, Diaspora United and Beyond the Vaudevillian Cane returns to reflect on the Spirit season that was, and what lies in store for Trinity Rodman & co. in Kansas City on Saturday.
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P.S. We kept the audio a little bit raw so y'all can hear the Orlando Pride ballin' out during their afternoon practice session.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Orlando Pride are preparing to play the biggest game club history on Saturday, the culmination of a process that began more than two years ago. Team vice president and GM Haley Carter came on to talk about the journey the team has taken under her and Seb Hines's leadership, what philosophy they apply to every decision, and what the 2024 Pride represent, win or lose on Saturday. This was a good'un!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Well there you have it! The Washington Spirit will play the Orlando Pride at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday for the NWSL Championship. Each semifinal that got them there were scintillating contests, filled with drama, individual heroics, and masterful team play. How did the Spirit and Pride get past Gotham and the Current?
We will be in Kansas City for the NWSL Championship! Come join us at Johnny's Tavern P&L in Kansas City on Friday night and have a drink with us.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The top four go in as favorites, and the top four leave as semifinalists. There were no upsets in the NWSL quarterfinals, as Orlando, Washington, Gotham, and Kansas City all moved on. Some games were unprecedented blowouts, like the Pride's demolition of the Red Stars (0:57). Others were tighter affair than anticipated, as the Current's defeat of the Courage proved to be (12:49). The final two match-ups were dreary, attritional affairs until they very much weren't, as the Spirit got past a resilient Bay FC (22:42) and Gotham pipped the Thorns at the death (34:49).
What will the semifinals between Orlando-KC (46:09) and Washington-Gotham (56:46) be like? Is each match really a coin flip? The Guys get into all of it.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
In Part 2 of our NWSL quarterfinals preview, we take a look at Sunday's doubleheader. According to one projection model, Bay FC actually have a decent chance to upset the Washington Spirit. Will their new-look midfield and Racheal Kundananji's heroics puncture Washington's injury-riddled squad?
The Portland Thorns are all good vibes right now, having won two of their final three games, including an emphatic victory in Christine Sinclair's final game at Providence Park. But are those vibes enough to take down the Gotham T-1000? Gotham has been relentless, but Portland has a 1-in-5 shot of clapping back on last year's extra-time humiliation. Things could get spicy!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The playoffs are set! The top four finished the season strong and look like they'll make it to the semifinals with ease. Or will they? The guys preview all four quarterfinal matchups, and wonder where we could see upsets. Do Bay FC have what it takes to get past an injury- and suspension-rattled Washington Spirit? Could the Portland Thorns put some payback on Gotham FC after last year's playoff defeat? Do the Chicago Red Stars have any hope at all? And is the Kansas City Current's match against the North Carolina Courage really as close as the seeding would suggest?
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Then, they break down their picks for the NWSL awards slate. Most of these are no-brainers, but they make a case for some down-ballot candidates, followed by an in-depth discussion of how to approach Defender of the Year.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Racing Louisville grabbed all three points against the Portland Thorns thanks to a late corner header from Taylor Flint. Their playoff hopes are still alive, but is it too little too late? The guys cap off the episode with this playoff six-pointer (41:20). Before that, they run through playoff scenarios for the top four (1:01), ruminate on the two dead rubber matches between Angel City and the Utah Royals (20:40), as well as the Seattle Reign and Houston Dash (27:48). Some quick lamentations for the San Diego Wave in their pasting by the Kansas City Current (26:16) and some chuckles about the Washington Spirit-Chicago Red Stars grudge match (32:53). Bay FC are now the dark horse of the playoff field after their convincing defeat of the North Carolina Courage (35:01). And we close with everything that has to happen for Portland, Louisville, and Bay FC to get into the postseason (46:48).
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Chicago Red Stars own one of the worst xG differentials in league history. Only the Utah Royals have played worse in total this season. But Chicago just clinched a playoff berth, and look poised to finish the year in sixth place on a mere 1.3 points per game. Only four other teams have ever finished sixth or higher with that points total.
Can it really just be luck? Is their low-volume, high-efficiency attack and defense sustainable once they face better teams in the postseason? The guys dissect the Red Stars' 2-0 defeat to Gotham, and whether that result--combined with horrible recent performances against San Diego and Houston--can be overcome once November rolls around.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The boys poured out the good stuff and got into awards voting as they decide the actual ASA awards ballot in real time.
We have got some things to cover, here! The guys get into the news of Angel City's fines and suspensions for salary cap violations, the firing of former Houston Dash head coach Fran Alonso, the absurdity of the Chicago Red Stars conceding at least three xG for the second time in three weeks, Bay FC's four-minute meltdown, and the Orlando Pride's historic Shield win.
Then, it's on to the main events. Portland has been one of the worst teams in the NWSL since the end of the Olympics break. Racing Louisville has been fighting to get over the playoff line. Neither team did themselves any favors with two very different losses. Which team has the edge to go to the quarterfinals in November?
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
A scrappy 1-0 victory on the road to the Seattle Reign may not look like much, but Bay FC are creeping closer and closer to a playoff berth, only a few months removed from looking like one of the worst teams in the NWSL. The guys dig into all of the ways the team has managed to improve since early June, from trusting new players to Albertin Montoya reimagining the team's tactical vision. It's wild.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Ben, Harrison, and Kieran talk the latest MLS playoff odds to descend from the Heavens above (Matthias’ laptop), and some unsung heroes from the 22U22 nominee pool.
Oh, did you forget that the Current can gut your favorite team like a fish? After a few games of sputtering defensive performance, KC's new back line is locked in and Temwa Chawinga is, well, Temwa Chawinga. Their 3-0 battering of the Washington Spirit was a bit lucky, but was also a scary proposition for any team that will face Kansas City in the playoffs. The guys break it all down.
Plus, xG shenanigans with the San Diego Wave! Officiating questions with Angel City and the Portland Thorns! The stretch run is officially here, gang!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
We've got two games to cover this week! One was the matchup of the weekend on paper, but fizzled out to a 0-0 draw between the Pride and Current. The other ended up with significant playoff implications, as the Red Stars snatched a 1-0 road win against the Thorns and shored up their postseason odds, while Portland continued their freefall. What can they do to right the ship? Is Chicago's season-long overperformance about to pay off?
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Ben, Harrison, and Kieran talk about the Boca era in Atlanta and how they would go about rebuilding the team who invented soccer. No trivia, but we hear from Caleb Porter.
Alex Morgan has retired. As yet another titan of the sport walks into the sunset, the guys reflect on what Morgan's career truly meant beyond the goals and trophies.
Then, after rounding up NWSL results across the weekend, they dive into Bay's 1-0 defeat of Racing Louisville. Have Abby Dahlkemper and Penelope Hocking helped Bay find the answers? Is Albertin Montoya finally getting the team to play like he envisioned? How much does this result and performance portend for Louisville's playoff hopes?
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Orlando Pride continued their unbeaten streak on Sunday, taking down Gotham FC 2-0 after a monsoon nearly flooded Inter&Co Stadium. Gotham was unable to gain any separation from its peers in the top 4. But does it portend anything serious? Eric and Evan talk to Gotham reporter Jenna Tonelli about Gotham's performance, the magic of Ella Stevens, and how dangerous Gotham will be come playoff time.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Harrison gets fired up about the MLSPA, Ben thinks Columbus is the best MLS team of all time, and Kieran asks some trivia.
Jonatan Giráldez has officially entered the NWSL chat. The Washington Spirit took down the Kansas City Current 4-1, and for a brief second, one had to wonder if the wheels were coming off of the most dominant squad in the league. This game had everything. Six defenders to handle Debinha and Chawinga! Otherworldly finishing from Trinity Rodman! A new center back pairing falling out of a clown car! Adrianna Franch living up to her new reputation! It's all here, and the guys break it all down. Welcome back to the NWSL!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The NWSL Players Association has just signed a new collective bargaining agreement, which may be one of the most historically significant labor deals in sports history. The elimination of the draft, universal guaranteed contracts and free agency, player consent for trades, and massive increases in minimum salaries without corresponding max salaries all give serious power to the players. What did that they have to give up to ownership, and what might that mean come 2028 when a new media rights deal is signed? Eric and Evan unpack what we know so far about this seismic moment in women’s sports labor.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs
The NWSL is back, baby!!! After six agonizing weeks away, the stretch run kicks off on Friday. A massive amount of transfer activity has gone down in that time. Eric and Evan highlight some of their faves and not-so-faves.
Could Delphine Cascarino help push the San Diego Wave into playoff contention? How does Carson Pickett fit into the Orlando Pride lineup? Are the Chicago Red Stars playoff locks thanks to Ludmila and Julia Grosso? Can Jess Carter adapt to the league's pace? Will Alana Cook keep things tight at the back amid the Kansas City Current's defensive injury crisis? Is Katie Zelem really an improvement for Angel City? How does one make sense of Jaelin Howell and Ana-Maria Crnogorčević at the Seattle Reign and Bethany Balcer at Racing Louisville? Are the Washington Spirit's signings an embarrassment of riches? Is Cortnee Vine the final missing piece in the North Carolina Courage attack? Listen and find out!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Harrison, Ben, and Kieran drop off a transfer they love, a transfer they hate, and a transfer they really wish happened. And, trivia.
369 days after the USWNT crashed out of the World Cup Round of 16, they put those demons to bed, winning the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. The team managed to weather the worst half of football they had played all tournament to wear down Brazil until Mallory Swanson took Korbin Albert's through ball and ripped the Brazilian defense to pieces. Some heroics from Alyssa Naeher and the usual shutdown defense from Naomi Girma helped the US grab their first gold medal in 12 years. Now, the real work begins. Eric and Evan analyze the US performance, praise Brazil's savvy gameplan, and argue why nobody should get too high about this victory--or too low.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The players were dead on their feet. Lindsey Horan could barely ping a pass toward the German goal. But Naomi Girma led the defense to another sterling performance, Sophia Smith threaded a wonder goal past Ann-Katrin Berger, and the USWNT will face Brazil for the gold medal on Saturday. Was there anything besides heat and fatigue that slowed the US attack down? Can they avoid Spain's fate against Brazil in the semifinal? Is Girma the undisputed best center back in the world? Eric and Evan ponder yet another 120-minute slog of a match that still had a happy ending for the Americans.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
It was brutal, but perhaps it was necessary. The USWNT scraped past Japan in the Olympics quarterfinals thanks to an extra-time wonder strike from Trinity Rodman, setting up a semifinal rematch with Germany. Were the players just too tired? Is Emma Hayes's focus on chemistry over fresh legs about to blow up in her face? Was the Japanese defense just too good for the US? Thankfully, the US's defense was even better. Eric and Evan get into all of it and preview the semifinal via Germany's penalty-shootout win against Canada!
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The USWNT beat Australia 2-1 in the final round of the Olympics group stage, topping the group and heading to the quarterfinals to play Japan on Saturday. Despite all the hand-wringing about the US heading into the tournament, they finished group play with the best goal differential the best non-penalty xG differential, the most shots taken in the box, and the most touches in the box. (There's also the small matter of Spain as the only other team to win all three of their group games.)
How did the US look against Australia? What might it portend for the knockout stage? And what dangers--and opportunities--do Japan offer? Eric & Evan tackle it all!
Sign up for our Patreon if you haven't already, where you'll get all our exclusive bonus content for only $6/month!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Bang! The USWNT rained goals on Germany in a 4-1 victory, their biggest result against a FIFA top-10 side in six years. A Sophia Smith brace, a Mallory Swanson tap-in, and a Lynn Williams dagger made Germany look far worse than their world ranking would indicate. But was it all bread and circuses for Emma Hayes's side? Eric and Evan examine the tactical imbalance that allowed the Germans to find seams on the counter--and the ways the US exploited their opponent's resulting gaps in the other direction.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
There were a couple of emphatic 3-0 wins in Group B as the Olympics tournament kicked off on Thursday. The USWNT contained Barbra Banda and put Zambia to the sword with some dazzling goals from Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson. What did the US do right? What can they carry over to their match against Germany on Sunday, a team that looked stout and strong against a naïve Australia? Eric and Evan leave no stone unturned.
Subscribe to our Patreon if you haven't already, and sign up for our tournament newsletter for fun stats and graphs from each round of games!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Here we go again! One year to the week that xOG launched, we find ourselves on the precipice of yet another major international tournament. The USWNT are in the Olympics Group of Death; how will they manage opposition as varied as Zambia, Germany, and Australia? Eric and Evan plunge into the US lineup, head coach Emma Hayes's tactical plans, and what tests each of their group B opponents offer.
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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The resident Canadian drops in to discuss the comparisons between Jesse Marsch and triple G, while Ben and Harrison have an astute conversation about how they think about international play analytically.
The USWNT offered a lot in their 1-0 victory over Mexico on a hot and muggy day in New Jersey. Was their lack of finishing something to be concerned over? Can Rose Lavelle be counted on in the absence of an injured Catarina Macario? Will Korbin Albert ever do what it takes to stop being booed?
Plus, we have a big announcement about something we can't wait to debut when the Olympics starts! Stay tuned for more info!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The two best teams in the NWSL had to wait until the final matchweek before the Olympics break to square off, and dear lord was it worth the wait. Brain-busting goals from Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga, a game-changing second yellow card for Carrie Lawrence, and a feisty, physical encounter all made this fixture an instant classic. Eric and Evan analyze what Seb Hines and Orlando did right, and maybe what Vlatko Andonovski and Kansas City did wrong.
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Eric and Evan debate another notable NWSL head coach sacking, hand out some Midseason Awards and go deep on Chicago's 3-0 "rout" of San Diego... was it a rout? What is even is a rout?
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The boys get existential about what drives winning and how you build your organization when you have a generational coach. And, trivia.
We're now (just over) halfway through the 2024 NWSL regular season, and trends are emerging! Eric and Evan uncover a host of interesting nuggets about how teams are playing this year compared to past seasons.
Why on earth did the San Diego Wave "part ways" with Casey Stoney? (00:16)
Where did parity go? Is it simply a byproduct of expansion? (08:37)
Does the increase in goalscoring come down to Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga, et al.? (18:00)
The league still loves transition tactics, but how have they morphed in 2024? (20:36)
How do the Chicago Red Stars, Racing Louisville, and Orlando Pride buck current tactical trends? (25:17)
Are the Pride or the Kansas City Current the tactical future of the NWSL? (29:16)
How has money influenced both tactics and the development of players to fit those tactics? (35:21)
Whose first-half results have been real or not real? (42:55)
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
ASA recently dropped the anonymous MLS analytics survey, as well as the Analytics Tier List for MLS and the guys get into who is where and how that lined up with expectation, as well as where the league is heading analytically.
Gotham FC's 2-0 victory on the road against Racing Louisville was about as ugly as 2-0 victories get, but dig under the hood and you see that the preseason Shield favorites are finally coming into their own. The galacticos of Dunn, Lavelle, Davidson and Sonnett started their second game in a row together. Ella Stevens can't stop scoring. Ann-Katrin Berger might be the best keeper in the whole league right now. Is it all finally coming together for Juan Carlos Amorós's squad? Eric and Evan debate the finer points of Gotham's resurgence.
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The Seattle Reign got smoked by the Kansas City Current over the weekend. That such a result would be par for the course shows what kind of season Laura Harvey's crew have had. Sylvs of Shea Butter FC hopped on to talk about Reign history, the struggles of the team in the void of the team sale yet to close, and what glimmers of hope Jordyn Huitema's two goals could represent.
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The day has come: Emma Hayes is now the head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team. The side demolished South Korea for a combined scoreline of 7-0. Sam Staab and Lily Yohannes each earned their first caps. The law firm of Smith, Swanson, and Rodman served papers to their opponents over and over again. Alex Morgan--well, she was present.
What did we learn about how Hayes wants the team to play? Eric and Evan uncover all the tactical nuggets across the two friendlies, then project the USWNT's likely 18-player Olympics roster. The takes get spicy.
Need a pick-me-up? Four out of five doctors recommend SoMalloTrin!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Week 10! Two teams. Two massive victories. Two bright futures ahead? Eric and Evan ponder the meaning of Houston's staggering 3-0 home win over North Carolina and examine the implications of Racing Louisville's 1-0 away result in Chicago. H-town madness? Kentucky fried conquest? We're curious too.
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Kieran remembers Om Arvind, whose fundraiser you can donate to here: https://gofund.me/78b2bf97 . The boys join to discuss US Open Cup and MLS’ place in the larger US Soccer pyramid, Toronto FC, and Seattle. As always, trivia.
Another week, another brutal Utah Royals loss. Though the scoreline was a mere 1-0 defeat on the road to the North Carolina Courage, the expansion side was under siege pretty much from minute one. Eric and Evan use the Royals' performance to figure out just how badly the season has gone for the club, and what bright spots may be on the horizon.
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
More transparency! More accountability! More Own Goals! Kieran guest stars as the Grim Reaper in Evan and Eric's Own Goal Bogus Journey!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Harrison, Ben, and Kieran talk Inter Miami and the Lazarus pit driven powers of Messi and friends. Messi, good or not? Important questions. And, trivia.
We here at Expected Own Goals are about transparency and accountability. That's why, at the point in the season when xG stabilizes and becomes sticky, we've decided to go back and cop to our best and worst own goals from our preseason predictions. Kieran's back to face the music along with Eric and Evan. Be sure to tune in later this week for Part II, where the gang digs into the players that have surprised and disappointed them the most!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
We've been putting it off all season, but after a tough loss to the Washington Spirit and an emphatic win against Bay FC, we can put it off no longer: we must discuss the fourth-place Chicago Red Stars. Eric and Evan were joined by Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports to dissect the Laura Ricketts-Lorne Donaldson era of the team, if their early-season success is sticky or a mirage, and who will step up to score besides Mallory Swanson. Rep the 3-1-2, or the 7-7-3, or the 4-6-4, or whatever else people tear up about on The Bear!
Listen to Football is Wife, hosted by Lesley Ryder and Emily Anderson
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Ben, Harrison, and Kieran get in the weeds about Dejan Joveljic’s career progression and how LAFC are always good even when they aren’t that good. And, trivia.
Is Orlando the best team in the NWSL right now? They just might be. An emphatic 3-2 victory over the Washington Spirit on the road cemented what could be a hyper-organized defense with Barbra Banda as the tip of the spear. Other teams attack at your own peril.
Evan and Eric dig into what made Banda so special, as well as what the future might hold for the Spirit--and Ashley Hatch--once Leicy Santos and Jonatan Giráldez arrive in June.
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The NWSL spring trade deadline has come and gone, and somehow, both the Houston Dash and Angel City made some significant moves. Eric and Evan brought Kieran Doyle-Davis on to get into all of the gobsmacking behavior by both teams in moving some major players. Then, they dig into Angel City's victory over the North Carolina Courage, and how a team with 62% possession and who topped the home side on xG 2.1 - 0.5 managed to still leave Los Angeles without a result. Plus, we'll hear from Angel City head coach Becki Tweed with her tactical analysis of the match!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
We last checked in on the Kansas City Current in Week 1. What a difference a month makes! They're sitting atop the table on 10 points, have a potential superstar in Temwa Chawinga, and got a road point against Evan and Eric's preseason title favorite, Gotham FC. But is Chawinga the real deal? Were Juan Carlos Amorós's tactics too clever by half? Who looks like the better bet to keep succeeding in the weeks to come? Dive in, baby!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The USWNT is SheBelieves Cup champion once again. Woo...hoo? The Twila Kilgore era comes to a close on a second penalty shootout win over Canada in a month, and leaves us wondering: what did Kilgore do well? What did she miss on? Is the team in better shape now than it was back in August? Furthermore, who is in pole position for each Olympics roster spot? Eric and Evan answer all these questions and more! (Evan may or may not sing at the end of the episode. Fair warning.)
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Ben went to the Rapids game and hits us with some in person reporting, and the guys answer some listener questions including: how do we make more soccer analysts?
No fewer than three NWSL games were decided in the final moments of stoppage time last weekend, but each were decided in different ways. San Diego survived its battle of attrition through well timed bravery, while Portland's overwhelming attacking talent finally breached Louisville's walls. Bay FC and the Houston Dash fully embraced their stubborn, attack-loving identities and the Dash tripped into victory. Eric and Evan ponder how these teams all managed a late result, hear from Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya on his side's approach, and parse what it means for these teams' talents more broadly.
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Harrison returns from his Kraken based absence and the crew talk about some early season things that may or may not continue as the sample size fairy visits us every week. Also, trivia.
A jam-packed, wackadoo weekend unfolded in the NWSL, with golazos and refereeing madness and everything in between. Eric, Evan and Arianna drill down on the Washington Spirit's 2-1 victory over Bay FC. Are Bay's tactics naïve? Has their depth been exposed? Is Croix Bethune the resurrection and the light? 1) Maybe 2) Probably 3) Get on your knees and pray.
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The greatest league in the world has returned, and boy was it a doozy! From first-minute penalties in Seattle, to the Naeher-aissance denying Utah their first-ever win in front of a "sold out" crowd, to 17-year-old Kennedy Fuller making as many headlines as Bay FC goalscorer Asisat Oshoala, there were narratives galore.
But Eric, Evan, and Arianna can only focus on one thing: the Kansas City Current and Portland Thorns opening CPKC Stadium with nine goals, tying the NWSL single-game record. Did Mike Norris make a wise decision rolling out an entirely new backline? Did Vlatko Andonovski properly adjust to Janine Beckie's arrival in the second half? What on earth was Christine Sinclair doing starting the game at right wing? They get into all of it and more.
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music byDevin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
We did it. NWSL Season Preview Week concludes with last year’s champions and Shield winners, who square off tonight in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Wave added a genuine playmaker in Savannah McCaskill, but otherwise remain largely unchanged from their table-topping campaign. Will McCaskill and USWNT phenom Jaedyn Shaw be enough to keep Casey Stoney’s offense sparking? Meanwhile, Gotham signed four gálacticos and maintained a remarkable amount of depth. They’re the favorites to win it all again, but can Juan Carlos Amorós make this group start gelling quickly together?
Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams.
Art byEli Elbogen
Music byDevin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
The day has arrived! Arianna “Doc” Cascone makes her xOG début as we head into the homestretch of NWSL Season Preview Week. First up, Eric and Evan consider another team whose offseason was influenced by ownership transition. The Thorns replaced Crystal Dunn with Jessie Fleming (lol) and blended veteran re-signings with some young and untested internationals on the backline (hmmm). Even if they’re a touch leaky, will they score enough goals to still win? Then, Arianna comes on to break down the Courage, and whether Ashley Sanchez is a bright enough spark to help them score goals in Kerolin’s absence.
Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams, one of which was written by Arianna herself!
Check out Arianna’s work at Backheeled
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Harrison goes to watch the Kraken, so Kieran and Ben commiserate as wooden spoon buddies. An update on the g+ draft and a deep dive on an MLS legend's instagram feed.
Another two-episode day here at xOG for NWSL Season Preview Week. We’re heading out to the the best coast to talk about two playoff teams at a crossroads. Angel City seems to be tightening budgets as the bill comes due for their previous offseason work. Will now-permanent head coach Becki Tweed be able to recapture the magic of their playoff run, with Messiah Bright and Rocky Rodríguez in tow? Then, Eric and Evan welcome Reign reporter Susie Rantz to unpack how the still-not-closed sale of the Reign has affected their offseason, and whether there is enough spark in the roster to get to the postseason for the eighth time in the club’s 11-year history.
Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams (both written by Evan!)
Check out Susie’s work at Ride of the Valkyries
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
RECORDED BEFORE SIMONE CHARLEY’S AND RAFAELLE’S INJURY ANNOUNCEMENTS
In part two of today’s entries in xOG’s NWSL Season Preview Week, Eric and Evan dive into the fetid swamps of two teams making big moves but also not completely certain of their futures. Pride GM Haley Carter made a big, late splash in signing Barbra Banda. Orlando will score goals, but will they be able to do much else? Is there a Marta succession plan? Will Adriana be their only hope? Then, writer, analyst, podcaster and all-around bon vivant André Carlisle dives deep into the Washington Spirit, and how incoming head coach Jonatan Giráldez will bring his Barcelona DNA to a team that barely managed 46% possession last season.
Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams
Check out André’s work at the Beyond the Vaudevillian Cane newsletter, and the Diaspora United and HEY SPIRITS podcasts
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Our second episode today heads down south for the next edition of NWSL Season Preview Week. Louisville has a clear recruitment strategy—buy low on young internationals—but are hoping for a clear stylistic identity with new head coach Bev Yanez. The Dash are doing something similar with Fran Alonso and players like Cece Kizer and rookie Avery Patterson. Dash reporter and Squad Depth podcast host Theo Lloyd-Hughes breaks down Alonso’s approach to making the Dash a playoff contender. This is a good one, folks!
Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams
Check out Theo’s work at the Squad Depth newsletter and podcast
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
It’s a two-episode day on xOG as we roll along with NWSL Season Preview Week and continue to enjoy our new partnership with American Soccer Analysis! Eric and Evan dig into two teams undergoing massive change. The Chicago Red Stars have new owners, a new GM, and a new head coach, as they begin their long but hopeful rebuild. The Current hired Vlatko Andonovski as their head coach, and want to make a splash in their new stadium. Will any of it work for these two midwest stalwarts?
Click here to check out ASA's written preview of today's teams!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
This is a really exciting day. In addition to launching NWSL Season Preview Week--an entire week of content previewing all 14 teams--we are thrilled to announce that we've partnered with American Soccer Analysis to be their women's soccer content partner! If you've already subscribed to us on our feed, no need to do anything; episodes will show up every Tuesday morning as before. If you're coming to us from following ASA Show, welcome! Eric and Evan love talking about the NWSL, the USWNT, and global women's football through the same lens as Kieran and the gang: data, tactics, and the nitty-gritty of the beautiful game. Hope you enjoy the show, and kick back as Kieran joins us for our first two previews: the Utah Royals and Bay FC!
Click here to check out ASA's written preview of today's teams!
Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs
Note: Some minor cursing. Listener discretion is advised.
The pod returns for the 2024 season, with a new member! The gents debate the morality of good and bad developments for MLS, and draft a g+ competition.
It’s the end of the MLS seasons and the lads discuss MLS Cup, give Nancy his flowers, and go team by team with non denominational holiday gifts for every MLS team. As always, trivia.
The boys get in the weeds about the MLS playoff format, congratulate some ASA alum, and trivia returns.
Oh boy, cover your children’s ears, Kieran and Harrison get HEATED while a rugged Ian moderates the Best XI discussion.
Ian returns from the Wrexham Whooping Cough and the LADS talk about worthy Supporter’s Shield winners FC Cincinnati before diving into playoff probabilities and some of the difficulty in modelling MLS. Also, trivia.
Ian is out with Messi Fever and the boys called in backup. Former Vancouver Whitecaps Director of Recruitment Nikos Overheul opens our eyes into recruitment in MLS, the value of strategic thinking, how to build a team/organization. And also, trivia.
The boys try a cold open, Harrison enjoys Happy Hour, there really is nothing fun to say about Portland.
Many technical difficulties made this very late. We hope you enjoy it anyway. We discuss Colorado, Montreal, Miami and of course there is trivia from the Kingmaker
Some kind of big signing happened, and so the boys have to talk about that for a while, but hopefully in an interesting way and not the dumb breathless OMG MESSI kind of way. Also, Houston and Nashville. And Trivia.
Arielle, Arianna, and Kieran sit down to discuss some early takeaways from the NWSL season.
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more The guys meet on an “internet phone call” of sorts to discuss the latest MLS narratives, and then deep dive on Chicago and RSL. Also, Trivia.
Harrison, Kieran, and Ian remember a guy, discuss a fledgling Charlotte, a resurgent Vancouver, and then do some triva
Harrison, Kieran, and Ian discuss that really weird trade, the Vanzeir incident, the Red Bulls and Toronto Football Club. Also, there is trivia.
The ASA boys weekly discussion turns to that of FC Cincinnati and what helped turn them around from punching bag to prizefighter. Also trivia.
Ian, Kieran, and Harrison discuss the greatest team in Major League Soccer history, and also the LA Galaxy and the Columbus Crew.
The guys sit down and talk about the goings on in MLS over the first two weeks of the season, our new Apple overlords, and then dive deep on Seattle. Then, of course, is trivia.
This one's a little late, but the boys discuss
MLS Cup.Intro: Let's Go Get The Goal - Don't Kick the Baby
Outro: Guns for Hire - Woodkid
Edited/Produced by Simon Thwaits
Kieran and Ian discuss the MLS semifinals, and preview MLS Cup.
Intro - Let's go Get the Goal - Don't Kick the Baby
Outro - Ready for Tomorrow - Ratboy & IDBY
The ASA lads discuss some MLS Playoffs. That's it. That's the Podcast.
Intro: Let's Go Get the Goal - Don't Kick the Baby
Outro: Chaise Longue - Wet Leg
The American and Canadian lads have a chat about their picks for end of season awards. The "Kieran Does Trivia" segment provides one of the most dramatic moments in sports history.
Intro: Let's Go Get the Goal - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro: I Really Want to Stay at Your House - Rosa Walton, Hallie Coggins
Two shows in two weeks from the ASA boys. This is an unprecedented run of form. Guest Mike Imburgio comes on to help discuss recruitment, Atlanta, Dallas, LA, and of course Harrison demolishes Ian at MLS trivia.
Intro: Let's Go Get the Goal - Don't Kick the Baby
Outro: Hitohira No Hanabira - Stereopony
The Boys are back? Harrison, Ian, and Kieran break down some of the more interesting storylines of the MLS campaign thus far. Kieran puts Ian and Harrison's MLS knowledge to the test, and they are found wanting.
Intro: Let's Go Get The Goal - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro: Across That Fine Line - Nation of Language
Hello World!
The ASA Pod has once again as promise returned! But in such epic fashion as has never before been seen. This episode boasts a grand total of 179 minutes, nearly 3 hours, of beautiful audio content. All discussing National Teams and the United States Men’s National Team to be specific.
A grand conversations on sample size, squad selections and data as well as much much MUCH more were had. A big thank you to both, the wonderful and deep thinking Bobby Warshaw as well as consummate professional tactical nerd, Joseph Lowery who each gave such a considerable amount of their valuable time to talk with Harrison Crow in respective segments for this episode.
We have more long form episodes we’re working on over the next few months which we hope will follow consecutive month releases. We are targeting Thursday specifically as our release days. As mentioned at the end of the podcasts the amount of time that went into planning and producing these podcast were significant. A big thanks to Ian, Drew Olsen, Jamon Moore, Sean Steffen, Harrison Crow and Simon Thwaits for their respective help in getting this off the ground as well as the many other ASA Staff who were bugged, poked and variously surveyed for their thoughts and feedback.
As always, we do this not for ourselves but for the community and as such we expect that you do your part and give us feedback. Hit us up on our contacts page. Tell us what you don’t like or, be a weirdo, tell us the cool things you do like. I know no one on the internet does positive constructive feedback or encouragement but we should do love it!
We thank you for listening and, as Ian always says, enjoy the soccer!
Folks, we’re back. This time with some smarty pants folks. One of the ASA founders and all around smart guy Matthias Kullowatz drops by to do some high level discussions of G+. Additionally we have Jamon Moore who hangs out and helps facilitate hosting duties in Ian’s stead.
We appreciate all those that sent DM’s or public messages to help facilitate questions and general discussion. This won’t be the last time we dissect things and talk about our player model but this was a good start.
As always you get us on twitter at @harrison_crow, @mattyanselmo and @jmoorequakes
Harrison (@harrison_crow) and Ian (@ahandleforian) offer up some takes on the newest cryptocurrency which is being lauded by multiple MLS players. They let it be known that they each (and producer Simon too) are willing to do any advertisements for money! Oh, they also talk some soccer and even a bit of European Football.
Intro: Let’s Go Get the Goal - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro: Black Sheep - The Clash at Demonhead
Harrison (@harrison_crow) and Ian (@ahandleforian) take on some of the burning questions that exist in the back of your mind. Such what the heck is happening statistically between Nashville, NYC and Sporting. The two then suddenly have a barrage of DC takes because… who knew? There is also some random dunking on Gio Savarese. Enjoy!
Intro: Let’s Go Get the Goal - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro: Fruitless - Bridal Party
Harrison (@harrison_crow) and Ian (@ahandleforian) catch back up on some of the items they’ve missed from their mini break. Seems like these San Jose folks are good, maybe Vancouver too? What is the drama in Atlanta and Columbus? We talk about it plus other things in the G+ realm. Tune in!
Intro: Let’s Go Get the Goal - Don’t Kick the Baby
The Cat Came Back - Tex Morgan
Harrison (@harrison_crow) and Ian (@ahandleforian) must address the elephant in the room and talk gasp Euro soccer (sorry, Drew). Then review the week one events of Major League Soccer as it pertains to them while also highlighting some numbers and various statistical narratives from the week. The guys then break down some of their thoughts on the Frankie Amaya trade.
Intro: Let’s Go Get the Goal - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro: そのいのち - Kaho Nakamura
Not one but two Podcasts this week as this is part 2 of our MLS 2021 between Harrison (@harrison_crow) and Ian (@ahandleforian) as they discuss the Western Conference.
Intro: Let’s Go Get the Goal - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro: Break my Fall - Doc Robinson
Part 1 of our MLS 2021 Preview with Harrison (@harrison_crow) and Ian (@ahandleforian) covers the Eastern Conference by our vary own and unique power ranking system, enjoy!
Intro Let’s Go Get the Goal - Dont’ Kick the Baby
Outro: Only Home I’ve Ever Known - The California Honeydrops
I would use some catchy “we’re back!” title but I feel like I’ve used that a lot over the last few years. Honestly more than anything I simply want to thank all of those that have reached out and encouraged us to come back. Getting back in the chair and chatting about this league is a lot of fun and is a wonderful distraction everything going on both in the world and even in our little soccer community.
We took some time out to talk about our time away from the podcast and how it’s been coming back. What this season looks like compared to other years and why we may have even missed some opportunities in looking at performance in isolation due to the regional play.
We also took time to bemoan, complain and whine about why Matt Turner didn’t win the Goal Keeper of the Year but also took time to acknowledge that picking awards is actually pretty hard. Then we complain more.
We even had a few takes on these early rounds and why the playoffs are probably more important this year than it has been the last few seasons.
There are plans to come back and do more of these in the coming weeks to include some interviews and bringing on other guys from ASA that are doing more of the heavy lifting. As before you can reach me on e-mail at harrison.m.crow@gmail.com. You can also hit either of us up on twitter at harrison_crow or ahandleforian.
It’s our first podcast of the year and we start it off talking about … well, a lot of things and yet it’s kind of a lot of nothing. Major League Soccer has some new Designated Players, Miami and Nashville both have actual players now on their team but there is still work to be done with most teams including those playing CCL in about a month.
The hold up? We are still waiting for much of the details for the 2020 season to be finalized with the CBA and we talk about how that will probably impact TAM and signing players through it’s respective mechanism. If you have a question or want to propose a topic for our podcast this year, use the #AskASAPod on twitter or hit us up on the email.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Anitra’s Basement Tapes - The Coup
We sat down and talked about this upcoming MLS Cup game because… well everyone else is doing it. Specifically we talk about an episode that we didn’t release because A) we recorded it late and B) it wasn’t super relevant after the Sounders and Toronto knocked off the respective favorites in each conference final.
Of course, we review some of the various details of what we might have gotten wrong about Seattle and Toronto as well as what was specifically very right, how it’s good to focus on what we got wrong and generally just talk about things that distract us from the topics we had initially set out to discuss.
We’ll be back after MLS Cup but … it’ll be a bit here and there going forward so, stay tuned!
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Elvis in the Freezer - Ratboys
We finally got around to recording a podcast and mostly did it because Drew’s out of office this week and we are unsupervised children running around the (virtual) office in our underwear like Tom Cruise in Risky Business.
Now with that visual in your head.
We discuss a whole array of topics covering the Western Conference, Eastern Conference, teams Harrison got wrong and teams Ian got right. We discuss coaches being fired. We also discuss awards and how much they suck and who should get them to make them suck less.
We will return to you, the listener, and your questions in the coming weeks. So keep sending us your questions. Use the twitter hash tag #AskASAPod. Live it, love it, use it! You can hit us up on the old e-mail in the contact us page too!
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music - Nothing Else - Nomand the Chong (feat Jax Anderson)
RBNY midfielder Sean Davis joins Ian and Drew to discuss the burgeoning field of analytics from a player's perspective.
Is LAFC still good??? It’s these types of tantalizing topics that are always explored and quickly answered on this podcast. The team does discuss Mason Toye and his career projection and wrap up some of the more interesting issues left over from last weekend, such as when will the Galaxy ever defend again? Things change gears as the team also looks into why Houston would keep Mauro Mantos over having eight million dollars in transfer fees.
We of course also hit the listener questions. Which, say, are you sending us questions? Are you using the twitter hash tag? #AskASAPod. Live it, love it, use it! Or hit us up on the old e-mail we’re listed in the contact us page.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: In The Fog, In the Flame - Bec Sandridge
It’s not every week that we talk about Atlanta winning a trophy. Just twice this month, to Ian’s absolute delight! The team break down some of the various particulars of the US Open Cup final and some of what went wrong for Minnesota as well as what went right for Atlanta.
The conversation is then turned to the review of LAFC-LA Galaxy and the possibility of a playoff match up as well as the outlook of the Western Conference. Could Zlatan have enough at the end to lift LA Galaxy past LAFC? How much are LAFC favorites out of the west and what does the new playoff system favor? What are some better playoff methods?
Lastly, the podcast team dives headlong into the top of the Eastern Conference and specifically chat about why Philadelphia isn’t considered more by the media as a possible 1 seed out of the East. They come back around to Atlanta and also talk about why NYCFC is the most favored by our model and why it might slightly be discounting Atlanta.
As always we take listener questions and discuss a few closing topics including one that we tuck away for this off-season. If you have a question or want to propose a topic for our podcast in the future use the #AskASAPod on twitter or hit us up on the email.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Hi Ho - The War and Treaty
The season is winding down and wouldn’t you know it, the Seattle Sounders are on a downward spiral but unlike years past there is less that seems to point that they’ll figure things out before the playoffs. Just south the Timbers are putting together an impressive counter attack and while their xGA is similar, there are key differences which point to Portland having a much better, more compact defensive unit.
Aside from the run down of Cascadia the team launch in on Darlington Nagbe and his overratedness, talk a bit about Minnesota, RSL and LA Galaxy all vying for two home positions and then they sort through some listener questions including Fredy Montero, a team’s most replaceable xG creator and the Red Bulls new winger Josh Sims.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR US? It’s a thing, now. No seriously, it’s totally a thing. Be a contributor to this podcast by hitting us up with questions and topics you want to hear about. You can reach us on e-mail at harrison.m.crow@gmail.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at harrison_crow or ahandleforian or use the #AskASApod.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Bad Habit - Your Smith
ASA’s dynamic duo return to discuss the many more MLS moves that seem to keep coming on strong. They shift into RSL’s recent defensive surge and discuss whether or not we can expect it to keep happening., touch on how good NYC have gotten over the second half of the season and lastly talk a bit about the NYRB, Brian White and a touch a bit on Bradley Wright Phillips.
Got questions for us?
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR US? It’s a thing, now. No seriously, it’s totally a thing. Be a contributor to this podcast by hitting us up with questions and topics you want to hear about. You can reach us on e-mail at harrison.m.crow@gmail.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at harrison_crow or ahandleforian or use the #AskASApod.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Surefire - Wilderado
The team knock out the biggest story of the week—the trade of Patrick Mullins to Toronto. They also talk about some of the lesser deals and rumors. Which leads to a bit of a dive into Chicago and what they have going for themselves and what pieces other teams may or may not want. Lastly, as they’ve been apt to do of late, they answer some of your questions.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR US? It’s a thing, now. No seriously, it’s totally a thing. Be a contributor to this podcast by hitting us up with questions and topics you want to hear about. You can reach us on e-mail at harrison.m.crow@gmail.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at harrison_crow or ahandleforian or use the #AskASApod.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music - I Wanna Keep Yr Dog - illuminati hotties
Harrison and Ian gather round their microphone in their remote offices to recap the latest with USWNT, USMNT and MLS news. They then turn their attention to discuss their respective all-star selections from the eastern and then western conferences. Lastly we get to some of your questions.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR US? It’s a thing, now. No seriously, it’s totally a thing. Be a contributor to this podcast by hitting us up with questions and topics you want to hear about. You can reach us on e-mail at harrison.m.crow@gmail.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at harrison_crow or ahandleforian or use the #AskASApod.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music - This Time It’s Different - Heart Bones
The dynamic duo, Harrison and Ian, are back at it. They chat about some of the MLS news, a couple of transfers, some results and the general thoughts on the status of the national team. We finally break on our positive stance with Cincinnati and use some World of Warcraft references to drive home our perspectives. Out west SKC is some how in a similar situation and their playoff hopes are quickly dwindling. We talk a bit about what needs to change and what they can do to help stymie their chances. Oh, and as always we take your questions… including one on a Jozy rumor that causes a bit of a debate.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music - Always Sayin’ - Littlest Man Band
Harrison and Ian take a look at the Eastern Conference at (roughly) the half way point in the season. Looking at teams from the bottom up. They talk narratives and why some are spot on and why others are completely wrong.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Morning Terrors, Nights of Dread - Shilpa Ray
Harrison and Ian take a look at the Western Conference at (roughly) the half way point in the season. Looking at teams from the bottom up. They talk narratives and why some are spot on and why others are completely wrong. Next week, we’ll talk Eastern Conference.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Way Down Hadestown - Anais Mitchell
The Colorado Rapids win a game! Go crazy, Harrison and Ian do. They talk a bit about the Rapids, the pending retirement of DaMarcus Beasley as well as the late breaking news of Chad Marshall and what his career looks like. The conversation of course moves into Wondo land and then into some hidden gems that can still be found around MLS.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: House of my Mortal Father - Pomegranates
It was a busy busy week in the wide world of Major League Soccer. Signings were made, trades happened and coaches (THREE!) were fired. Ian and Harrison run down some of the moves that teams made at the MLS Spring deadline and talk post-mortems for the Cincinnati, the Colorado Rapids and New England. They also answer some questions from the twitter and talk about dumb things that Caleb Porter said.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: I Love You Like a Brother - Alex Lahey
A little late this week, but Harrison and Ian discuss MLS goings on and then take some time to answer some our dear listeners' questions
Two weeks later the dynamic duo returns! But even after two weeks as that much really changed? Ian and Harrison discuss who they believe to be on the hot seat and even more spicy, who is not. They then spend a lot of time gabbing about LAFC and just how good they are. Because neither were sure you, the listener, were aware. Finally, everything gets tied together with a nice bow by declaring the Eastern Conference a complete cluster.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro music: Charly Bliss - Hard to Believe
Harrison and Ian discuss the existential of “what even is two yards?” and does it matter on the field when taking a free kick. They also go through some of the tactical odditities that makes Matt Hedges more useful and they break Marc dos Santos and his early tenure. Lastly they discuss some surprising early results, like are the Chicago Fire secretly not terrible? TUNE IN!
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music - Mannen I Elva - Me and the Julios
This week we covered USMNT in wrap up fashion, hit some of the Major League Soccer highlights and talked a bit about the early MVP race.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music - Glass Jar - Tristen
This week Ian mentions how much he doesn’t know and even a little bit disdains tactics so we therein we explore the subject in regards to the national team (some thing else Ian dislikes right now) and Tyler Adams. We move on to discuss how teams in MLS with new coaches, are seeing stylistic changes in their approaches over the first three games.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music : Above the Bodega (Local Business) - Titus Andronicus
This week Ian decides to put Harrison in his place as his U9 team experiences it’s first loss. Harrison talks a bit about what it’s like wearing the coaches hat. The pair then run down some important talking points around MLS after week two.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music : Pinc Louds - Soul in my Body
This week we talk about week one topics, review some of the things we did and did not expect. We then talk about pressing and some of nuances we experience when we look at the data. Then, lastly, we discuss crossing and the tactical components of it.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music : Funky Ghost - Bandits on the Run
Remember that thing we did last week? Well, Ian and Harrison do it again. This time dissecting Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference providing insight on the changing landscape of the most Eastiest Conference in the Major Leagues of Soccer. The dynamic duo also deliver some rough predictions for the season with how they expect these teams to fair..
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music : Smog - Cold Blooded Old Times
Ian and Harrison dissect Major League Soccer’s Western Conference providing insight on the changing landscape of the most Westest Conference in the League. The dynamic duo also deliver some predictions for the season with how they expect these teams to fair..
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music :Jessica Hoop - Animal Kingdom Chaotic
Ian and Harrison are back from their various offseason activities to break down a whole lot of MLS goings on.
Intro Music: Let's Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don't Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Have You Seen my Son? - Benjamin Booker
Decision Day has been decided and Ian and Harrison breakdown the bonkers events of that day (3:00) Talk some DC United (38:00) and RSL (47:00) and Harrison shares his playoff bracket with Ian who has some notes (53:22)
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Cocaine Jesus - Rainbow Kitten Surprise
More coaching news than you can shake a stick at and Harrison and Ian try and shift through all of the rubble plus Piatti and End of Season Awards (2:00) Playoff deep dives continue with Columbus (30:00) and Seattle (47:30).
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Write It All Down For You - Elliott Brood
Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
Another international break doesn’t slow down the news as Ian and Harrison muse on San Jose’s new manager and other hot topics (1:30) Then it’s back to the playoff deep dives, first the Portland Timbers (20:00) and then the Philadelphia Union (46:00)
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Elementary School Dropout - Yucky Duster
Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
Ian and Harrison are joined by @thedummyrun and they start things off with a little discussion of the USMNT callups and mlsssocer.com’s 22u22 list (2:15) The deep dives continue starting with LAFC (33:30) and then of course NYCFC (47:50).
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro Music: Bach - Dan Reeder
The US Open Cup has ended and Ian and Harrison give it a short breakdown (1:32) Another coach has left the MLS family and Ian is only too happy to stump for Marc dos Santos as his replacement (13:49) Week 2 of our playoff team deep dives and this week we’ve got RBNY (29:00) and FC Dallas (44:45).
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get the Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro Music: In The Best Case Scenario We’d Die at the Same Time - My Name is Ian
It’s moving day for some Western Conference managers, and Ian and Harrison ponder what comes next (2:00).
Then we start our weekly deep dive on Playoff teams. Up first: Atlanta (17:00) and Sporting Kansas City (38:30).
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get the Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro Music: Necromancin’ Dancin’ - Bear Ghost
Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
This week Ian and Harrison discuss the USMNT (5:00) NYCFC in the stat of the week (27:00) and weigh in on the Supporters Shield (45:00)
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get the Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby
Outro Music: The Way We Move - Langhorne Slim & The Law
Not one, not two, but THREE Stats of the Week. The boys discuss Josef Martinez again and Colorado’s new found appearance of competency (5:00). Seattle are back on their second half thing but how are they doing it? (28:00) Harrison expresses dismay at the lack of Jonathan Lewis in his “young guns” segment(45:00).
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get the Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro Music: Easy Kid - J.E. Sunde
Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
The ASA guys are joined by USSF Hackathon Champion Kevin Minkus to break down the current state of target forwards in the stat of the week (3:00) Much has been made this week about Philly being fun and the guys dissect their season (26:30) Harrison spotlights another one of his favorite young players, Handwalla Bwana (41:00) and Kevin shares some fun “US Soccer landscape history” with us (52:00)
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get the Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Great Vacation - Dirt Poor Robins
Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
The trade deadline has come and gone and Ian and Harrison strap in to sift through the rubble. First up though: Stat of the Week! Harrison shares his watchability rankings (5:00) After that, it’s all transaction drama (24:00)
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get The Goal (MLS)
Outro Music: That’s How I Got To Memphis - Karl Blau
Ian and Harrison discuss the All Star game (1:00) - They discuss San Jose’s winless ways (14:00) - Do NYCFC have road woes? (36:00) - FC Dallas quietly mounting a SS challenge (44:00) - Harrison introduces an occasional new feature “Harrison’s Young Guns” (53:00)
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get the Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro Music: Cold Sweat - Church of the Cosmic Skull
Ian greatly underestimates how many defensive actions are performed in our stat of the week (7:00), Harrison and Ian opine about potential trades and Harrison has his Taylor Twellman moment (30:00).
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get the Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Jetpack Blues, Sunset Hues - Anamanaguchi
Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
The ASA boys are back this week with a very special guest Eliot McKinley (@etmckinley)! The stat of the week from @thedummyrun discusses the metric of “save efficiency” (2:30), and Eliot shares his experience at the latest USSF hackathon where team ASA and friends were awarded top prize (21:00).
Here's a link to an article about decision making in the final third that somebody mentions.
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Don’t Wait For Him - Side Saddle
Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
The ASA boys are back from their World Cup vacation. They take some time to reflect on the big tournament (2:00), It’s time for all star talk, and Ian and Harrison share their picks with the world.(15:00)
Into Music: Let’s Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick the Baby
Outro Music: Avalon - Foxygen
Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
Harrison and Ian have World Cup Fever and the only cure is talking about Major League Soccer. They discuss DC United’s ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in this week’s Interesting Stat of the Week. (7:00) Aftewards they engage in a little game of “Where are the Goals?” featuring some of MLS’ least prolific scorers (27:30). Special thanks to @ExiledMLS for the stat of the week and all of our listeners for tuning in! Happy World Cup!
Intro Music: Let’s Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby (Eds. note: Does this song inspire anyone else to want to kick a baby?)
Outro Music: Everybody Wants to Love You - Japanese Breakfast
Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
It’s a slighty shorter version of the ASA show as Ian and Harrison discuss World Cup Callups in our stat of the week from @stathunting (3:30) and ponder the value of homefield advantage (26:00). Apologies for some lesser audio quality this week. We’re investigating and should have things back to scratch next time!
Intro Music: Go Get the Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Messidona - Driver Friendly
We have not one but TWO interesting stats of the week and we talk GK xG and the art of blocking (1:10). After that we take a deep dive into Sporting Kansas City’s season which ventures into discussion of the LA Galaxy and some weird MLS fan fiction from Harrison (22:30)
Into Music: Let’s Go Get The Goal (MLS) - Don’t Kick The Baby
Outro Music: Oh, Heart - Tank and the Bangas
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
The ASA boys are back this week with their usual blend of analysis and insecurity. Things kick off with talk of Gyasi Zardes in our interesting stat of the week (1:50) We mix it up over some rather unusual trade/transfer rumors about high profile players (11:30) Finally it’s the most hot take-able time of the year, and Ian and Harrison do not disappoint as they get very judgmental about MLS teams and their newly released payrolls (46:00)
Outro Music: €30,000 - Emperor X
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
A special bonus episode of the ASA Show! Jared Young and Jamie Hamilton of These Football Times discuss analytics, science, philosophy, and many more ideas about the beautiful game.
Outro Music: Jimmie’s Song (Full Band Version) - Emmanuel & the Fear
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
Harrison is back and he and Ian waste no time getting to Kendall’s big night and the interesting stat of the week (2:05). Harrison wants to know what’s the deal with set pieces (15:00). The boys buckle down on the West Coast and possibly alienate a sizable portion of their listener base (29:00) and finally, they talk about this Wayne Rooney bloke and how he fits in at DC United (50:00). Outro Music: How Did I Get Through the Day? - Har Mar Superstar
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
Jared Young (@jaredeyoung) is back again this week covering for Harrison and the boys talk through balls. Er…throughballs (1:30) Ian and Jared respond to a listener’s concerns about Seattle (10:00) Jared teaches Ian and America about “P-Score” (19:45) and finally the boys talk about the week that was in MLS (35:00) Outro Music: Baltimore - Mal Blum
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@ahandleforian). We're also on facebook for some reason!
This week, Jared Young (@jaredeyoung) of ASA and Stars and Stripes FC fills in for Harrison and we talk penalties in the Interesting Stat of the Week (1:30) Jared ponders where all of these goals are coming from (7:00) the boys try and make sense of Vancouver (22:00) and finally hit up all of last week’s MLS action (30:00).
Intro Music: The Worst MLS Country Music Song EVER
Outro Music: I Like You The Best - Remember Sports
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
The ASA Boys ponder Lletget’s passing style in our interesting stat of the week from @thedummyrun (1:50). Listeners send in questions, Harrison underrates Almiron, and Ian betrays the good people of Philadelphia (4:45) Finally they reflect on this year’s CCL (39:30)
Outro Music - I’m Beginning To Think You Prefer Beverly Hills 90201 to Me - Fight Like Apes
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
This week the ASA boys get cross about crossing in our interesting stat of the week (2:30). Harrison and Ian ponder what ails Real Salt Lake (15:50). Harrison and Ian review last week's games as Ian confronts his failings as an analyst (31:00). Outro Music: Tear Down The Stage -Parsonsfield
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
This week, Ian and Harrison talk about CCL and what to expect when you’re expecting goals (3:20), Our friend @thedummyrun gives us another reason to talk about Toronto with our Interesting Stat of the Week (19:00), The boys pay tribute to this week’s outstanding player (26:30) and finally we talk about the week that was in MLS action (31:30). Outro Music: Westermarck - Charly Bliss
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
This week those ASA boys briefly gush about Zlatan’s showstopping debut (1:00), take a look at average passing position and attacking zones in the “Interesting Stat of the Week”(3:15), Discuss the relative eliteness of one Victor Cabrera (12:10), and break down all of last week’s matches (32:30) Outro Music: Saint Bernard - Lincoln
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
We talk about Sean Johnson’s prolific week of passing in our stat of the week (3:30) Harrison shares his thoughts regarding the USMNT, and expresses hope for the future (6:45) Ian declares Felipe Gutierrez to be elite and we look at the underlying numbers to see if they agree. (36:40) Finally, they break down the MLS matches from last week (41:00). Outro Music: Game Winner - Vulfpeck
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
This week those ASA boys dare to Zlatan (1:00). For our interesting stat of the week we take a look at Steve Fenn’s (@stathunting) graph tracking GAM and TAM (13:00). Giovinco is mentioned again this week in connection to another series of excellent soccer plays (31:00) and Ian says the wrong score for Atlanta in a look back at last week’s matches (43:30). Outro music: “Gold Watch (feat James Lindsey)” by House Ghost
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
Hey everyone! We start off discussing our famed stat of the week and the insane volume of defensive actions accrued by Colorado in New England. Speaking of New England we come back to the Lee Nguyen situation and where could he end up? Lastly, we do a run down of all the games from the weekend comparing the expected goals and the results.
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
Hey everyone! We went just a bit longer between podcast recordings so that we could include results for this weekend. We'll be looking to release regularly on Wednesday so be on the look out in the future.
MLS is back and Ian and Harrison get back together to discuss the weird statistical happenings in the DC United and Orlando match. They also talk a bit about expected goals and how we look at those early returns both from a season perspective and a single game perspective. Lastly, give a break down from and talk about some key events.
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
New podcast host Ian Lamberson leads this weeks discussion upon the new Western Conference from bottom to top along with co-host Harrison Crow as they amp up for the new 2018 season. In this episode the duo are joined by ASA site editor Drew Olsen making a delightful cameo appearance.
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow the crew on twitter at ASA (@analysisevolved), Drew Olsen (@drewjolsen), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc). We're also on facebook for some reason!
We have a slight reboot to the podcast! Your new host Ian Lamberson leads the discussion on the Eastern Conference from bottom to top as we amp up for the new 2018 season. Harrison Crow co-hosts in this episode as the duo provide insight on each club out in the east.
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voicemail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc) on twitter and ASA on facebook.
Harrison and Ian return from the 2017 break to discuss some of the major turning points in MLS this off-season. They discuss the highly anticipated arrival of Barco to Atlanta as well as their acquisition of Darlington Nagbe. Then they go down the road of the possible transfer of Ola Kamara from Columbus to LA or another team. Finally they wrap things up discussing Lee Nguyen. There are also some mentions of Alan Gordon, Colorado, the USMNT and the MLS Super Draft just to round things out.
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voice mail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc) on twitter and ASA on facebook.
And we're back! Harrison and Ian return in the second half of last week's podcast recorded just before the new year reminiscing upon the 2017 season. This time we go east and the rehash how 2017 was for the teams of the Eastern Conference as well as going back and grabbing Real Salt Lake after they were missed in the first go 'round.
Want to leave us a comment? Call on our voice mail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc) on twitter and ASA on facebook.
Harrison and Ian spend the better half of this podcast reminiscing upon the 2017 season and the western conference. Not all of the western conference mind you (they did accidentally omit RSL--but don't worry you shall have your vengence in Part 2). They also throw in some Toronto and Atlanta discussion in for good measure.
Should you feel especially hard done please call on our voice mail line (805) 727-3212. Otherwise, please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc) on twitter and ASA on facebook.
Harrison and Ian return in an impromptu podcast leading up to MLS Cup! They talk a bit about Toronto FC and Michael Bradley, they also talk a little bit about Cristian Roldan and the Seattle Sounders. They each take turns declaring a potential victor.... finally they also take a look at some end of year awards with Harrison bringing a burning hot take fresh from the oven.
The podcast goes about 57 minutes. Please visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian Lamberson (@the16thdoc) on twitter and ASA on facebook. Call on our voice mail line (805) 727-3212.
In this edition of the ASA Podcast Harrison and Ian play host to Rob Lowe of Lowe Down Stats (@LoweDownStats). We emphasize Chicago, Rob's team, but also how they look statistically and compare them to the rest of the Eastern Conference, including Atlanta's recent form.
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Don't panic! Jason Poon joins Harrison Crow and Ian Lamberson as they discuss FC Dallas from a reasonable and balanced perspective examining the past, present and future, including The Hoops' troubled 2017 season. Jason explains to the guys the many issues that have come up over the year and provides some theories as to what the season may still hold going forward.
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In this podcast Harrison and Ian discuss the 47 different transactions that were made from late June to August across all of Major League Soccer. Additionally we discuss the inflation of General and Targeted allocation money which has lead to teams using it as an asset to acquire players. Lastly, we discuss the teams that were significantly improved by the transfer window.
You can reach out to Harrison on twitter (@Harrison_Crow) or gmail (harrisonmcrow@gmail.com) or Ian on twitter (@The16thDoc). Also, as mentioned on the podcast, Ian runs the twitter account for Total MLS (@TotalMLS) on the weekends and during games. Make sure your following it!
Please rate us on whatever listening platform. Send us emails on questions you have or give us a call on our voice mail line (805) 727-3212. You can also reach out to (@analysisevolved)
Harrison and Ian open up about the Wheel of Time pilot rumors then open up the first segment to discussing Bubble Playoff Teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. We follow that up with discussing Miguel Almiron and whether he's an elite play maker in Major League Soccer compared to his peers. Lastly we go into young Central Midfielders and the hype that that is out of control on Kellyn Acosta.
You can reach out to Harrison on twitter (@Harrison_Crow) or gmail (harrisonmcrow@gmail.com) or Ian on twitter (@The16thDoc). Also, as mentioned on the podcast, Ian runs the twitter account for Total MLS (@TotalMLS) on the weekends and during games. Make sure your following it!
Please rate us on whatever listening platform. Send us emails on questions you have or give us a call on our voice mail line (805) 727-3212. You can also reach out to (@analysisevolved)
This week’s podcast is a bit short on content meaning we owe you... and trust me when I say, we’re good for it. We’re lining up guests over the next few months that we hope those of you that tune in will enjoy.
But for this week we talk for a minute and half about Mr. Pibb, the evolution and death of the Winger as well as just pointing out that the Sounders are bad, and various things that aren’t so bad. We also have this 3 minute thing that was ill advised, where we lump the rest of Cascadia into the conversation which will almost certainly in turn net us some hate mail/tweets.
Please rate us on whatever listening platform in which you prefer and we will be back in the coming weeks to discuss whatever strikes ours or your fancy. Send us emails on questions you have and if there are enough, we may even do a “mailbag edition”
http://www.pibbthug.com/history/
We're back (again). This time we're going to discuss the quotes from Pablo Mastroeni's press conference, why they have merit, and things that we have to consider with teams that goes beyond just the data that we're collecting now. After that conversation we focus on the 40-man preliminary roster with the USMNT and some of those key players coming from MLS.
Love us, rate us and tell us how great we are or otherwise.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow), Phil Luetchford (@luetchy10), Benjamin Bellman (@beninquiring) and Ian (@the16thdoc) on twitter and ASA on facebook.
Bet you thought we weren’t ever coming back, huh? Well we are and here is our newest podcast ever! We talk Justin Meram, MVP and how his season is or is not actually affecting the Columbus Crew. We’re also talking about the New York Red Bulls and how they currently sit sixth overall in the table. I throw in a discussion of super-subs for the sake of my Nerd League fantasy league championship repeat hopes. Lastly, we talk some of the speculative transfers in MLS both incoming and possibly out going too.
Rate us, date us, yell at us... tell us your thoughts!
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@Harrison_Crow) and Ian (@the16thdoc) on twitter and ASA on facebook.
Drew and Sean are joined by ASA contributor and University of Virginia assistant-coach A.J. Barnold (@ajbarnold) to talk about the USMNT roster and the team under Arena, the MLS SuperDraft, how MLS teams identify and scout talent, and the role of the college game in the MLS and USMNT development structure. A.J.'s article (co-written with Aaron Neilsen) on the players available in the draft can be read here.
We mention a couple articles during the podcast. Here is Bill Reno's article on how terrible MLS teams are at selecting goalkeepers in the SuperDraft, and here is his article on why Blake didn't deserve to win Goalkeeper of the Year in 2016.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Drew Olsen (@drewjolsen) and Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) on twitter and ASA on facebook.
Drew, Sean, and Jared are back! (again). This podcast is all about the USMNT.. Brace yourselves.
Here's Jared's article defending Jurgen, but we all know he doesn't really believe it... right?
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Drew and Sean are back! We begin by talking about how dumb Pokemon is and how cool Rogue One looks, but then even leave some time to talk about MLS! We give our takes on if NYCFC and Colorado are actually good, we give our guesses on if Toronto can actually be beaten by the rest of the East, and argue over if the Union are over or under performing. Then, like some morons, we dissect Bruce Arena's tirade against analytics and try to figure out of Portland, Seattle, or San Jose is most likely to grab a playoff spot.
At one point Drew says that this Giovinco article about his shooting was by @lowedownstats. Rob Lowe does cool work, but it was actually Alex Brodsky (@highpressblog). Check him out!
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Drew Olsen (@drewjolsen) and Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) on twitter and ASA on facebook.
This week Harrison is joined on the phone by SB Nation's own Rob Ursy as they briefly mention the train wreck of the USMNT and what we gleamed from nine matches (Spoiler Alert: not much).
Next we talk about how everyone is leaving MLS or is rumored to do so. Then we get an update on Atlanta United prior to their innuagral season, how their putting their roster and more importantly who is putting the roster together.
Lastly we perform a mock expansion draft where Harrison forces Rob to choose ten players from a long list of "possible draftees" examining who might just be available for the new club next season.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow) and Rob Usry (@robusry) on twitter and ASA on facebook.
Harrison and Sean return to conquer your hearts with a thrilling rendition of why they dislike Graham Zusi versus the alternatives of an unproven, yet exciting creative talent and then a 17-year old fresh off his prom (NEVER ACTUALLY MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST, FAIL!) with Sean bringing some fresh numbers and perspective.
Talk continues around Argentina, their ELO, ELO in general and then Harrison provides a pretty simplistic bottom line of what the US defenders need to do to prevent goals (besides get lucky).
The duo bestow some thoughts concerning the NYCFC attack, Mike Grella, compare the sunk cost fallacy to Lucas Melano and then discuss what Portland would do if they had to replace Adi... (actually there is no answer, it would just suck a lot).
Lastly, they discuss a bit of the Amway Canadian Championship final, first leg and discuss Michael Bradley in a thrilling return of the superlative game.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow) and Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) on twitter and find us on facebook.
This week we try to not rehash old themes with our views on the USMNT but inevitably end up there while comparing the two US victories against Costa Rica and Paraguay. Sean and I also explore the so called jerkle-hyde Costa Rica performances and their similar expected goal out puts. Then Sean does his best 3 minute comedy routine while I attempt to built Excel formulas on the fly and it all pretty much is as awful as that all seems.
Lastly, we discuss Christian Pulisic and the feasibility of him getting significant minutes on an MLS squad and the current trend in age groups among MLS teams.
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Harrison and Sean sit down with the lovely Wendy Thomas and have a little chat about the USMNT, how they fared against Colombia and the state of the current roster in Copa America and the future going forward with Jurgen Klinsmann...we also all come to unanimous decision that the USSF should basically give all the monies to Liverpool for Jurgen Klopp.
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Harrison and Sean get together to break down the strength/abilities of the roster for Copa America. Sean believes he has cracked the Klinsmann code on why Michael Orozoco has been named to the squad and they break down why the USA are flaunting the third highest odds in winning the tournament.
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This week there is a lot to talk about concerning Kei Kamara, the Columbus Crew and New England with tactics, financial, values and all the sorts of things you would expect us to consider with the trade.
Additionally, the last week has been pretty crazy with some lopsided shot differentials that left a couple teams on the wrong side of the points. We address the chaos of shot totals and the value of expected goals in small sample size while also considering game states.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow), Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) and Drew Olsen (@DrewJOlsen) on twitter and find us on facebook.
This weeks episode was actually recorded a little over a week ago. But no matter much of the content is still relevant because the reality is that MLS teams don't really fluctuate from week to week as much as some people try to make it seem in power rankings.
Jared Young once again joins the cast and we talk about the two more unlikely teams that sit on top ... or near top (Philadelphia still leads the Eastern conference in PPG) of their respective conferences. I hope you enjoy it!
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It's been a few weeks but Sean and Harrison are back with a new guest this week. We recorded this last week so if there are a few odd references (such as NYRB "struggling") just ignore it.
This week's a bit different as we're talking about Fantasy Soccer and not specifically players but the functions of leagues, creating them how we've managed our own private league with at ASA and how others have created their own. We talk about unique point systems, the difficulties of balance, intensive and how micro and macro economics have come to influence acqusitions.
A big shout out to our guest Seth Goodman. This is a bit of an unusual podcast on the whole but I'm sure in the next week we'll be back with more arguments about Seattle and LA and Colorado and how much we both are frustrated about something.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow), Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) and Jared Young (@JaredEYoung) on twitter and find us on facebook.
Jarred Young takes time out of his busy schedule to join Harrison and Sean in discussing our thoughts on the U-23 and USMNT matches. We then transition to the Eastern Conference and discuss some of the results and what little we really know about the season at this point. Lastly we Jared talks about one of his latest projects in a new passing metric and we throw around some ideas on how we might improve upon it.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow), Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) and Jared Young (@JaredEYoung) on twitter and find us on facebook.
Harrison and Sean return to talk about the changes to the Colorado Rapids, how much better it's made them and if they're going to be able to compete for a playoff spot. Then they shift gears to talk about the USMNT and how they might use the pool to optimize the line-up using Jurgen Klinsmann formational propensities.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow) and Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) on twitter and find us on facebook.
Harrison and Sean take on guests as our Nerd League Soccer friend, Justin and ASA writer Kareem Williams join us this week.
Kareem runs us back through his Sloan Sports Analytics Conference experience. He gets to do some name dropping of his own with the pre-party and gives props to Soccermetrics' Howard Hamilton. He also provides some perspective on the soccer panel.
After that round-up is complete Justin, Sean and Harrison dive into week two results and gap about oddities of DC United, disappointments with the Sounders shot generation and of course we hate on San Jose.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), our friend, Kareem Williams (@kareemw9 ), Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow) and Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) on twitter and find us on facebook. Justin is our friend but gets no shout out since he lives his life anonymously.
Harrison and Sean take a haphazard approach to recalling key moments through the first week of MLS games. They wander through the shot ratio disaster of Colorado, talk initial results of the Nerd League with a few winners and one specific loser then engage on a few other casual observances of Sunday. The podcast finishes with a discussion on Audi and their new "awesome" revamped version of the castrol index (spoiler alert: we don't think it's awesome).
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow) and Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) on twitter and find us on facebook.
Drew, Sean, and Kevin get the old band back together to get hiphy about the upcoming MLS season. They go through every team in each conference from bottom up, and give their thoughts on the campaign ahead. There are no references to stupid Harry Potter.
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Once again Sean and Harrison join forces to discuss things that are some what relevant to US Soccer, MLS and nerds. Harrison talked about his game plan for reading the Harry Potter series to his son and that led to dealing with player loss and attachment in a business driven world.
Getting to the matters at hand, Sean and I broke down Darren Mattocks impending transfer to... somewhere not in Vancouver and utilized a Risk Matrix to discuss whether he'd be a smart buy for anyone else in MLS.
We kind of ranted on CONCACAF Champions League touching the four clubs (RSL, DC United, LA Galaxy and the Sounders) and their (unlikely) possibilities for getting to the next round.
Lastly, we talked a bit about Tim Howard and though it's not official we talked as though it was mentioning some fun keeper stats that are sure to make our friend Bill Reno green with envy.
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By Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow)
We get back together and discuss... well, all sorts of things. Mostly people that we know that we hang out with or are doing pretty cool things.
Benjamin Harrison gets a nod for our dinner.
Kevin Minkus is mentioned for his great work towards teams and how long it takes to mesh together. This is referenced as we talk about coaches down playing their team comradery as they approach the CCL matches.
I give a shout out to Dave Clark for attention.
We mention our very best Canadian Brenton Walters.
Then we just have name vomit as we talk about Michael Caley's super cool piece, Danny Page and Alex Olashanky....and Jared Young and our site's very best editor of all-time Drew Olsen.
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Harrison and Sean return from a problematic week of two failed podcast recordings to share with you their thoughts on Krisztian Nemeth, whether or not Kei Kamara deserves a raise and whether he'll still continue to be the goal scorer we all expect after this past season. Sean adds some thoughts on an older study conducted by Michael Caley concerning Shots On Target, the concept of finishing and how it has applied to MLS.
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Harrison and Sean return from their holiday season to talk an assortment off-season trades, free-agent signings and the 2016 MLS Superdraft. The two come across a scenario with Simon Dawkins were Sean theorizes that San Jose could possibly be quiet geniuses. But, I mean, probably not... Right?
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Harrison and Sean dive into MLS Cup and the (spoilers) three goals that probably shouldn't have happened, vainly attempt to gauge the importance of each MLS trophy and discuss the elegance of a nice straight edge shave. We do this for you!
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Harrison and Sean sum up the Western and Eastern Conference Finals, preview this weekends MLS Cup and talk about some fullbacks with an odd discussion about US Farm Subsidies throw into the mix just for funsies. It wouldn't be an ASA party if there wasn't Star Wars mentions too. Nerds!
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Harrison, Sean and this week's guest, Jason Poon, talk about the latest results in the 2015 MLS Playoffs--by doubting EVERYTHING. They question Dax McCarty, Columbus Crew's ability to qualify in the Western Conference playoffs, if the Portland Timbers got lucky on their three goals and... hey, where did Fabian Castillo go? Might want to take a step back on this one, it's got some snark.
Visit americansocceranalysis.com for more analytically based content. You can follow ASA (@analysisevolved), Harrison Crow (@harrison_crow), Sean Steffen (@seansteffen) and Jason Poon (@jasonhpoon) on twitter and find us on facebook.
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