Analysis

Analysis / Philadelphia Union II

Steel playoff chances revisited

At the three-quarter mark of the season, Bethlehem Steel FC are still in the playoff picture but are in a dogfight with four other sides for one of the bottom three qualifying slots. Here’s our opinion of their chances.

Analysis

Yaro and Rosenberry remain full of potential, in need of progress

Keegan Rosenberry and Josh Yaro finally took the field together in 2017. The results? Much like 2016.

Analysis

An assessment a little past midseason: Bethlehem Steel FC

PSP analyzes why the 2017 version of the Bethlehem Steel is better than that of the previous year. There are three clear reasons.

Analysis / Statistics

Investigating home field advantage in MLS, Part 4a: Aggregate referee bias

Home field advantage can be staggering in MLS. Chris Sherman breaks down the numbers to see if the referees have anything to do with that.

Analysis / Statistics

Investigating home field advantage in MLS, Part 3: Scheduling and short rest

Chris Sherman looks at the impact of short rest on performance. He also looks at whether MLS schedules favor home teams with longer rest and if that could impact home field advantage.

Photo by Earl Gardner
Analysis

Players to watch: players we watched, part III

Before the season began, the staff at Philly Soccer Page identified a group of players that seemed likely to have a large impact on the 2017 side’s success. Halfway through, it’s worth taking a look how that group have performed.

Photo by Earl Gardner
Analysis

The anatomy of an amazing save

PSP breaks down Andre Blake’s spectacular, game-defining save against D.C. United, looking at what led to it and how he did it.

Photo by Earl Gardner
Analysis

How good is Andre Blake?

Andre Blake is the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and one of the best shot-stoppers in the league. He is also such a conundrum in possession that he is holding the Union back from reaching their full potential.

Analysis / Statistics

Investigating home field advantage in MLS, Part 2: Crowd Size

Chris Sherman continues to investigate potential causes for home field advantage in MLS using statistical analysis. This second article demonstrates home field advantage and studies the effect of the size of the home crowd on the home team’s advantage.

Photo by Earl Gardner
Analysis

Haris Medunjanin is hurting the Union

Haris Medunjanin has been the Union’s best offensive weapon. It’s probably time to bench him. Why? A lesson learned in the NBA is illuminating.