Former FC Dallas data analyst Arman Kafai dives into the data behind a trio of crucial Round One MLS playoff series.
Stats courtesy of FBref, Opta, and American Soccer Analysis.
The “This One Is Sneaky-Good” Series
Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC
After three years of existence, Charlotte FC finally qualified for a non-playoff wildcard spot. Now on their third coach in as many seasons, Dean Smith came from England and steered the ship to fifth in the Eastern Conference. Their reward?
Oh, just a tough Round One playoff matchup with Orlando City and their experienced coaching staff.
In terms of pure entertainment, I think this first-round series is the one to watch (sorry Messi). Only seven hours separate the two teams by car, and with Charlotte hosting their first-ever playoff match, their home stadium should be rocking. Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium is always a madhouse when it matters, as we’ve seen in years past.
Joseph Lowery
Throughout this season, Charlotte’s reputation has been their strong defense. They added American center back Tim Ream to the mix in the summer window, putting him in a backline with Andrew Privett and Adilson Malanda. Those three have strong goals added numbers, with Ream’s limited time placing him eighth among MLS players with at least 700 minutes played. If you look at his interrupting – the category of goals added that includes a host of defensive actions – Ream leads MLS.
Despite their center back heavy setup, here’s the most interesting thing about Charlotte: since returning from the Leagues Cup break, they’ve allowed the fifth-most non-penalty xG in MLS. They’ve been leaking quality shots. And yet! They’ve still allowed the seventh fewest goals per game in the league in that period.
