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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 10h

Austin’s own World Cup rep Ismail Elfath will be reffing tomorrow’s Austin FC game vs. Nashville. REF: Ismail Elfath AR1: Corey Parker AR2: Kyle Atkins 4TH: Armando Villarreal VAR: Kevin Stott AVAR: Craig Lowryo

Ismail Elfath reffing the World Cup semifinal

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 10h

Christian Ramírez: - 2 braces in last 3 Austin FC games. - 4 goals from 5 shots on target.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

According to FBRef, Austin FC has taken 260 shots (97 on target) this season, with only SKC having taken fewer shots. On the defensive side, they've allowed the 3rd most shots in MLS, with 394 (150 on target).

Austin FC: 260 shots taken (97 on target)

Austin FC: 394 shots allowed (150 on target)

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Somewhat flat performance by Austin FC. Limited San Jose’s chances. Still could have won if not for a VAR call. 1-1 is probably a fair result. Sorry for those who have to rewatch it though.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Guilherme Biro and Myrto Uzuni (injured) are both one yellow card away from a suspension. #AustinFC

Caution Accumulation Warnings
As of September 3, 2026
The following players are one caution away from suspension/fine:
• Lucas Hoyos, ATL
• Guilherme Biro, ATX
• Myrto Uzuni, ATX

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Does Messi have 4 goals or an own goal by Montreal’s Petrasso on the deflection of his free kick? MLS Soccer and Opta are in dispute right now.

How do we explain that FOX Sports and MLS reported Messi scored four goals and provided one assist yesterday, while outlets like SofaScore and even FotMob recorded only three goals and one assist?
The dispute came from Messi's first free kick, which seemed to touch Petrasso, a Montréal player, leading some outlets to classify it as a deflection. However, it wasn't a heavy deflection and should be credited to Messi as his goal.
Thanks to MLS for not depriving Messi of his goal.

Sofascore, powered by Opta, gives Messi 3 goals

Sofascore Football Y
@Sofascore
X.com
For everyone asking about the 4th goal, at the moment our official stat provider (Opta) are crediting Inter Miami's second goal as an own goal.
We'll let you know if anything changes on that front!

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Via @benwright.bsky.social on X. No red card for Nashville’s Eddi Tagseth for a studs to the ankle challenge on Evander. Considering JoRo’s lesser challenge vs. Toluca’s Pereira was a red, seems like @proreferees.bsky.social VAR officials are being a little inconsistent.

"This is a clear red card. VAR has to call the referee to review a play like this."
Evander frustrated with the decision not to send off Eddi Tagseth for what was a really high boot to his shin.

Ben Wright @benwright • 24m
I asked PRO about the call afterwards, and... well... the answer wasn't particularly enlightening.
Aug 29, 2026
Nashville SC vs FC Cincinnati
The submitted question:
In the 79th minute, Nashville midfielder Eddi Tagseth was shown a yellow card for a foul on Evander. Replays showed his studs very high on Evander's ankle - could you explain the decision not to recommend an on-field review for a potential red card?
...
The response to the submitted question:
The VAR checked the footage and deemed the challenge was reckless and no clear and obvious error existed on the on field decision.
VAR did not recommend a review.

Evander on IG: “And the referee even said to me that his foot was not high enough”

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Rodrigo Albuquerque refs tonight’s Austin FC game vs. Philadelphia Union. He has reffed an Austin FC II game, but reffed his first MLS game this season. REF: Rodrigo Albuquerque AR1: Cameron Blanchard AR2: Jeremy Hanson 4TH: Armando Villarreal VAR: Geoff Gamble AVAR: Tom Supple

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Philly has a completely healthy squad vs. Austin FC tomorrow.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Myrto Uzuni joins Besard Sabovic on the Caution Accumulation list, so both are one yellow card away from a suspension.

Caution Accumulation Warnings

The following players are one caution away from suspension/fine:
• Besard Sabovic, ATX
• Myrto Uzuni, ATX

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Sabovic (for F. Torres) and Ramirez (for Vazquez) the only changes. #AustinFC

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Ramy Touchan will be reffing tonight’s Austin FC game vs. FC Dallas. The last game I found where he was a head ref for Austin was a 3-0 home win vs. Vancouver in 2022. REF: Ramy Touchan AR1: Eric Weisbrod AR2: Stephen McGonagle 4TH: Malik Badawi VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero AVAR: Jonathan Johnson

Ramy Touchan discusses a yellow card with Ruben Gabrielsen in April 2022.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Guilherme Biro is now off the Caution Accumulation list, which leaves Besard Sabovic as the only remaining Austin FC player one yellow card away from a suspension.

Caution Accumulation Warnings
As of August 11, 2026
The following players are one caution away from suspension/fine:
• Lucas Hoyos, ATL
• Besard Sabovic, ATX

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Besard Sabovic has joined Guilherme Biro on the Caution Accumulation Warning list for Austin FC, which means they're one yellow away from a suspension (which would occur after Leagues Cup if it happened tomorrow).

Caution Accumulation Warnings
As of July 30, 2026
The following players are one caution away from suspension/fine:
• Enea Mihaj, ATL
• Guilherme Biro, ATX
• Besard Sabovic, ATX

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Guilherme Biro still the only Austin FC player with a caution accumulation warning.

Caution Accumulation Warnings
As of July 21, 2026
The following players are one caution away from suspension/fine:
• Tomás Jacob, ATL
• Enea Mihaj, ATL
• Guilherme Biro, ATX

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Ricardo Montero Araya will be reffing Austin FC's game tomorrow vs. Seattle. He last reffed their 2-0 away loss to San Diego in May 2025. REF: Ricardo Montero Araya AR1: Stefan Tanaka-Freundt AR2: Brian Dunn 4TH: Elton Garcia VAR: Younes Marrakchi AVAR: Melissa Beck

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

We also have a back view of the new alternate Austin FC kit from Willie Nelson’s Instagram account. YETI on the backside.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

This man should be on a flight home before he has a chance to mess up another World Cup game.

Raphael Claus, Brazilian ref for today's USMNT vs Bosnia game

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

I think there’s a consensus that Garth Lagerwey would be ideal, which I agree with. However, I wouldn’t mind someone younger and innovative like a Tyler Heaps from San Diego. Here were some candidates from the Athletic’s survey. But I am actually fine with whoever Curtin wants, TBH.

Who is the next No. 2 to become a CSO?
Chris Tierney - New England
Revolution
Note: Three GMs declined to answer this question.
Source: A survey by The Athletic of MLS executives

Mark Prizant - San Diego FC
5
Asher Mendelsohn - Houston Dynamo
2
Hunter Freeman - FC Cincinnati
1
Quinn Thompson - Vancouver
Whitecaps
1
Kyle McCarthy - FC Cincinnati
1
Sam Goldberg - Red Bull New York
1
Tony Beltran - Real Salt Lake

Neil McGuinness - LAFC

6
THE ATHLETIC

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

I had called this a few weeks ago in the @thenorthendpodcast.com Discord. There’s just never a normal way that Austin FC does things. The “start next season” thing, I definitely didn’t call. It’s not boring, I guess?

timothompson 5/21/26, 12:54 PM
OK, here's another one: How about they do hire a coach first, Josh Wolff-style, again? But obviously the SD they hire will be one who will be OK with this coach selection. This speculation is also fueled by the search already being underway for a coach.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Many MLS bobblehead giveaways this season.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

I have him as 22 on my list. May have something wrong, so let me know.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Revisiting my 2026 #MLS preseason predictions at the World Cup break. Underestimated teams: San Jose, RSL, New England, DC United and Dallas Overestimated teams: Philly, Austin FC, San Diego and FC Cincinnati Nailed it: Toronto, Houston, Minnesota, St. Louis and SKC. Will revisit postseason.

MLS Eastern Conference predictions vs. midseason results

MLS Western Conference predictions vs. midseason results

Table showing my predictions for all MLS teams on a scale, showing which teams overperformed and underformed my predictions as well as those that I am on target for at midseason.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Pierre-Luc Lauziere will ref today’s Austin FC game vs. St. Louis. He only reffed 3 of their games, with 1 W (4-3 vs. SKC in 2022), 1 L and 1 D (1-1 vs. Colorado in 2022). REF: Pierre-Luc Lauziere AR1: Gerard-Kader Lebuis AR2: Diego Blas 4TH: Ricardo Fierro VAR: Carol Anne Chenard AVAR: Craig Lowry

VAR reversing an Austin FC goal vs. Colorado in 2022

When Austin FC lines up for its first-ever playoff game next weekend, Sunday at 2pm CT, its fans will be glad not to see Pierre-Luc Lauziere anywhere near Q2
Stadium.
That's because Lauziere, the referee for the Verde and Black's 1-1 draw against the Colorado Rapids in Sunday's regular season finale, oversaw what longtime MLS voice Adrian Healey called "one of the worst officiating displays I've witnessed."

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

This Reddit post about Austin FC's playoff chances has been a reality check for me this week. At least 30 points are needed to get to 44 points (which still may not get us in). Last year's bottom 3 Western Conference playoff teams were all 44 points or under, with RSL being at 41 points.

The Math on Austin's Playoff Chase: 1.5 PPG Required (8-6-6)
The Western Conference playoff line (9th place) historically anchors at 44 points. Sitting at 13th with 14 points, we need 30 points from the final 20 games to get there.
Essentially that is 8 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses. These are the facts! Are we making the playoffs?

7. FC Dallas: 44 points
8. Portland Timbers: 44 points
9. Real Salt Lake: 41 points

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Found that because I wanted to see which No. 2s the anonymous executives liked for next CSO now that Austin FC has a rec out for one.

Who is the next No. 2 to become a CSO?
Note: Three GMs declined to answer this question.
Source: A survey by The Athletic of MLS executives
Chris Tierney - New England Revolution
Mark Prizant - San Diego FC
Asher Mendelsohn - Houston Dynamo
Hunter Freeman - FC Cincinnati
Quinn Thompson - Vancouver Whitecaps
Kyle McCarthy - FC Cincinnati
Sam Goldberg - Red Bull New York
Tony Beltran - Real Salt Lake
Neil McGuinness - LAFC

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

The 2026 @theathletic.com MLS Executive Survey "What was the best coaching or front office hire of the offseason?" has had its first head coach casualty with possibly a couple of others on the hot seat.

What was the best coaching or front office hire of the offseason?
David Lee - Sporting Kansas City - 5 votes
Henrik Rydström - Columbus Crew - 5 votes
Tata Martino - Atlanta United - 4 votes
Marc dos Santos - LAFC - 2 votes
Marko Mitrovic - New England Revolution - 2 votes
Yoann Damet - St. Louis City - 1 vote
Mike Sorber - Red Bull New York - 1 vote
Michael Bradley - Red Bull New York - 1 vote
Todd Dunivant - NYCFC - 1 vote

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Austin FC Coaching History (via FotMob). Lots of pressure on Davy Arnaud to keep the 100% win percentage this week.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Nico says he's "having a bad five months." If you only count the league months, that is close to correct. Since September 27, 2025, in all competitions, Austin FC has: - Only won 4 out of 22 games. (18%) - Lost 13 of 22. (59%) - Drawn 5 of 22. (23%)

"The franchise has had six years and made the playoffs in two, and I've made one," Estevez said. "Because, at the end of the day, - perceive, because of these six years, and some of the years not going in the right way, I'm (taking on) all of these years that I wasn't here for. For me, I'm having a bad five months. We played a final (last season), which was the first time (that happened) in the history of the club…..and we qualified for the playoffs. This moment is my lowest moment at the club...but I feel like I'm carrying four years that I wasn't here...I don't feel like it's fair that I have to carry what happened before.'

Austin FC games from September 27, 2025 – March 1, 2026 (via FotMob)

Austin FC games from March 7, 2026 – May 3, 2026 (via FotMob)

Austin FC games from May 10, 2026 – May 16, 2026 (via FotMob)

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Marcos DeOliveira will ref Austin FC's game vs. Sporting Kansas City tomorrow. He last reffed their 0-1 home loss to Colorado in March 2025 (with 2 PKs reversed by VAR). REF: Marcos DeOliveira AR1: Justin Howard AR2: Rhett Hammil 4TH: Edson Carvajal VAR: Geoff Gamble AVAR: Jose Da Silva

Marcos DeOliviera about to call Myrto Uzuni offside.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Nico in the presser: “Estévez…noted he had a call with the league about playing two road matches in the span of 72 hours.” Austin and Houston both played road games and double road games on Sunday and Wednesday and were both shut out last night. #AustinFC

"We had to make sure we didn't lose
more players this week and that we have enough players to play on Saturday," said Estévez, who also noted he had a call with the league about playing two road matches in the span of 72 hours.

Austin and Houston both played road matches on Sunday and Wednesday

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

This is why Austin FC hasn’t won a midweek or away game yet this season.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

In the past, the player, fan and media voting for MLS All-Star accounted for 12 players selected, with each of the three voting groups representing one-third of the combined vote. This season, that vote has been reduced to picking 11.

Voting Breakdown
Of the 26 MLS players to be selected for the MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime, the breakdown is as follows:
• 11 players will be determined by a vote of MLS fans, players, and media. Each of the three voting groups will represent one-third of the combined vote.
• 13 players will be selected by MLS All-Star head coach Dean Smith of the host club, Charlotte FC.
• Two players will be selected by MLS
Commissioner Don Garber.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Malik Badawi refs tonight’s Austin FC game at San Diego. He last reffed their 1-1 home draw vs. Atlanta United in 2025. REF: Malik Badawi AR1: Jeremy Hanson AR2: Stephen McGonagle 4TH: Victor Rivas VAR: Lukasz Szpala AVAR: Ian McKay

Malik Badawi oversees Brandon Vazquez’s free kick goal vs. Atlanta.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Guilherme 🍺 the first Austin FC player on the caution accumulation warning list this season. One more yellow card means a suspension.

Caution Accumulation Warnings
As of May 12, 2026
The following players are one caution away from suspension/fine:
• Tomás Jacob, ATL
• Guilherme Biro, ATX

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Mikkel Desler in last night's press conference describing Austin FC's second half performance vs Minnesota United. youtu.be/StIK1h6VwZI?...

In the second half, what would you not yourself but just the team in general? What would you guys have liked to have done differently if anything?

I think we we we became a little bit too passive uh especially in in the way that we wanted to put pressure on them. They had too much time to build up and get into good crossing positions and get set pieces and move the ball around on our last third or half of the pitch. And we couldn't really get out of it and we defended for too long and then when we got the ball, we were too tired to keep it.

I think after they scored the second goal, we made small adjustments and became a little bit more aggressive in our pressure and then were able to to win the ball a bit higher and and and hold ball position for longer.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Chris Penso will ref tomorrow’s Austin FC away game vs Minnesota. He last reffed their 1-0 home opener vs. SKC and their 0-2 away loss vs. Houston in 2025. REF: Chris Penso AR1: Chris Wattam AR2: Adam Wienckowski 4TH: Carlos Rodriguez VAR: Joe Dickerson AVAR: Jonathan Johnson

Chris Penso gives a yellow to Ilie Sanchez in Austin FC vs. SKC

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Jon Freemon will ref Austin FC vs. St. Louis. He last reffed their 3-1 home W vs. San Jose in 2025. In 2024, he gave Charlotte a PK when Alex Ring ran into Iúri Tavares in the box. REF: Jon Freemon AR1: Jeremy Kieso AR2: Bennett Savage 4TH: Muhammad Hassan VAR: Edvin Jurisevic AVAR: Joshua Patlak

Jon Freemon watching Alex Ring run into Iúri Tavares of Charlotte FC in the box, leading to a penalty kick.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Some Austin FC stats from the OneFootball app.

Austin FC allowed 37 shots to San Jose on Wednesday, the most ever allowed by Austin in an MLS match. It was the Verde's third time this season allowing 25 or more shots in an MLS match while all other MLS teams combined have allowed 25+ shots in a league match twice this season (SEA, SKC - one each).

Brad Stuver faced 16 shots on target against the Earthquakes on Wednesday, making a career-high 11 saves. Stuver became the first MLS goalkeeper to face 16 or more shots on goal in a single regular-season match since Maxime Crépeau with Vancouver (also against San Jose) in August
2019.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Alexis Da Silva will ref tomorrow’s Austin FC game. Last year he reffed a 0-0 draw vs. Vancouver, a 2-2 draw vs. Houston (PK given), and the 2-1 Open Cup win vs. Minnesota. REF: Alexis Da Silva AR1: Brian Poeschel AR2: Eduardo Jeff 4TH: Armando Villarreal VAR: Kevin Stott AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert

Alexis Da Silva giving Houston a PK after Robert Taylor tapped a Houston player’s calf with his foot in the box.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

I have no idea how Paul Marie is still on the Earthquakes, but he’s been as much of a nemesis to Austin FC in their history as Ryan Gauld.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Tim Ford will be reffing Austin FC's game vs. San Jose tomorrow. Last year, he reffed their 3-1 home Open Cup win vs. Houston and their 0-2 away loss to Seattle. REF: Timothy Ford AR1: Stefan Tanaka-Freundt AR2: Ryan Graves 4TH: Elijio Arreguin VAR: Greg Dopka AVAR: Craig Lowry

Tim Ford giving a red card to Reed Baker-Whiting of Seattle in the 89th minute of their game vs. Austin FC.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

When Austin FC has scored and allowed goals in their first 8 games. While allowing only 5 goals in the first halves of games, they are getting outscored 6-9 in second halves of games, with 6 goals being allowed in the last 15 minutes and extra time of their games.

Austin FC: When goals scored and when goals allowed in games.

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Tim Thompson @timothompson.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

In 8 games played, Austin FC: - Has scored 1 goal or less in 62.5% (5) of games this season. - Has allowed 2 goals or more in 75% (6) of games. - While shutting out opponents in 25% (2) of games, they have not held an opponent to only 1 goal all season.

Austin FC: Number of goals scoring and allowing per game after 8 games.
- 1 game scoring and 2 games allowing 0 goals.
- 4 games scoring and 0 games allowing 1 goal.
- 2 games scoring and 4 games allowing 2 goals.
- 1 game scoring and 2 games allowing 3 goals.

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