Los Nerdes Verdes
@losnerdesverdes.bsky.social
Two dudes from Austin passionate about soccer and data visualization
Instagram: losnerdesverdes
Instagram: losnerdesverdes
6/6 We’ve heard from Estevez that he does want more possession and control out of his side as they grow into their roles. How much do you think the reliance on long balls evolves throughout the season, and can Austin continue to win if nothing changes?
April 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
6/6 We’ve heard from Estevez that he does want more possession and control out of his side as they grow into their roles. How much do you think the reliance on long balls evolves throughout the season, and can Austin continue to win if nothing changes?
5/ That changed this offseason. Brandon Vazquez’ strength gives him the ability to hold up play when we’re looking to relieve pressure and his speed allows him to create chances from open play (see San Diego match). The new signee has racked up 2.2 xG on 1 goal scored.
April 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
5/ That changed this offseason. Brandon Vazquez’ strength gives him the ability to hold up play when we’re looking to relieve pressure and his speed allows him to create chances from open play (see San Diego match). The new signee has racked up 2.2 xG on 1 goal scored.
4/ Toward the end of Josh Wolff’s tenure, the team did try to be more direct. Despite the 2023 team having the 10th-highest share of passes over 30 yards, there was no one on the other end to capitalize.
April 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
4/ Toward the end of Josh Wolff’s tenure, the team did try to be more direct. Despite the 2023 team having the 10th-highest share of passes over 30 yards, there was no one on the other end to capitalize.
3/ The philosophy has permeated every part of the buildup. 65% of pass attempts from Stuver are over 40 yards (compared to 40% in 2024), and his 104 launch attempts this season are the most among MLS goalkeepers.
April 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
3/ The philosophy has permeated every part of the buildup. 65% of pass attempts from Stuver are over 40 yards (compared to 40% in 2024), and his 104 launch attempts this season are the most among MLS goalkeepers.
2/ Estevez has tipped his hand in regards to direct play on a couple of occasions — wanting his side to both exploit opponent weaknesses on the backline by playing passes for the forwards to run onto as well as drawing opponents into our own third and playing well-timed switches to spring an attack.
April 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
2/ Estevez has tipped his hand in regards to direct play on a couple of occasions — wanting his side to both exploit opponent weaknesses on the backline by playing passes for the forwards to run onto as well as drawing opponents into our own third and playing well-timed switches to spring an attack.
7/7 The data tell a story of a squad bought into a full-team defensive effort. The question now: is this a sustainable and winning strategy? What are your thoughts? Listos!
March 30, 2025 at 3:42 PM
7/7 The data tell a story of a squad bought into a full-team defensive effort. The question now: is this a sustainable and winning strategy? What are your thoughts? Listos!
6/ Though our CBs have all been good, they’re getting help from their FBs and MFs. 4 of the top 5 ATX players in this stat are FBs or MFs (Biro, Pereira, Sánchez, Desler). Among all MLS players with at least 90 mins played, Kolmanic and Rubio are 2nd and 3rd in tackles in the defensive third per 90.
March 30, 2025 at 3:42 PM
6/ Though our CBs have all been good, they’re getting help from their FBs and MFs. 4 of the top 5 ATX players in this stat are FBs or MFs (Biro, Pereira, Sánchez, Desler). Among all MLS players with at least 90 mins played, Kolmanic and Rubio are 2nd and 3rd in tackles in the defensive third per 90.
5/ This is all while opposition touches in our defensive third remain high, with Austin allowing the 2nd-most (189 per 90 min). The key difference? Tackling. Austin are first in the league in the number of tackles in their defensive third.
March 30, 2025 at 3:42 PM
5/ This is all while opposition touches in our defensive third remain high, with Austin allowing the 2nd-most (189 per 90 min). The key difference? Tackling. Austin are first in the league in the number of tackles in their defensive third.
4/ The data gives us some indication of what’s working. Previously, opponent trips to our def 3rd would often end in errant passes or shots, with Stuver leading the league in saves in '24 & '23. That's significantly improved this year with shots against down (15.2 to 10.2 per 90) and SOT (5 to 2.8)
March 30, 2025 at 3:42 PM
4/ The data gives us some indication of what’s working. Previously, opponent trips to our def 3rd would often end in errant passes or shots, with Stuver leading the league in saves in '24 & '23. That's significantly improved this year with shots against down (15.2 to 10.2 per 90) and SOT (5 to 2.8)
3/ This defensive prowess has also come while conceding a significant portion of the ball to our opponents. Austin’s possessions rate of 43.5% is the 3rd-lowest in the league—a clear departure from the previous administration’s ball-first mindset.
March 30, 2025 at 3:42 PM
3/ This defensive prowess has also come while conceding a significant portion of the ball to our opponents. Austin’s possessions rate of 43.5% is the 3rd-lowest in the league—a clear departure from the previous administration’s ball-first mindset.
2/ Austin FC have their best defensive start in the club’s history, conceding just 3 goals in 5 matches (tied 2nd-best in the league). This is after making no offseason acquisitions along the backline—having fielded 3 different CBs pairings and 4 unique back fours over the opening stretch.
March 30, 2025 at 3:42 PM
2/ Austin FC have their best defensive start in the club’s history, conceding just 3 goals in 5 matches (tied 2nd-best in the league). This is after making no offseason acquisitions along the backline—having fielded 3 different CBs pairings and 4 unique back fours over the opening stretch.
8/ We're still working on building our community here, so if any of your connections are into #AustinFC, #SportsAnalytics, #DataVisualization, or #Soccer please retweet. Wait that's not right, what's it called now?
We're pumped for this season — hope you are too. Follow us here and on IG — Listos!
We're pumped for this season — hope you are too. Follow us here and on IG — Listos!
February 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
8/ We're still working on building our community here, so if any of your connections are into #AustinFC, #SportsAnalytics, #DataVisualization, or #Soccer please retweet. Wait that's not right, what's it called now?
We're pumped for this season — hope you are too. Follow us here and on IG — Listos!
We're pumped for this season — hope you are too. Follow us here and on IG — Listos!
7/ League leaders in returning goal percentage are NYCFC at 96%. They’re looking for repeat performances from the Martinez (16)/Rodriguez (12) duo to exceed their 2024 success. New England have gutted their attack — bringing back the production of just 13 of their league-low 36 goals.
February 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
7/ League leaders in returning goal percentage are NYCFC at 96%. They’re looking for repeat performances from the Martinez (16)/Rodriguez (12) duo to exceed their 2024 success. New England have gutted their attack — bringing back the production of just 13 of their league-low 36 goals.
6/ Some notable trends from around the league:
After putting up 78 goals last season, Inter Miami are largely running it back — letting Leo Campana leave to New England but retaining the two-headed monster of Messi and Suarez.
After putting up 78 goals last season, Inter Miami are largely running it back — letting Leo Campana leave to New England but retaining the two-headed monster of Messi and Suarez.
February 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
6/ Some notable trends from around the league:
After putting up 78 goals last season, Inter Miami are largely running it back — letting Leo Campana leave to New England but retaining the two-headed monster of Messi and Suarez.
After putting up 78 goals last season, Inter Miami are largely running it back — letting Leo Campana leave to New England but retaining the two-headed monster of Messi and Suarez.
5/ By maintaining Jáder Obrian and his 7 goals as well as Rubio’s 4 as a depth piece, Austin returns 62% of their goal production — just shy of the average of 68%.
February 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
5/ By maintaining Jáder Obrian and his 7 goals as well as Rubio’s 4 as a depth piece, Austin returns 62% of their goal production — just shy of the average of 68%.
4/ Vázquez had 26 goals over two seasons in his last MLS stint with FC Cincy and Uzuni bagged 47 in three seasons with Giriona across La Liga and La Liga 2. The two of them should provide some diversity in the attack alongside Bukari who tallied a goal and 2 assists in his 9 matches with Austin.
February 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
4/ Vázquez had 26 goals over two seasons in his last MLS stint with FC Cincy and Uzuni bagged 47 in three seasons with Giriona across La Liga and La Liga 2. The two of them should provide some diversity in the attack alongside Bukari who tallied a goal and 2 assists in his 9 matches with Austin.
3/ Nico Estevez, who is a student of the same Berhalter coaching school as Wolff, brought mixed feelings. However, record signings across the front line in Brandon Vázquez and Myrto Uzuni alongside a newly bolstered midfield are enough to get fans excited about the future of the club.
February 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
3/ Nico Estevez, who is a student of the same Berhalter coaching school as Wolff, brought mixed feelings. However, record signings across the front line in Brandon Vázquez and Myrto Uzuni alongside a newly bolstered midfield are enough to get fans excited about the future of the club.
2/ Last season, Austin scored just 39 goals — tied with last place San Jose for 4th-fewest and 13 below MLS avg. 2024 capped off years of incremental squad changes and lackluster results. Since then, ATX exited top goalscorer, Driussi, inaugural captain Ring, and the club’s only manager, Josh Wolff.
February 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
2/ Last season, Austin scored just 39 goals — tied with last place San Jose for 4th-fewest and 13 below MLS avg. 2024 capped off years of incremental squad changes and lackluster results. Since then, ATX exited top goalscorer, Driussi, inaugural captain Ring, and the club’s only manager, Josh Wolff.
During his '22 MLS All Star year, Vazquez racked up 6 goals from his head (T-1st). His ability in the air should keep Austin in more games — even when the offense isn't clicking, they can generate chances off set pieces while increasing the scoring chances of crosses.
Thoughts on the new signing?
Thoughts on the new signing?
January 6, 2025 at 11:41 PM
During his '22 MLS All Star year, Vazquez racked up 6 goals from his head (T-1st). His ability in the air should keep Austin in more games — even when the offense isn't clicking, they can generate chances off set pieces while increasing the scoring chances of crosses.
Thoughts on the new signing?
Thoughts on the new signing?
Vazquez' versatility in goalscoring is something to be excited for. #AustinFC have never had a 9 with his ability to run at defenders. He also gets himself into dangerous areas with the 19th shortest avg shot distance in Liga MX this season (13.2 yards | fbref)
January 6, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Vazquez' versatility in goalscoring is something to be excited for. #AustinFC have never had a 9 with his ability to run at defenders. He also gets himself into dangerous areas with the 19th shortest avg shot distance in Liga MX this season (13.2 yards | fbref)