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Kevin Nelson

@kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc
46 followers 167 following 19 posts

✍️ @theoutfield.nyc

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Reposted by Kevin Nelson
The Outfield @theoutfield.nyc · 15/05/2026
"The first goal in the game is a massive thing in our sport." Pascal Jansen said it after Columbus. The Pigeons proved it again in Charlotte. @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc and @justinegan.theoutfield.nyc look at how early goals for NYCFC led to two victories: www.theoutfield.nyc/p/the-first-...
theoutfield.nyc
The First Goal Is a Massive Thing
A week ago, the Pigeons were mired in one of MLS's ugliest runs. Now they have two straight wins, and getting on the board first made both possible.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 08/05/2026
Top notch analysis here from Paul!
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Reposted by Kevin Nelson
The Outfield @theoutfield.nyc · 03/05/2026
After a hot start, #NYCFC is now winless in their last six league games. But, @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc writes, while the results have turned, the starting lineup has not. www.theoutfield.nyc/p/quicksand
theoutfield.nyc
Quicksand
NYCFC’s 1-0 loss to Montréal extends a six-game winless run that has turned the league’s most promising start into its most alarming stumble.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 02/05/2026
Really hoping people resonate with The Replacements like I do for the latest at @theoutfield.nyc. Looked into the loss to Montreal, how it fits into NYCFC’s nightmarish six-game winless stretch, and why Keanu Reeves describes it best. www.theoutfield.nyc/p/quicksand
theoutfield.nyc
Quicksand
NYCFC’s 1-0 loss to Montréal extends a six-game winless run that has turned the league’s most promising start into its most alarming stumble.
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Reposted by Kevin Nelson
NY Soccer Journal @nysoccerjournal.com · 01/05/2026
Brand-new podcast offering from us: The Blueprint, hosted by @thepigeonsnycfc.bsky.social and @treyfillmore.bsky.social, which picks a single topic and dives deep on that topic The inaugural episode: an attempt to define the tactics and principles of Pascal Jansen Ball
nysoccerjournal.com
The Blueprint: What is PascalBall?
In the inaugural episode of our new deep-dive podcast offering, we explore the philosophies and tactical principles that guide New York City FC coach Pascal Jansen as he sets up his teams.
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Reposted by Kevin Nelson
The Outfield @theoutfield.nyc · 29/04/2026
NYCFC and FC Cincinnati combined for eight goals with defensive ineptitude rather than attacking prowess. @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc analyzed the matchup between two defenses trying to one up each other in the worst ways. www.theoutfield.nyc/p/nobody-won...
theoutfield.nyc
Nobody Won This Game
Both NYCFC and Cincinnati’s defense worked hard to lose this one.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 22/04/2026
NYCFC are struggling in the boxes in 2026 and their loss to Charlotte felt like a microcosm of that. I took a look at their seasonal trends in the penalty area and how a couple defensive lapses in/around the box cost them vs. Charlotte at @theoutfield.nyc!
outfield.nyc
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Reposted by Kevin Nelson
NY Soccer Journal @nysoccerjournal.com · 20/04/2026
Hello! Introductions are in order: We are your new source for the best in-depth coverage of soccer in New York, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of Hudson River Blue Get to know the New York Soccer Journal, and consider subscribing or donating to support our coverage
nysoccerjournal.com
Introducing the New York Soccer Journal
Welcome to your new source for independent, in-depth coverage of soccer in New York.
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Reposted by Kevin Nelson
BLUE BALLS NYCFC @blueballspod.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
“For a player whose DP contract designation often gets more discussion than his defense, New York City is lucky to have him at any price.”
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Reposted by Kevin Nelson
Justin Egan @justinegan.theoutfield.nyc · 18/04/2026
Quantifying CB performance is super tough, but @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc makes it looks super easy to look past the DP tag to see how Thiago Martins ranks among the elite in MLS.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 18/04/2026
Wrote some words at @theoutfield.nyc on Vancouver’s dominant performance vs. NYCFC and why (surprise, surprise) the Pigeons really need Thiago Martins.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 11/04/2026
Looked into how approach to possession (or resilience to maintain it) changed by game state when writing on NYC vs STL for @theoutfield.nyc. Using avg. possession chain length as a proxy, the avg. change when leading by one goal in '25 was ~-15%, controlling each team's poss. at even game states.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 10/04/2026
In looking into the latest NYCFC game, came across some data that the Pigeons may alter their approach to possession more than most when leading by a goal in the Pascal Jansen era. They did so again vs. St. Louis and it cost them, read more words at @theoutfield.nyc!
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Reposted by Kevin Nelson
Glenn Crooks @glenncrooks.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Kevin Nelson from @theoutfield.nyc with some interesting data on protecting a lead with specific references to New York City FC vs St. Louis City SC. open.substack.com/pub/theoutfi... #NYCFC #MLS #VANvNYC #NYCvSTL
open.substack.com
Puckered
New York City Football Club's possession collapse in the final half-hour cost them two points.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 31/03/2026
Maxi Moralez (39 y.o.) and Leo Messi (38 y.o.) epitomized the “old man game” when they faced off last week. Just a couple of veteran Argentines controlling the game at half the speed as every one else on the field. Wrote words on their battle on @theoutfield.nyc
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 20/03/2026
Pascal Jansen showed his tactical flexibility vs. Colorado as NYCFC launched and squished their way to another victory. Deep dive into how they did so at @theoutfield.nyc
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 13/03/2026
Keaton Parks is one of the best midfielders in MLS, but he essentially played striker vs. Orlando City. Here's 3+ minutes of Parks doing striker things, read more at theoutfield.substack.com/p/three-for-.... vimeo.com/1173366871?s...
vimeo.com
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Reposted by Kevin Nelson
Trey Fillmore @treyfillmore.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
third in a row, @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc has yet another great recap out, always must read I’m very lucky not just to be able to break down X’s and O’s with guys post-match, but also have the privilege to experience chatting with KP after a brace given what he’s been through 👇
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 13/03/2026
Turns out it’s easier playing up a man. I wrote about how NYCFC took advantage of their third consecutive opponent red card, this time vs Orlando with some fun Keaton Parks striker stuff.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 10/03/2026
Chris continues to be the undisputed voice for all NYCFC stadium news, always a must read.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 07/03/2026
There was some good and there was some bad from NYCFC in dealing with the Union’s typical chaos. None of it may have mattered as much as referee Chris Penso though, I wrote about it all with @theoutfield.nyc.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 27/02/2026
Galaxy RW Pec dropped into the backline whenever NYCFC LB O'Toole advanced up the wing. Rotating attackers into the space Pec vacated created gaps in the defense. Here are some examples, but NYC were unable to take advantage before LA could recover. More here: www.theoutfield.nyc/p/stuck-in-f...
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 27/02/2026
I wrote some words on how the Galaxy gave NYCFC some gaps to attack out wide but the Pigeons were unable to capitalize. Some concerning signs from the attack highlight the importance of figuring out a solution at CF and getting a healthy Keaton Parks season.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 08/07/2025
Last week’s Montreal v. NYCFC game featured more tactical nuance than I was expecting. I wrote about the battle between acting head coaches Marco Donadel & Mehdi Ballouchy & how NYCFC struggled to find ways to defend Montreal’s inside fullbacks, w/ Dante Sealy as one of the primary beneficiaries.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 12/04/2025
The Outfield early-season mailbag just published! We answered questions on Pascal Jansen's tactics, how hopeful to be about Julian Fernandez/Agustin Ojeda, whether David Lee is full of crap, and more! www.theoutfield.nyc/p/pigeon-pos...
theoutfield.nyc
Pigeon Post: Hope, Hype, and Harsh Truths Edition
Pascal Jansen sharpens the system, raises standards, and gives the kids a real shot—but don’t start planning the parade.
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Kevin Nelson @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc · 16/03/2025
Been impressed w/ the development of Justin Haak's passing profile, particularly as a CB. Been more on the ball, & advancing it more forward when he is. Vertical dist/pass 22: 2.04 23: 4.12 24: 5.26 25: 7.03 Touch % 22: 4.7% 23: 7.3% 24: 5.3% 25: 9.9% Data: @americansocceranalysis.com
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