Dallas, Nashville and NY Red Bulls all Playoff Bound
There’s no games left in the MLS regular season, but there’s just time for a whistle stop tour of teams heading for the post-season. The highest placed yet uncovered sides in the playoff are FC Dallas and Nashville SC in the Western Conference, and New York Red Bulls in the Eastern. Dallas and NYRB have home ties vs Minnesota and Cincinnati respectively, both of whom also need reviewing, while Nashville have to travel to face LA Galaxy
On the attacking side of things, we can see 3 contrasting attack profiles. FC Dallas have an above average expected goals per 90, do not cross the ball very often, favouring a short passing game and creating chances of very high quality rather than quantity. Nashville conversely are average in terms of xG for, very cross heavy but still create chances of above average quality. New York Red Bulls favour a direct style of football, are the only 1 of the 3 who create an above average number of shots, with average chance quality, which combines to an above average attacking threat.
On the other side of the ball, there are 2 similar defenses and 1 significantly different in approach. Dallas and Nashville are both elite in terms of restricting xG, giving up fewer than average shots of lower than average quality, while not pressing all that much. Red Bulls however are a pressing first team, with very low PPDA, low pass completion allowed and a high press success, leading to an elite low number of shots allowed. Typical of a high pressing side, the shot quality allowed is astronomical when their press is actually beaten.
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Now for a rapid fire look at the most commonly used players for each team:
Dallas’ main forward has been Jesus Ferreira — hardworking, great at holding onto the ball and excellent shot locations. Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar has won the Golden Boot and is a league leader in shots per 90 as well as being a genuine creative threat. NYRB’s Klimala is the lowest ranked of the 3 in terms of xG per 90 but offers his value through aerial prowess and high pressing numbers.
In terms of attacking midfielders, Paul Arriola has been the most used for Dallas. He has been excellent in terms of creativity and a solid threat in attack, noticeably below average in terms of pass completion, reflecting a high risk playstyle, and dribbling. Nashville’s Randall Leal stands out for taking shots from terrible locations, but at least offers some creativity to compensate for this poor decision making. NYRB’s Luquinhas is the most well rounded of the 3 players, with his standout stats being winning fouls and avoiding crossing the ball.
In midfield for Dallas, Paxton Pomykal has been a combative presence, excelling at tackling and winning fouls, very good at pressing, while being a competent passing option too. Sean Davis for Nashville has performed like a good holding midfielder, though his ball progression has only been average. Critian Cásseres Junior has been all action, with phenomenal defensive numbers but also good creativity and goal threat for a central midfielder.
These 3 teams are deserving of their playoff spots and are now only 2 wins away from their conference finals.
Long days and pleasant nights.
