Home Field Advantage in Major League Soccer

This study examined how Information Systems and Technology can play a role in improving the understanding of Home Field Advantage (HFA) in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS). The study validates the existence of HFA in MLS, and quantifies its impact on teams’ performance as reflected by their match statistics. During the period under review, 2012 – 2017, the MLS had an average HFA of 67%, with the highest being 72%. Assists, Crosses, and Shots on Target had a significant correlation with Home Goal Difference. Using Action Design Research, an IT artifact was developed in collaboration with the Philadelphia Union (Union) a soccer club of the MLS. This artifact/application allows for comparison of MLS teams across various match statistics. Three clusters of teams were identified based on match statistics that were statistically significant