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...

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▫️ Seattle Sounders' talent conveyor belt ▫️ FC Cincinnati in trouble ▫️ LA Galaxy give Riqui Puig something to smile about ▫️ ...and 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...

We're giving every USL Championship team something to smile about. Yes, even the bad ones. From transfer hits to youth development, @usltactics.com examines one major positive for all 24 clubs in the Championship ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/one-positive...

Another Wednesday, another round of @backheeled.com MLS #analysis from myself and @joeclowery.bsky.social. From the East: • Philadelphia and Nashville cruise • NYCFC and Charlotte peaking at the right time • Cincinnati are concerning • Caleb Porter picks a really weird time to bash the 2021 Revs

“We already know Weston. It’s not necessary to call him." Mauricio Pochettino is committed to casting a wide net over his player pool -- even if that means leaving stars at home. Will that decision come back to bite? Read up on the latest for the USMNT ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/pulisic-poch...

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 a bumpy Supporters' Shield race to thoughts on new summer signings to key tactical shifts. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-in-depth...

“It’s the last opportunity to bring some new faces that we didn’t have the possibility to bring in the past." Mauricio Pochettino is committed to casting a wide, in-person net over the USMNT's player pool. Will that come back to bite? On a U.S. team in flux ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/pulisic-poch...

Christian Pulisic is back with the USMNT after a back-and-forth with Mauricio Pochettino. Sergiño Dest and Noahkai Banks also made Pochettino's September squad, while Weston McKennie and Johnny Cardoso were excluded. Analysis of the U.S.'s latest squad ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mauricio-poc...

▪️ What's next for St. Louis City after firing Lutz Pfannenstiel ▪️ Why LAFC, Toronto FC & others had fascinating summer transfer windows ▪️ Is Minnesota United's on-field approach benefitting their recruitment? Listen to The Backheeled Show 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/5O9O...

paxten aaronson was fun, the new york red bulls are a shell of themselves, minnesota united made the right choice & more my latest MLS column is live for @backheeled.com www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...

Need to catch up on the USL Championship? I’ve got you covered with my deep-dive power rankings. Come find out how Tulsa extended their unbeaten streak to 14, why Lexington is climbing the table, and so much more. www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▫️ New York Red Bulls in trouble ▫️ Paxten Aaronson and other DPs debut! ▫️ Minnesota United make the right bet ▫️ ...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...

For @Backheeled.com, I POWER RANKED™ every MLS team's performance in the summer transfer window. Who had the best window? Who had the worst? Who is set up best for 2026? Read here ⤵️

MLS’s summer transfer window is officially closed. Which team had the best window? And which one had the worst? @benwright.bsky.social ranks every MLS team’s transfer business from worst to first. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/ranking-ever...