I’ve seen a lot of discussion around Austin FC that focuses on differences between 2022 and 2023. The roster is not significantly different from last year though the differences have increased throughout the year. When I think of soccer, I think of it in terms of stats and tactics, maybe to my own detriment. As such, I wondered what demonstrable, measurable ways the team has changed from the previous season to the current one. A lot the national discussion surrounding Austin in 2022 was xG over performance, something I was well aware of, being the kind of person that keeps FotMob open while I’m watching most matches. The tactics have been relatively similar to my eye, with even the occasional difference in shape still including the same principles of play including maintaining possession, keeping a high defensive line and playing a lot of passes sideways, all in the name of Disorganizing The Opponent With The Ball. I’ll leave further analysis of tactical differences to someone wi...