Chris Hockman

Changing percentages key to understanding Battery

CHARLESTON, S.C. — It was a fascinating match for Charleston Battery against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds last week. A thrilling 3-3 draw before coming into Saturday’s match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. What is most fascinating is a few differing percentages that provide some insight into how the Rowdies can win the match. One data pointContinue reading “Changing percentages key to understanding Battery”

Hartford finally blow down the Rowdies wall but still lose

HARTFORD, Conn. — While the Tampa Bay Rowdies‘ undefeated streak continued with a 2-1 win on Saturday the 95th-minute goal saw the clean sheet streak end at 891 minutes. The win happened by a familiar pattern of dominating in the air and stealing possession and the clean sheet streak ended thanks to relentless pressure. WhenContinue reading “Hartford finally blow down the Rowdies wall but still lose”

Clinical Nashville punish Miami

FORT LAUDERDALE— While Inter Miami CF finished the game with 10 men only one of the five goals it conceded to Nashville SC came after that 86th-minute red card which simply reflected the frustration Miami had. It wasn’t that they were outplayed in every area, despite the 5-1 scoreline, it was simply that Nashville createdContinue reading “Clinical Nashville punish Miami”

Accurate crossing makes up for other deficiencies for Rowdies against Atlanta

KENNESAW, Ga. — Following up from the dominance of the New York Red Bulls II match the Atlanta United 2 game was always going to bring the Tampa Bay Rowdies down to earth somewhat. Thankfully for the Rowdies that wasn’t on the scoreboard but in a lot of areas they were outplayed meaning a fewContinue reading “Accurate crossing makes up for other deficiencies for Rowdies against Atlanta”

Two-man deficit too much for Orlando City

ORLANDO — It was always going to be hard when Nani was sent off in the 35th minute and Orlando ended up finishing with nine men which saw Montreal take a 4-2 win over the Lions. So apart from the obvious what went wrong? Ultimately everything that led to the Montreal win came because ofContinue reading “Two-man deficit too much for Orlando City”

Pressure tells as Miami clinches late win

TORONTO — It took a late penalty for Inter Miami CF to overcome a ten-man Toronto FC at BMO Stadium on Tuesday. The win extended Miami’s winning run but it should have been much better, looking at some statistics was key. It’s easy to conclude that Miami wouldn’t have won this match without the manContinue reading “Pressure tells as Miami clinches late win”

Efficiency and defense get Miami a vital win

FORT LAUDERDALE — Inter Miami CF got a much-needed win on Saturday, defeating Columbus Crew SC to stay in the conversation in the Eastern Conference playoff race. That result came from working hard on defense and being efficient with what came their way. The strong defensive effort is most clearly seen in the number ofContinue reading “Efficiency and defense get Miami a vital win”

Duels help Rowdies dominate Baby Bulls

ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rowdies demolished New York Red Bulls II on Saturday and it’s easy to just say this was because of good shooting. While that was certainly part of it aerial duels were the key to laying a platform that could lead to good shooting. Aerial duels is a statistic withContinue reading “Duels help Rowdies dominate Baby Bulls”

Strong defense sees Rowdies get through the Battery

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Despite the Charleston Battery having a very defensive name it was the Tampa Bay Rowdies who held firm defensively on Tuesday to pull out a 1-0 win. It was the defense that led to the success of the visitors, continuing the trend. Interceptions were a key part in stopping the Battery, denyingContinue reading “Strong defense sees Rowdies get through the Battery”

Rowdies use aerial dominance to overcome possession gap

ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rowdies celebrated Pride Night by taking down the Oakland Roots on Friday night and it was a clinical performance that saw them take the win at Al Lang Stadium. Clinical upfront and at the back, it was dominance in the air that helped the hosts control the match andContinue reading “Rowdies use aerial dominance to overcome possession gap”