Thursday, November 8, 2012

Opponent Difficulty, Crew Players

Ever wonder if certain players get the short end of the stick and tossed out against better teams? Me too.

Major League Soccer implemented an unbalanced schedule this year so it's imperative to take into consideration each Crew player's opponent when rating players.

% Appearances v. Top Half of Table : Total Apps

70% : Cole Grossman : 10
67% : Carlos Mendes : 12
65% : Dilly Duka : 20
64% : Justin Meram : 22
61% : Chris Birchall : 18
58% : Julius James : 12
57% : Kevan George : 7
56% : Jairo Arrieta : 18
55% : Olman Vargas : 11
54% : Tony Tchani : 22
53% : Josh Williams : 30

51% : Andy Gruenebaum : 33
50% : Eddie Gaven : 34
48% : Sebastian Miranda : 33


47% : Nemanja Vukovic : 15
46% : Chad Marshall : 24
44% : Emilio RenterĂ­a : 27
44% : Aaron Schoenfeld : 9
43% : Danny O'Rourke : 21
41% : Eric Gehrig : 12
40% : Ethan Finlay : 15
40% : Shaun Francis : 10
39% : Federico Higuain : 13
38% : Milovan Mirosevic : 26
36% : Bernardo Anor : 11
33% : Matt Lampson : 3
0% : Tom Heinemann : 1


If you are an avid fan of the Crew this list might surprise you. There are a number of very important callouts.

1. Meram and Duka were literally thrown to wolves. Large, angry wolves. 22 and 20 total appearances - 2/3rds against the top half.

2. Josh Williams (30 apps) didn't get the memo about apps against cupcakes. Look at the difference between him and Milovan Mirosevic (26 apps).

3. Mirosevic. Hard to argue with this. He missed key games against really good teams. Hard to figure his season. All indications from my perspective point towards good dude but that might hide a few nagging game day flaws.

4. No question Higuain came out of the gates in a great way, but very important to consider the opposition. Also consider the fact that opponents were halfway through a long season and he was just starting his.

5. Grossman. Considering how he was used, this season could have ended his career. Instead he finished with excellent metrics against excellent teams. It's not chance. Trust the numbers people. Close your eyes and trust the numbers.

6. Birchall, Tchani, Arrieta; Notable. Good.

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[EDITED ON FRIDAY NOV. 9TH, 11:00 AM. Originally Missed: final regular season game for players that participated in it. Last match was against a team in the bottom half. Both % vs. Top Half and Apps have been adjusted and updated]

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