Real Monarchs SLC and time of possession statistics

While working to put together some answers for questions supplied by Aaron Marvel (@cptnmarv) for a preview of Saturday’s match between San Antonio FC and Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday in San Antonio, I ran across some interesting statistics about possession time for the Monarchs in 2017 and 2018.

Possession Time in 2017

The USL 2017 regular season championship team put up a record of 20-5-7 in 32 regular season matches which gave them 67 total points. The 2017 Monarchs had more than 50% of the possession in 15 of those matches (46.88%) and under 50% of possession in the other 17 matches (53.12%). When you look at their 67 points however, the Monarchs only earned 26 points in matches with over 50% possession and 41 points in matches with under 50% possession.

During their record setting 9 match winning streak, they had 6 matches under 50% possession (including the season low 33.90% against Swope Park Rangers at Rio Tinto) and only 3 matches with over 50% of possession. 4 of the 5 losses in 2017 happened in games with over 50% possession (including the season high 69.20% against the Switchbacks at Weidner Field).

Obviously records like the 9 match winning streak are end cases and infrequently achieved. However, the 41 points scored in matches with under 50% of possession was only 5 points short of the 46 points earned by Sacramento Republic FC who qualified for the final Western Conference playoff spot. In 2017, it was the points scored with under 50% of the possession that allowed the Monarchs to outdistance their competition and coast to the regular season championship.

Possession Time in 2018

As of today the Monarchs have played 19 of their 34 regular season matches. In 9 of those matches (47.37%) they had over 50% of the possession while they have had under 50% of the possession in 10 matches (52.43%). Overall, almost identical to the percentages for 2017.

With regard to points, in 2018 the Monarchs have recorded 22 points in matches with over 50% possession and 19 more in matches with under 50% possession. Still within a single victory, but far under the rate of 2017.

Of the Monarchs four losses so far in 2018, only one occurred in a match where the Monarchs had over 50% possession (against Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium), but the other three have all come in matches with under 50% possession.

The highest possession percentage so far this season was the 70.60% recorded in the draw against Las Vegas Lights FC at Zions Bank Stadium on April 30th. In that match the Monarchs had 15 shots with 3 on target, but failed to find the back of the net. The season low so far is the 37.30% against Saint Louis at Toyota Stadium on June 16th. Saint Louis had 8 shots on target and outshot the Monarchs 18 to 11 but Connor Sparrow (and the woodwork) saved the day and gave the Monarchs a full three points.

2017 to 2018

19 matches into the 2017 season the Monarchs had a 15-2-2 record and 47 points thanks in large part to their 9 game win streak. However, for the final 13 matches they posted only a 5-3-5 record and added another 20 points.

In the 2018 season the monarchs currently have a 13-4-2 record for 41 points or six behind last season. With another 15 matches, as the season increased by two matches in 2018, it will be interesting to see if the Monarchs can exceed their team record of 20 wins and 67 points. One thing worth watching is how they fare in their matches with under 50% possession. In they can up their points taken there they are looking like they have a true shot at establishing new season records.

Here is the data for those of you that wish to give it a little attention: