Compare and contrast: crosses

During the past decade, detailed statistical analysis has become increasingly important to professional soccer clubs across the world. Complex software systems and databases have made it possible to track a player’s every move, compiling an extensive series of precisely defined stats to generate accurate performance rankings. 

One of the forerunners of the performance analysis revolution is Opta, a data, statistics and information supplier to Major League Soccer. Opta’s stat gurus track various specific soccer actions—chance conversion, key passes, tackles won/lost, and successful/unsuccessful dribbles, just to name a few. These calculations give clubs, journalists and fans a clear indication of the best—and perhaps most undervalued—performers on the field.

The “successful cross” statistic is helpful in identifying the catalysts of goal scoring opportunities on each team. Simply put, a successful cross is an intentionally played and completed pass from one player in a wide position to another player in an area in front of goal.

Sporting Kansas City leads all MLS teams this season with the number of successful crosses and corners, according to Opta. Here's the list:

• Sporting Kansas City: 93
• Chivas USA: 86
• San Jose Earthquakes: 81
• Seattle Sounders FC: 80
• LA Galaxy: 72
• Columbus Crew: 69
• Colorado Rapids: 67
• Houston Dynamo: 67
• Portland Timbers: 67

So who's contributing most of the successful crosses and corners? See for yourself...

No initial surprise here, right? Midfielder Graham Zusi, who is tied for an MLS-best eight assists, is head-and-shoulders ahead in this statistical category, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the team’s successful crosses. Take a closer look, however, and things get a little more fascinating.

Despite not playing since May 19, Bobby Convey is second on the team with 12 successful crosses. Further, outside backs Seth Sinovic and Chance Myers combine for more successful crosses (16) than the forward quartet of Kei Kamara, Teal Bunbury, C.J. Sapong and Jacob Peterson (14). This confirms just how offensively involved the fullbacks are in Peter Vermes’ 4-3-3 system. They may not be goal scorers, but Sinovic and Myers play an important role in giving Sporting KC offensive width and creating danger for the opponent.

So how does Zusi stack up against the League's top crossers? The most effective of them all. His status as a game-changing playmaker is evident with more successful crosses and corners than any other player in MLS this season.

Players with most successful crosses and corners, Top 10