MLS Analysis

Gil attempted 86 passes in 89 minutes at Columbus while New England had only 45% possession. He attempted 87 against Orlando with 51%, but only 68 against Galaxy despite New England making more team passes there than in either of those games. A high personal total therefore depends on how much the circulation runs through him, not simply the team’s possession percentage.

The geography reinforces the distinction. Gil made 68 opposition-half passes at Columbus and 62 against Orlando, compared with 29 at NYCFC and 28 at Chicago. His ninety-pass return at Salt Lake included seventy in the opposing half as New England chased the score. For the next fixture, the strongest condition is sustained access to Gil in advanced circulation. An opponent that leaves New England fewer passing sequences can lower his return, but a modest team ball share does not rule out a busy game if Gil remains central to those sequences.

Guilherme took six shots against Sporting but generated only 0.22 expected goals and put one on target. Three attempts were free kicks, and none of the six was rated above 0.07 xG. The volume therefore did not represent six strong scoring opportunities; it was a collection of difficult attempts in a match Houston played short-handed after halftime.

His recent goals against Salt Lake and Cincinnati came from chances rated 0.051 and 0.052, the latter a free kick. Those finishes demonstrate what he can execute, but they do not establish a repeatable supply of good chances. Charlotte allowed five attempts with 0.262 xG, while the two San Jose meetings produced only three attempts combined. For the next defence, the stronger scoring condition would be better shooting positions or repeated worthwhile chances. A rise in attempts made up mainly of difficult free kicks and low-quality shots is a weaker signal.

Dreyer attempted 52 passes at Austin, compared with 36 at Miami, despite playing ninety minutes in both. San Diego’s team passes rose from 576 to 686, but his personal share also increased from about 6.3% to 7.6%. The higher return therefore came from two sources: more team circulation and more of it involving Dreyer.

His own-half passes doubled from eight to sixteen, while his opposition-half passes rose from 28 to 36. That broader involvement matters more than simply expecting another good attacking game: Dreyer scored twice at Miami but attempted fewer passes. Philadelphia and Austin both saw San Diego hold 59% possession, yet his totals were 36 and 52. For the next opponent, look for repeated involvement across the field rather than using possession or his goal threat as a substitute. Full minutes provide the opportunity, but the way San Diego involve him determines the workload.

Dallas created 1.71 expected goals against Austin, but Musa’s only attempt was a miss rated 0.060 despite playing ninety minutes. That blank reflected limited personal supply, even though teammates received better opportunities. Against Sporting, he took five shots and scored twice, but a penalty contributed most of his 1.264 xG and one of the goals.

The St. Louis blank was different from Austin: Musa had a chance rated 0.459 saved, so there was a meaningful scoring opportunity even without a goal. Portland then allowed two saved attempts in only thirteen minutes, illustrating how a short appearance can be busy without justifying a full-match projection. His latest recorded appearance here is 20 September. Before the next fixture, confirm the role and minutes, then assess whether Dallas can deliver chances to him specifically. A productive team attack or the previous brace is not enough on its own.

Bouanga attempted 41 passes against Portland and 35 against D.C. United, with LAFC at 61% possession in both and almost identical team passing totals. The difference was mainly advanced involvement: 37 opposition-half passes against Portland compared with thirty against D.C. Against Sporting, LAFC still had 58% possession but Bouanga attempted only 27 passes.

Salt Lake and the Red Bulls provide an even clearer contrast. LAFC held 42% and 43% possession, yet Bouanga’s totals were eighteen and 34 in essentially full appearances. His passing workload depends on whether attacks repeatedly involve him, not just whether the team wins the ball-share comparison. San Jose’s eighteen-pass return also came during a long numerical disadvantage, so it should not be treated as an ordinary baseline. Before the next match, confirm his expected involvement and availability—the latest appearance in this sample is 19 September—then assess how LAFC are likely to reach him.