Baby Kicks
Statistical Preview of MLS Cup
The puppet speaks!
What the stats say about the Sounders’ prospects in 2020
Seattle Sounders’ Sisyphean Shield Search
Projecting Cristian Roldan’s wing performance
Sounders’ midfielder should be productive, given new focus in attack
A statistical look at Joao Paulo
A 6 by any other name would tackle as...
Stats suggest there’s plenty of reason to be excited about Sounders’ centerback target
The Colombian appears to be an exceptional all-around defender.
Statistics back up perception that Jordan Morris emerged as a true winger
There was reasonably skepticism heading into 2019, but his defensive performance took a significant step forward.
Game State: Sixty Minutes of Success
To understand how well the Sounders played, you must also appreciate game-state.
On the Wing, Jordan Morris Remains a Striker
The position change makes no difference to his play.
Osvaldo Alonso isn’t himself anymore
The Honey Badger has lost two steps and 3 tackles per game
Does Brian Schmetzer have a shorter bench than Sigi Schmid?
The data suggests he might, but it’s not yet conclusive.
Stuttering Sounders offense conceals deeper concerns
Defensive imbalance can’t be resolved by health.
Forecasting 2017, by the numbers
The best of times; the worst of times.
The rise, fall, and rise of the 4-3-3
With Erik Friberg healthy, the 4-3-3 worked.
Baby Kicks: Expected Crosses, Expected Struggles
Seattle's offensive struggles lack the element of surprise.
Baby Kicks: Zero-Sum Creativity
Anything Andreas Ivanschitz can do... Clint Dempsey can't do at the same time.
Baby Kicks: A Cynical Game State
Why Kansas City hates soccer, and so should you.
About that other Sounders signing, Michael Farfan
In Farfan, the Seattle Sounders find low-cost depth in the attacking midfield. A tendency for fouling limits his adaptability to deeper, defensive roles than he has played in the past.
Joevin Jones, By the Numbers
Joevin Jones is a solid starting option, but temper your expectations.
Cristian Roldan belongs in the middle
Cristian Roldan played well but out-of-position in his 2015 debut. The Sounders will need to find chances for him in the central midfield in the future to make the most of his development.
Game State: Playing for the Pyrrhic Draw
Seattle tried and failed to sustain a second-half draw through desperation defending.
A Leg Up: Sounders' win enough to even the odds
Second half goals from Andreas Ivanschitz and Clint Dempsey rescued Seattle's chances of advancing in the MLS Cup playoffs. Nevertheless, history suggests the Sounders have plenty of work to do in the Dallas return leg.
Seattle must commit to its attacking midfield
Improved midfield play brought a key win over Real Salt Lake, and will be vital to success over the LA Galaxy.
Sounders midfield struggling to create chances
The midseason overhaul may have upgraded the talent in the midfield, but Sounders may need to revert to what they were doing at the start of the season
How unlucky has Seattle really been?
The Sounders have played moderately well under respectable adversity, measured against the MLS norm.
Men Who Would Not Be Kings
Learn to fear the throne. Maybe we shouldn't want first place...
Whitecaps' Wasteful Wiles
or: "How Vancouver learned to stop worrying and keep wasting offensive possession.... again."
Soccer is indifferent to statistical justice
Seattle Sounders opponents must take responsibility for results.
Immeasurables change the state of games
Seattle took Sunday's game over Portland on the strength of factors difficult to measure, and impossible to rely upon for the playoff race.
Baby Kicks: It's Supposed to be Hard
Seattle has struggled with bad luck and bad play. Time has run out for excuses.
Baby Kicks: Who Belongs in the Middle?
Seattle, when healthy, has two spots in the middle for three worthy starters.
Baby Kicks: New Faces, Familiar Roles
Andreas Ivanschitz and Nelson Haedo Valdez fill familiar roles for the Seattle Sounders, but leave tactical questions to resolve.
Baby Kicks: A Fistful of Dollars
MLS can't help but change as salary increases hit rosters at multiple levels.