The MLS' Crazy New AI

May 05, 2023

Ah, it’s Friday... With the week coming to an end, there’s no better way to get ready for the weekend than with The Sports Road! Need something interesting to talk about? We got you. Enjoy!

Here's what we got for ya today:

  • MLS’ New Crazy AI

  • UFC 288: The Big Preview (+ a VERY cool exclusive)

  • Become Your Own Coach

  • Guess Who’s Back…

Most valuable public market sports teams

Let's get into it!

Here we go Again: The MLS’ Newest Tech

If the last couple months has taught us anything, it’s that tech releases in sport seem to happen in phases.

Whether it was the couple of weeks where – what felt like – every team was announcing the creation of their own tech incubator, or when Golf organisations decided to storm the Metaverse, these things always seem to group up.

The newest craze? Scouting AI.

It really does feel as though every few days there’s a new crazy AI on the topic. I mean, it makes sense… Who doesn’t want to find the next Haaland?!

So with that, you may ask: what now?

Well, we’ve spoken about it in Asia and the UK, but now the Americans are getting in on the act.

Yep, in a deal struck with tech-company, Ai.io, the MLS are planning to revolutionise scouting…

This is what we know so far:

  • The partnership will allow young players the opportunity to showcase their skills to MLS clubs for free

  • To participate, all players have to do is download the app and complete various different assessments/drills

  • The app will analyse the data provided and, via a connected platform, the MLS will be able to determine what to do with the players

  • Those who score highly will be given the chance to trial at MLS events in North America

“I think democratising a process here is largely what this is about and getting some data upfront for the scouts. Any player has the opportunity to say ‘look, I’m good enough and someone’s worth having a look at me’. Even from their garden they can now provide that data upfront. If the numbers are good enough, they’re going to get that opportunity. They can take some ownership of it.”

Richard Felton-Thomas, Chief Operating Officer at AiScout.

Having already worked with teams like Chelsea and Burnley, this could only mean good things for the growth of the MLS.

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The UFC is Back!

The UFC is back, and they are NOT messing about…

If there’s one word that sums up UFC 288, it would be opportunity.

From the prelims all the way down to the Main Event, a win on the weekend could mean everything…

I mean let’s just have a look at the two headliners. With Henry Cejudo making his long awaited comeback, not only would a win certify his place as one of the top Mixed Martial Artists ever, but really push him into the GOAT argument.

Really though, just imagine. 2x Bantamweight champ, 1x Flyweight champ, Olympic Gold Medalist. How can you argue against that?

In the other corner, the former champ faces a man fighting in – what many would describe as – a weird position. While Aljamain Sterling is the champion, he isn’t really given his flowers.

Winning the title off a DQ win, Aljo has since defended in a *very* close rematch against Petr Yan, and a win over an injured TJ Dillashaw.

With many saying his champion status isn’t deserved, a win over one of the sports greats would not be going unnoticed…

Look, saying all that, this card went through it. With Oliveria vs. Dariush being cancelled only a few weeks before the event, a HUGE hole was left in the card. But remember what we said about opportunity? Yeah, Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad seriously stepped up.

In a fight with some of the biggest ramifications of the year, the winner SURELY has to be up for the next title shot at Welterweight.

While it is a shame we won’t see Dariush and Oliveira, luckily, the fight has been pushed back to UFC 289 – a card headlined by WMMA’s GOAT, Amanda Nunes.

Remember the exclusive we told you about? Well, here it is…

Time to Get Analysing

When we first heard of this new AI, a very specific video came to our minds…

Look, even if you hadn't watched the video, we are absolutely sure you’ve heard a couple of stories like this before.

And why not? I mean, it’s not like people can easily get their own personalised highlight packages. Until now…

Yep, this week Trace – a firm who specialise in automated highlights – have released their new platform, PlayerFocus. 

Using their advanced AI tracking technology, PlayFocus will be able to create highlight packages which follow individual players.

The AI can allow coaches, players and more a better understanding of their own performance and what could drive potential improvements.

While once such technology was only available to elite professionals, Trace is offering something different. Available to a variety of customers from Sunday league players to amateur teams, the service prides itself on its accessibility.

“Our players understand they are the biggest influence in their own development. Trace shares our vision of putting the player front and centre with highlights that save us time and help us zero in on what each player is doing and contributing from their position.”

Jeff Baicher, Director of Football at De Anza Force and user of PlayerFocus

So, watch some footage, improve, and who knows, maybe you’re the next Jamie Vardy 😉

We Need to Talk About: Jose Mourinho

I mean, is there a bigger character?

Thankfully for Football fans the world over, Jose Mourinho is back in the news. And this one is VERY good…

So, for context…

“Believe me, I have dealt with many bad referees. Usually, when I talk about referees, it is because they have a direct influence on the game. In this case, I don’t think that is true. But he is horrible, he makes no human connection with anyone, he has no empathy, he gives a red card to a player who slips because he is exhausted at the 96th minute.”

Jose Mourinho, AS Roma Manager

With that, you may get a good idea about what this story is about.

Look, we talk about technology a lot, but we never expected to see something like this…

Claiming to have attached a microphone to himself, the Footballing legend called for protection against dodgy referees. Never change, Jose 😂

Having already been sent off THREE times this season, his anger makes sense *kind of*

Threatening legal action against referees only a few months ago, it seems the special one is seriously fed up…

The saga, however, leads us to think about the relationship between referees and players/coaches. With – what feels like – more drama every week, something has to be done.

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Chat to ya on Monday! ☮️