Episode 101 - Dependencies, Play Your Kids, and Doing Analytics

Things are rotten in the state of Missouri(or Kansas), and a predictably hard portion of the SKC schedule has produced two more frustrating losses making it 10 losses from the last 12 games.  But, look on the bright side, at least the San Jose Earthquakes exist.  While both of the games did end in losses to very good teams in the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake, there was actually some semblance of positivity due to the significantly improved chance creation over those games.  They also tried some alternate tactics and players that have at least in moments appeared to breathe some life into the attack.  The team still struggles to defend in transition, but at least they aren’t as depressing to watch in possession.  Either that, or things are so bad that fans will find anything that appears the least bit positive to latch onto. American Soccer Analysis released their annual league survey addressing the analytics departments of every team in MLS, and unsurprisingly, Sporting KC was 5th from last in the league in the survey.  It is hard not to correlate their poor run of form lately with the limitations(perceived or valid) of their analytics practice, and continue to think that this club is falling further and further behind its rivals in multiple areas.  We will dive into the information from this survey, what it really means, and how it’s not as simple as saying “do analytics” and things all of a sudden get better. Finally, a number of topics in Potpourri, including a rumored acquisition from Norway that now appears to be incorrect, some sad news regarding Felipe Hernandez, our update on the fun soccer in KC being played by the Current, and a quick look at both continental competitions happening this summer before we do a quick preview of Aidan Morris’ farewell match vs. SKC. Music by The Spin Wires