▪️ Tata Martino is back at Atlanta United ▪️ New England Revolution hire Marko Mitrovic ▪️ St. Louis City land Corey Wray to lead their front office Listen to The Backheeled Show for analysis on the latest news from around MLS 🎧

Only one MLS team can boast of a bigger points improvement from last year to this one than Gregg Berhalter's Chicago Fire. While their season ended in playoff disappointment, something is becoming clear: the Fire can become a model MLS club once again. From @joeclowery.bsky.social ⤵️

North Carolina is going on hiatus with the loose promise of a D1 return, a decision with huge ramifications for the rest of the USL. I break down the difficult financial future for the USL's clubs and why the league's upcoming reforms might be make-or-break. www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...

The USL's publicly stated ambition is clear: to implement pro-rel and launch a first-division men's league. But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem. If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️

As the 2026 World Cup nears, injury anxiety heightens. Who can the USMNT least afford to lose? Ahead of the November window, @sanjaysujan.bsky.social examines Mauricio Pochettino's most important players 🇺🇸 Who sits at the top of the 'MVP Rankings'? Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usmnt-mvp-ra...

Few things about Minnesota United's new era have been normal — from outlier tactics to a clever data approach. @joeclowery.bsky.social spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most competitive outfits. Read up ahead of the club's playoff match tonight ⤵️

This might’ve been the wildest first round in the history of the USL playoffs, so come find out how it went down.

The USL Championship’s opening playoff weekend was chock full of fireworks 🎆 @usltactics.com breaks down the action, the teams that survived, and the ones that didn’t. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

The Hell Is Real rivalry between the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati may be MLS's best 🍿 @cboehm.bsky.social spoke to Wilfried Nancy and Pat Noonan about their "love" for the rivalry and the tactics that define it ahead of tonight’s playoff rematch. More ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/columbus-cre...

Which teams in the USL Championship playoffs can *really* compete, and who should be planning for 2026? I’m assessing all 16 postseason clubs to find out.

The Hell Is Real rivalry between the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati may be MLS's best 🍿 @cboehm.bsky.social spoke to Wilfried Nancy and Pat Noonan about their "love" for the rivalry and the tactics that define it ahead of this weekend's playoff rematch. More ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/columbus-cre...

"Instead of complaining about potentially not having the resources, let's embrace it by being an efficient team.” Minnesota United's pursuit of efficiency has led them to being one of MLS's most modern and competitive outfits. On the Loons' new thoughtful + data-driven era, for @backheeled.com ⤵️

USL Championship Playoff Tiers 🏆 ▪️ Trophy favorites ▪️ They could do it ▪️ Dark horses to watch ▪️ We're just happy to be here! @usltactics.com previews the postseason field ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...

Few things about Minnesota United's new era have been normal — from outlier tactics to striking a data deal with @americansocceranalysis.com. @joeclowery.bsky.social spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most competitive outfits. Read ⤵️

We're getting you caught up on the MLS playoffs in less than 10 minutes ⏳ Listen to The Backheeled Show to find out what you need to know about each and every Round One playoff game to date! 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/0rI4...

We know you have thoughts on MLS. Why not make them heard? We're partnering with @sixonefivesoccer.com and 20 other independent outlets to produce the 2025 end-of-season MLS fan survey. More ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/introducing-...

Without spending big, the Seattle Sounders have assembled an all-time MLS roster to withstand one of the busiest seasons ever. “Our fourth DP is our development system,” general manager Craig Waibel told me. “That’s where we choose to spend the money because it’s working.” For @backheeled.com ⤵️

Without spending huge sums on salaries or transfer fees, the Seattle Sounders assembled one of deepest rosters in MLS history. Here's how. "Our fourth Designated Player is our development system," general manager Craig Waibel told @joeclowery.bsky.social. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/how-seattle-...

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

The MLS playoffs start today in full — and your team probably won't win it all. @joeclowery.bsky.social and @benwright.bsky.social examine each team's biggest weakness to find out why they'll fall short 🏆 West: www.backheeled.com/haters-guide... East: www.backheeled.com/haters-guide...

🔮 Previewing each MLS first round series 🏆 Which teams will make it to the conference semis? ⏳ Getting you up-to-speed in 10 minutes The Backheeled Show 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/5TFF...

The USL’s all-league teams are coming soon — but what about the next generation? Here’s @usltactics.com U-21 Best XI, spotlighting the best young talents across the Championship and League One in 2025 🌟 Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/building-usl...

Your team probably isn't going to win MLS Cup. Don't blame us. Blame the math. @joeclowery.bsky.social and @benwright.bsky.social examined each playoff team's biggest weakness to find out why they'll fall short 🏆 East: www.backheeled.com/haters-guide... West: www.backheeled.com/haters-guide...

Want to get up-to-speed ahead of the start of the MLS playoffs tomorrow? The Backheeled Show has you covered 🎧 Get to know each and every playoff team — and find out where they land in @joeclowery.bsky.social's contender tier list ⤵️ open.spotify.com/episode/40yI...

Let's be honest: your team probably isn't going to win MLS Cup. It's just math. For @backheeled.com, I took a look at every Eastern Conference team and their biggest weaknesses, preparing your heart for the inevitable disappointment most of you will face soon.

Your favorite team (probably) won't win MLS Cup 🏆 Consider, then, our Hater's Guide to the 2025 MLS playoffs preparation for the sadness that will set in over the coming weeks. Here's @benwright.bsky.social on why each team out East will flop in the playoffs ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/haters-guide...

Come for the sweet Woobens Pacius photo, stay for 24 team-by-team deep dives covering everything that mattered in Week 33.

Your favorite team (probably) won't win MLS Cup 🏆 Consider, then, our Hater's Guide to the 2025 MLS playoffs preparation for the sadness that will set in over the coming weeks. Here's @joeclowery.bsky.social on why each team out West will flop in the playoffs ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/haters-guide...

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...

Even if you watch the USL Championship and USL League One every week, there are plenty of under-the-radar contributors who deserve flowers 👀 @usltactics.com walks through low-key standouts in the lower divisions. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-star-pla...

The USMNT's crisis point seems to have passed, following a pair of October friendlies. @jerryhinnen.bsky.social examines the biggest winners, losers, questions, and answers surrounding Mauricio Pochettino's team as the World Cup grows ever-closer. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usmnt-crisis...

The USMNT enjoyed another positive performance in a 2-1 win over Australia on Tuesday 🇺🇸 What did we learn about Mauricio Pochettino's team? @sanjaysujan.bsky.social examines Weston McKennie's role, players who seized their moment & more. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usmnt-win-au...

𝗨𝗦𝗟 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! ▪️ Louisville City win the Shield ▪️ Hartford Athletic continue to impress ▪️ Phoenix Rising surge ▪️ ...and so much more Read @usltactics.com's analysis of all 24 clubs ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usl-power-ra...

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-power-ra...

From Austin last night, 3 big picture thoughts @backheeled.com after a positive #USMNT performance against a good team www.backheeled.com/usmnt-progre...

The USMNT looked like a team making real strides in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador on Friday 🇺🇸 What went right for Pochettino's team at Q2 Stadium? @sanjaysujan.bsky.social dives into Weston McKennie's return, Folarin Balogun's brilliance, and more. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/usmnt-progre...

🇺🇸 What is Poch's central midfield depth chart? 🇺🇸 Who plays opposite Christian Pulisic? 🇺🇸 How does the U.S. perform against strong opposition? Listen to The Backheeled Show's primer on the biggest questions facing the USMNT in this October window 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/4dMp...

Winning in the USL — a league built on parity — is no easy task. Winning year after year? That’s a mark reserved for the Championship's best-run clubs. @usltactics.com spoke to figures at the USL's model clubs to learn about the secrets of sustained success ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/secrets-of-s...

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 stars returning to a playoff contender's major tactical shift to a pair of legends retiring. Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-in-depth...

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-...