Stat Check Tuesday

By Brian O'Connell
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Updated: April 14, 2015

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

With the Revolution coming off a disappointing 0-0 home draw to Columbus, let’s take a look at where the locals rank in some key statistical categories:

(Note: the following statistics can be found on whoscored.com and squawka.com, both of which use information gathered from OPTA to calculate its figures.)

Total chances (key passes + assists): 44 (12th)
Analysis: The Revolution only created four attacking chances on Saturday, their lowest number since their season-opening loss at Seattle (3). Some of the culprits: the absence of set piece artist Chris Tierney, readjusting to having Jermaine Jones and Teal Bunbury back, and, OK, the wind (21 mph NNW winds). Even coach Jay Heaps admitted afterward that it wasn’t the kind of match you’d watch at the café while sipping an espresso.

Passing accuracy: 74.2 percent (14th)
Analysis: For the third straight week, the Revolution passing accuracy has dipped, albeit very slightly. The windy conditions didn’t help either side on Saturday, of course. Their accuracy rate climbed in the second half with the wind at their backs, but even so, giveaways continue to be an issue for the locals.

Shooting accuracy: 42 percent (13th)
Analysis: This was one area where the Revolution actually improved on Saturday. They may not have put any shots past Steve Clark, but they were able to put three of their five total shots on target.

Defensive actions (interceptions + blocked shots + clearances): 277 (10th)
Analysis: The tired Crew weren’t as dangerous as the relentless Rapids the week before, and the Revolution performed well enough to collect a second straight clean sheet. Kevin Alston used his speed to contain Hernan Grana, while Scott Caldwell and the center backs kept the typically-lethal Federico Higuain from testing Bobby Shuttleworth. In fact, they held the Crew to exactly zero shots on goal on Saturday.

Performance score*: 608 (18th)
*Squawka.com uses an aggregate of key stats such as goals scored and conceded, defensive actions and chances created and combines them into an overall score.
Analysis: We’re still a little mystified by this number. Yes, the Revolution haven’t played lights out soccer this season, but are 17 clubs really outperforming the locals? Are they only statistically better than the likes of Philadelphia and Montreal? Well, that’s what the numbers say.

How does their current score compare to last year’s through the first four games? After their 2-0 win over the Dynamo on Apr. 12, 2014, the club’s performance score was 478.

Did you know? Juan Agudelo leads the league in fouls caused with 17.