Hartford Athletic are your Jagermeister Cup champions, but how’d they do it? I dig into that, plus 23 other team deep-dives in my USL Power Rankings. www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 Every week, @joeclowery.bsky.social dives into the standout players, teams, performances, and trends from around MLS. Here's who's celebrating (and who's not) ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! ▪️ Hartford Athletic win a trophy ▪️ New Mexico United show versatility ▪️ Rhode Island FC search for their best recipe ▪️ ...and so much more Read @usltactics.com's analysis of all 24 clubs ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▫️ Ernst Tanner's Philadelphia Union win the Shield ▫️ FC Dallas' in red-hot form ▫️ Houston Dynamo in trouble ▫️ ...and so much more @joeclowery.bsky.social dives into the standout players, teams, and trends from around MLS ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! Where does your team stand after the latest weekend of Championship action? @usltactics.com digs into all 24 squads. Find out who’s up and who’s down ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

Nashville SC are U.S. Open Cup champions 🏆 Thanks to a 2-1 win over Austin FC on Wednesday, Nashville claimed the first trophy in club history. How did they pull off the win? And what else will we remember from the 2025 edition of the Cup? From @usltactics.com 🆓 www.backheeled.com/us-open-cup-...

Nashville SC are U.S. Open Cup winners 🏆 How did BJ Callaghan's team top Austin FC on Wednesday night? And what else will we remember from the 2025 edition of the Cup? @usltactics.com breaks it all down 🆓 www.backheeled.com/us-open-cup-...

"I'm at my best when I'm enjoying my outside life and performing on the field." For @Backheeled.com, I sat down with Paxten Aaronson to talk about his surprise return to MLS, his goals with the USMNT, and what he learned about himself playing in Europe.

𝗠𝗟𝗦 𝗜𝗻-𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 📈 @benwright.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social analyze (and rank!) all 30 MLS teams. Check out the league's latest, from Sporting Kansas City's new era to a legend retiring. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-in-depth...

Paxten Aaronson didn't expect to be back in MLS this quickly. But after a difficult time in Europe, the 22-year-old is now the Colorado Rapids' centerpiece — and is hoping to catch the eye of the USMNT. @benwright.bsky.social sat down with the No. 10 ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/paxten-aaron...

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▫️ Philadelphia Union close in on the Shield ▫️ New York Red Bulls' playoff streak in jeopardy ▫️ LAFC continue to look scary ▫️ ...and so much more @joeclowery.bsky.social dives into the standout players, teams, and trends from around MLS ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! Where does your team stand after the latest weekend of Championship action? @usltactics.com digs into all 24 squads. Find out who’s up and who’s down ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 Every week, @joeclowery.bsky.social dives into the standout players, teams, performances, and trends from around MLS. Here's who's celebrating (and who's not) ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...

Who are the frontrunners for the USL Championship's most prestigious awards? 🥇 MVP 🥇 Coach of the Year 🥇 Young Player of the Year 🥇 Defensive Player of the Year 🥇 Goalkeeper of the Year @usltactics.com breaks down the end-of-season award races ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

𝗠𝗟𝗦 𝗜𝗻-𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 📈 @benwright.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social analyze (and rank!) all 30 MLS teams. Check out the league's latest, from emerging young playmakers to clever tactical tweaks to major injury concerns. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-in-depth...

Jesper Sorensen was prepared for slow progress in a new league, far from family — not a rapid Vancouver rise. Now the 'Caps made the CCC final + could win a treble. "I just assess risks different." For @backheeled.com, I spoke w/Sorensen about his tactics ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/jesper-soren...

Jesper Sorensen is infatuated with MLS, calling it "the most interesting league in the world." Even in MLS, where “the outcome is not given beforehand”, the Whitecaps' new coach has helped build a trophy threat 🏆 Here's how. From @joeclowery.bsky.social ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/jesper-soren...

Gregg Berhalter changed his shape for the first time all season -- it paid off for the Chicago Fire. I wrote about Berhalter's tactical tweak, NYCFC's joy, DC United's commitment to the bit, the Crew's tight spot & more. For @backheeled.com ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! ▪️ Sacramento Republic rise ▪️ New signings pay dividends ▪️ San Antonio FC's setup has promise ▪️ ...and so much more Read @usltactics.com's analysis of all 24 clubs ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▫️ NYCFC's quiet success ▫️ Problems in Columbus ▫️ Gregg Berhalter's shift ▫️ ...and so much more @joeclowery.bsky.social dives into the standout players, teams, and trends from around MLS ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! Where does your team stand after the latest weekend of Championship action? @usltactics.com digs into all 24 squads. Find out who’s up and who’s down ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

MLS is a league known for its tactical variety. Which defensive approaches, then, have excelled across the league in 2025? @cata-bush.bsky.social examines the data and film to uncover elite units in MLS that prove there's no one right way to defend. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-best-def...

𝗠𝗟𝗦 𝗘𝗻𝗱-𝗼𝗳-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 🥇 Who are the frontrunners for MVP? 🔝 Who are the top Coach of the Year candidates? 🆕 Who will win Newcomer of the Year? Listen to The Backheeled Show 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3yYd...

Only two teams remain in this year's U.S. Open Cup: Nashville SC and Austin FC 🏆 How did the two MLS sides reach the final? @usltactics.com dives into a pair of hard-fought semifinal victories defined by clever possession, star power, and doing just enough ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/how-nashvill...

𝗠𝗟𝗦 𝗜𝗻-𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 📈 @benwright.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social analyze (and rank!) all 30 MLS teams. Check out the league's latest, from Caleb Porter and Ally Mackay being fired to a score of contenders to LAFC's tactical shift. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-in-depth...

What will Mauricio Pochettino's next USMNT roster look like? According to the manager, we can expect less experimentation and potentially fewer MLS call-ups 🇺🇸 @sanjaysujan.bsky.social projects the full October squad ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/projecting-m...

◽ What went wrong for Caleb Porter's New England Revolution? ◽ Top MLS coaching candidates ◽ Looking back at a wild MLS weekend Listen to The Backheeled Show 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6axF...

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▫️ A record number of goals ▫️ LAFC's new look ▫️ Charlotte FC’s record ▫️ ...and so much more @joeclowery.bsky.social dives into the standout players, teams, and trends from around MLS ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! ▪️ Final roster moves of the year ▪️ Lexington SC's improvement ▪️ Rhode Island FC rise ▪️ ...and so much more Read @usltactics.com's analysis of all 24 clubs 🆓 www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▫️ A record number of goals ▫️ LAFC's new look ▫️ Charlotte FC’s record ▫️ ...and so much more @joeclowery.bsky.social dives into the standout players, teams, and trends from around MLS ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! Where does your team stand after the latest weekend of Championship action? @usltactics.com digs into all 24 squads. Find out who’s up and who’s down ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

When Mauricio Pochettino was hired, many believed he'd prioritize the USMNT's European-based players. Instead, Pochettino has started a "different process" by reshaping the team's hierarchy. Will his efforts pay off? Players weigh in on the 🇺🇸's new direction ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mauricio-poc...

The Jagermeister Cup final is set after a pair of semifinal clashes on Wednesday evening 🏆 How did Sacramento Republic and Hartford Athletic push past their opposition to put themselves within one win of a trophy? @usltactics.com breaks it down ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-jagermei...

Mauricio Pochettino has been in charge of the USMNT for one year. So, where does the team stand with the World Cup nearing? After a September window filled with whiplash, @jerryhinnen.bsky.social takes stock of the 🇺🇸. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usmnt-japan-...

Folarin Balogun's teammates were full of praise after his first USMNT start under Mauricio Pochettino. "That’s what he’s really, really good at is the darting run." The 24-year-old may have established himself as the 🇺🇸's go-to up top in last night's win ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/balogun-puli...

The USMNT showed signs of life in a victory over Japan on Tuesday 🇺🇸 What worked for Mauricio Pochettino's team? A shape shift, for one thing. "It adds another layer...being able to adapt and play different ways against different teams." More from Columbus ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/balogun-puli...

The USMNT showed signs of life in a victory over Japan on Tuesday 🇺🇸 What worked for Mauricio Pochettino's team? A shape shift, for one thing. "It adds another layer...being able to adapt and play different ways against different teams." More from Columbus ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/balogun-puli...

What needs to change for the USMNT against Japan? @joeclowery.bsky.social builds his ideal lineup for the United States' final September match 🇺🇸 🇯🇵 Listen to The Backheeled Show 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/7AkJ...

Pochettino's USMNT has a pressing problem: they can't seem to press. “When we don't have the ball...we need to be aggressive," the manager said lat year. That aggression hasn't showed, says @joeclowery.bsky.social. And the press? It's more liability than asset ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mauricio-poc...

Pochettino's USMNT has a pressing problem: they can't seem to press. “When we don't have the ball...we need to be aggressive." That aggression hasn't showed. Structural and personnel flaws have in a 🇺🇸 press that's more liability than asset. For @backheeled.com ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mauricio-poc...

Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT has a pressing problem: they can't seem to press. The United States' defending has been more liability than asset under Pochettino, writes @joeclowery.bsky.social. What's wrong with the 🇺🇸's press? Find out ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mauricio-poc...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! Where does your team stand after the latest weekend of Championship action? @usltactics.com digs into all 24 squads. Find out who’s up and who’s down ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

With a short-handed, experimental squad, the USMNT fell 2-0 to South Korea on Saturday. "I think the manager is going to understand when the right time is to bring everyone back into the picture,” Tyler Adams said. But that time? It's running short. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usmnt-lose-s...

Mauricio Pochettino says his team is improving, but did the USMNT's performance in a loss to South Korea on Saturday show any such progress? "I think for sure, [there’s] still time.” From New Jersey, we break down the United States' latest disappointment. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usmnt-lose-s...

Right now, USL clubs are trying to answer a crucial question: what does it mean to be a first-division organization? From massive stadium expansion to a detailed application, here's how one club is adapting to the USL's proposed D1 future. From @usltactics.com ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-markets-...

𝗠𝗟𝗦 𝗜𝗻-𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 📈 Every week, @benwright.bsky.social and I analyze (and rank!) all 30 teams. This week, I dig into the fun, new-look Colorado Rapids, the Seattle Sounders' new star striker & so much more. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-in-depth...

𝗠𝗟𝗦 𝗜𝗻-𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 📈 @benwright.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social analyze (and rank!) all 30 MLS teams. Check out the league's latest, from the Colorado Rapids' hunt for balance to fallout from the Leagues Cup final. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-in-depth...

▪️ How the Sounders won Leagues Cup ▪️ Philadelphia push for the Supporters' Shield ▪️ San Diego sprint towards MLS expansion history Listen to The Backheeled Show 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/1foz...

Celebrate your Labor Day in style by catching up with the USL! I’m going from #1 to #24, ranking the entire Championship and digging into the week that was. 🔗⬇️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! ▪️ Hartford Athletic surge ▪️ Louisville City clinch a playoff spot ▪️ Chaos in the Western Conference ▪️ ...and so much more Read @usltactics.com's analysis of all 24 clubs ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...