Being stuck at the stat table for not only the WWU soccer matches but also the volleyball matches has made me kind of a statistics geek over the years. After watching the hideous performances by the Sounders the last couple of weeks, I made the decision to keep track of the individual unforced turnovers by the Sounders this week against the Galaxy. For arguments sake, I also kept track of the Galaxy's overall unforced turnovers.
I defined an unforced turnover as a PASS that was not completed to a teammate in the defensive or middle third of the field. I also included in the goalkeeper's UFTs, times when the keeper kicked the ball directly out of play after releasing the ball from their hands.
The first half was none too pretty with the Sounders turning the ball over for no apparent reason 21 times, while the Galaxy did the same only 14. The second half was markedly better for both teams with the Sounders tallying 7 and the Galaxy 6.
Leading the Sounders with 4 UFTs each were my loves Leo Gonzalez and James Riley. Naturally, I went into the match fully expecting Vagenas to easily walk away with the most UFTs, but thankfully the homecoming was good to Peter (as well as Beckham's silly studs-up challenge) and he ended the day with only a single miscue.
I know there has been a lot of talk on other sites regarding the officiating across the MLS and as a registered soccer official I have tried to calm the Tribe to the best of my ability in their criticism of the referees. I thought Ricardo Salazar, on the whole, did a fine job. He was more consistent than most of the officials we've seen so far (with the event immediately prior to Marshall's second yellow a possible exception). I agreed with both the send-offs to Beckham and Lewis and definitely the first yellow to Marshall. I wish other officials would have the stones (or perhaps the correct angle) to send-off every player who engages in a studs-up tackle and those who guilty of violent conduct after the play (think the New York game, in New York). Marshall's second, at speed, I agreed completely. The replay made me doubt. But such is the official's burden...to make decisions in real time.
The Sounders FINALLY put together a decent amount of possession (although the Galaxy was a man down for the majority of the match) but I am happy the Sounders were able to keep their cool and stay composed.
Oh, did I mention I love Leo? I do. Really, I do.
I'm a bit curious, and should just ask in person. But does if a defender is just clearing the ball and did not complete a pass did that count as a turnover? If so, it would stand to reason that the defenders led the team in TOs.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I too love Leo. My heart is getting pulled in so many directions.