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MLS regular season review published

By: Mike Morrison

Following the release of top-flight season reviews across Europe, OptaPro has produced a detailed end-of-season review focusing on the 2019 MLS regular season.

The review, which is accessible here, applies advanced metrics to deliver key performance insights, at both team and player level. Exploration of playing styles alongside showcasing key metrics, OptaPro provides valuable insights in and out of possession alongside detailed player analysis.

Key findings in the regular season review include:

– NYCFC generated 88% of their xG output from open play. No other team across both conferences had a higher percentage here.

– FC Cincinnati, playing in their debut MLS season, were perhaps slightly unfortunate, conceding almost 10 goals more than expected from open play and over two more from set piece scenarios.

– When reviewing sequence style, Toronto FC ranked first for average sequence time, and recorded a 1.51 m/s direct speed output which reinforces their possession-based approach.

– Whilst New England Revolution’s Matt Turner was the standout ‘keeper with the highest goals prevented rate of 1.37, LA Galaxy’s David Bingham was a notable performer preventing over nine goals from more shots faced than anybody else listed, 197.

You can read the MLS review here

Another OptaPro season review, focusing on the 2019 NWSL regular season, will be available shortly.

If you have any questions relating to our findings, please get in touch with us on pro@optasports.com.