Data Analytics in Soccer

Master of Science in mathematics and completed his PhD at the University of Tubingen by applying various machine learning techniques to solve football problems

Worked for the German Football League (DFL) as the lead data scientist and helped to develop the Bundesliga Match Facts (including an proprietary expected goals model) which are now being broadcast live to a worldwide audience

In 2022 his research paper won the prestigious Best Research Paper Award at the MIT SLOAN Sports analytics conference

Created the new DAVIES system (Determining Added Value of Individual Efficiency including Style)

Uses data to group players into one of 18 playing style roles instead of positions

Goes more in depth than traditional analytics creating a much more complete picture of individual performances

Russell oversees how the business side of the organizations leverages data and technology to drive ticketing, sponsorships and overall fan engagement

His team is directly responsible for such areas as CRM, lead scoring, predictive modeling, pricing, reporting, and more, while collaborating across all other departments for strategic planning and analysis

During his playing career, Bobic made 285 Bundesliga appearances (108 goals, 34 assists). He also featured several Cup and Champions League games, winning the German Cup with VfB Stuttgart in 1998 as well as finishing as the league’s top goalscorer. Bobic was capped 37 times for Germany and won the European Championship in 1996.In 2016, Bobic was appointed as Sporting Director at Eintracht Frankfurt. During his tenure, the Eagles underwent a steady rise, winning the German Cup in 2018 and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League the following season. Prior to that, Bobic was the Sporting Director of VfB Stuttgart, where Stuttgart not only qualified for Europe but also reached the Cup final in 2013.

In 2018, Wayne was selected as one of 56 individuals to obtain the prestigious US soccer Academy Director’s License, US Soccer’s highest level of youth licensing. As part of his curriculum, Wayne was fortunate enough to do week long, all access philosophy-sharing stays with: Real Madrid, Paris F.C., AZ Alkamar, River Plate and the Dutch/Belgian federations. Prior to obtaining his license, Wayne served as an assistant coach and scout for the U-18 and U-20 United States National teams. Wayne has served as an advisor to US Youth Soccer and they still invite him to do development seminars all over the country for clubs and organizations on their behalf. He also served as the National Director of Rush soccer and the Academy Director for Cedar Stars (CSA).

Currently the General Manager for Gotham FC, the premier women’s professional team in the NJNY area

Former US women’s national team player

Princeton soccer legend, has been with the program for nearly 25 years and has enjoyed great success

11 NCAA tournament appearances