Feels like an OK time to mention that the Guardian does not take ad money from sports betting companies and we just hired three of the best U.S. soccer journalists around.

They do not. And people I've talked to that have worked in the industry think that even if Polymarket tried, they wouldn't be able to put in place a system nearly as effective as the ones that they use to catch gambling like this.

#cf97's Chris Brady selected to the MLS Team of The Matchday after his second consecutive clean sheet. #VamosFire 📸: Chicago Fire FC

The limits of the Fire's roster build were on display against Columbus: 3 starters were out of position and #cf97 really could have used a creative midfielder HOWEVER: Seeing Dylan Borso come on and absolutely shine in his debut shows that there's talent down the depth chart.

Armchair Analyst: Nashville's continuing evolution, NYCFC's catalyst & more from Matchday 3 Including a Miami team just throwing stuff at the wall & a Cincy side that looks lost both on and off the ball. tacticsfreezone.ghost.io/nashvilles-c...

And to think I've seen complaints in years past that #cf97 supporters were low energy.

Borso is a midfielder that has *just* started getting minutes as a fullback in Next Pro. And then he gets to the big leagues and does this.

#cf97 fans showed up for the short 353 mile drive between Soldier Field and Scotts in Columbus. That's 4 miles longer than the distance from Newcastle to Bournemouth in the EPL for those keeping score at home. #VamosFire

The 3-4-3 returns and Chris Mueller gets a start at striker, something we saw in preseason. Radojević on the bench, as is Dylan Borso. #cf97 #VamosFire

Scotts Miracle-Grow empty stadium picture ahead of the #Crew96 home opener vs #cf97

Columbus update: Where there's smoke, there's Fire. See you soon, #cf97 #VamosFire

GIVEAWAY!! Preorder Paul’s book + reply with a screenshot here and 5 people will be randomly selected to get MLS gear + a note from me. I have a bunch of different random things so will let the 5 winners choose from options of kits/scarves/or something reasonable if we come up with different idea

The one-hour NWSL preview show on ESPN2 clicked in at 60m00.00s longer than the season preview show #mls put on the streaming platform where it gets to decide length, format and production budget.

Friday's USL-Championship opener between Lexington SC and Louisville City FC was played as scheduled, but the match started with the players engaging in a 60-second silent protest over ongoing CBA talks. #USL-C www.espn.com/soccer/story...

Get this on a ballot.

MLS released GAM totals - Chicago Fire have just over $1m in available cap space to add players #cf97 #VamosFire

Gregg Berhalter told us "you know I love playing teams from Mexico!" The tournament should be a fun one for #cf97

At Fire training. Gutman, Shokalook in the gym. No Sam Rogers. Viktor Radojević was training with the squad. #cf97 #VamosFire

Pyro isn't generally expected at a ceremonial shovel event, but #cf97 did it anyways.

The #cf97 groundbreaking looks like it's going to be in tents

Current CBA expires at the end of 2027 and a lot of changes that #mls wants to make happen will need to go through collective bargaining. Oh, and did Imention that MLS hired a firm to help find Garber's replacement after his deal expires ‒ you guessed it ‒ in 2027?

This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the women who define and redefine greatness in sports—from record-setting champions to history-making pioneers. Explore their stories and dive into the impact they’ve made on and off the field 👇

The saga continues.... (But we please go at least a few months without somebody DMing me about "Chance of Weston to #cf97"?)

Let the record state that @paultenorio.bsky.social was first to lay claim on "The Mbokazi Effect." Expect book w/that title to hit shelves sometime in 2028.

On X, a user claims 6 newly-funded accounts made $1.2m betting on strikes in Iran on Polymarket. Totally normal thing to hear about a platform that sponsors the sports league you cover.

Usually when there's a red with 40 minutes to go, there's not a lot you can take from the performance. That wasn't the case for the Fire yesterday. #cf97 played with confidence, poise and Berhalter's system is clearly maturing in year 2.

Dailies publishing coverage of actual stories from their local soccer team. You love to see it.

Small sidenote here: Wessam Abou Ali is a prominent Palestine international and Pulskamp is Palestinian-American. Cool moment and a big play for the SKC 'keeper to save his team a point at home

This is just insane.

That's a final! First Fire home opener W since 2020 - first in front of fans since 2017 #cf97 #VamosFire

ROBIN LOD SCORES 10 MINUTES INTO STOPPAGE! 3-0 FIRE PLAYING DOWN A MAN FOR 40 MINUTES! #cf97 #vamosFire

90+3 HUGO CUYPERS SCORES! 2-0 WITH FIRE DOWN A MAN! #cf97 #VamosFire

#cf97's home opener attendance is 20,872 #VamosFire

FIRE SCORE! Bamba gets on Gillier's rebound to put #cf97 up 1-0 in the 27th minute

#cf97 back to the 4-3-3 with Elliott and Dean back. #Mbokazi gets his 2nd start and Maren totally from LB flips to the right wing. #VamosFire

Wake up babe new GAM numbers just dropped

Inbox: Illinois Secretary of State announces Chicago Fire team specialty license plates are now available for purchase through their Pick-a-Plate website. #cf97 plates are available for passenger vehicles, B-trucks, motorcycles and RVs. 📸: Chicago Fire FC

This piece is phenomenal for those trying to make sense of what's happening with USL. Some is intrinsic to new, riskier businesses. But some of this is the model.

Thank goodness for Bodø/Glimt! 🙏 My latest Pitch Points column for @theguardian.com 👇

It's clear that Ramsay couldn't adapt because he couldn't understand the footballing culture of Britain.

AND IT IS! THEY'RE THROUGH TO THE ROUND OF 16!!!

THIS HAS TO BE ENOUGH TO SEND BODØ THROUGH!!!! The INSANITY

BODØ!!!!!!!

Now my commentary: Players earning lower wages than they likely would if they'd put their drive & energy into something other than pro soccer are now dealing with an absolute nightmare scenario. Keep in mind many haven't had a paycheck in months.

USL Players Association statement on South Georgia Tormenta folding statement posted to their social media earlier today. #usl

16 months. A heart diagnosis. A long road back. Chris Mueller’s is back playing for the Chicago Fire – and says he's better for the experience www.meninred97.com/mueller-find... #cf97 #VamosFire

Many, many #cf97 votes this year across a lot of categories.

This is catnip for the soul. MLS is finally back.

Bonus content: Food and beverage idea for the Fire's new stadium. Nothing hits the spot like a nice Hugorita when looking for a goal.

Fire have 6 mins to try to salvage something here #cf97