I’m imagining a goal being disallowed because the striker’s sixth toe on their third arm is a centimeter offside.

I think it’s awesome Niall gets to go up a level. But it also worries me when we see record transfer fees within a league that can’t agree to a CBA with their players.

Checked back in to the timeline, and this is what I see.

@proudowlsoma.bsky.social, you made the montage!

And we already know the Tyson plant closing is kicking the state’s economy in the gut. Something for concerned Nebraskans to watch in the new year.

From the USPLA via Instagram: Tonight was our final bargaining session of 2025. With the CBA set to expire tomorrow and no agreement reached - we wanted to speak directly to you - the fans. You've probably seen bits and pieces of this process along the way. So we wrote this letter for you:

Nate Austin was at the Madison Pro Soccer reveal. And the Snowpener. Truly an OG. And tonight he's in the hospital with a long list of injuries after a driver hit him as he was walking home and then took off. Two local EFL supporter groups are holding fundraisers this weekend. Click for details:

When it’s Tuesday™️, but @unionomaha.bsky.social doesn’t announce any new signings: (But also, happy continued holidays FO!)

To my writer friends: does it seem like there are more typos or editing mistakes making it into stories/releases these days? Am I just perceiving an increase because social media posts often contain them (thanks, autocorrect), or is there actually an increase across the board?

Do you ever sit down and have a meal or a drink and it instantly takes your mind someplace amazing? My wife got me a nice dunkel for Christmas. Opened it tonight, took one sip, and my mind was back in a small pub in Bavaria. God bless the Germans. Nothing but happy memories from my visits there.

Merry Christmas to all of you who make things here (and on this planet) a little bit better. 🎄

Tekiela is a proven No. 9/No. 10 hybrid player that seems perfect for Vincenzo Candela's attacking line. One of Omaha's biggest strengths late in 2025 was their depth and versatility up top, and Tekiela is purpose-built to provide that in 2026.

Huge pickup! The league better watch out. The Owls are reloading their midfield.

Living in Omaha means Tuesdays are not just for Tacos (or Runzas). 👀

What the…are you…is this…😐😑 Fuck it. I got nothing. www.lee.senate.gov/2025/12/patr...

If it wasn’t this president, and he didn’t blast anti-trans hate in, would we think this is a pretty cool idea? But I can’t trust the motives. All I can do is wonder who will profit. Who will be exploited? Who will foot the bill for his bread and circuses? I hate that. thehill.com/blogs/in-the...

Fully serious, congrats to Madison on the brand reveal (along with having a women’s team!) Very well done! 👏👏👏

The thought just hit me that unregulated AI would be the best way in the modern world to make 1984’s “memory holes” happen. I hate this, but also hate that it took so long for this realization to hit me.

This explains how Owls can keep their eyes on prizes before them. @unionomaha.bsky.social

😐😑😡 Really should’ve expected this though.

In unrelated news, I’d like to announce the winner of the First Ever Ranting Blue Penguin Piece Award to Gianni Infantino! (I’ll need four tickets, please).

Another fun fact: Union Omaha has never played on USL League One’s opening weekend. Not just never hosted…never played.

This is me finally feeling a small bit of sympathy for Forward Madison. Two months on the road sucks. The home stretch at the end of the season is nice, but that’s a long time to wait.

Yay! Timeline cleanse!!!

I’m pretty sure the angel clues were as much about his name as the fact that he has eyes everywhere and can see everything on the pitch. A great way to start reloading our midfield!

I say this with all seriousness: I hope Alabama gets boat raced against Oklahoma so bad they start firing folks.

Turbo is a good guy to listen to, and he’s been at the heart of player advocacy for years now. Excited to hear what he has to say!

From @leagueoneupdater.com via the Southeast Soccer Report. open.substack.com/pub/southeas...

Tomorrow's an important day: a special new #FallenLeavesPod will be recorded with the USL Player Association. We'll talk about EVERYTHING: the USL CBA, #TULvPIT, what to do & more! #StandUpForStandards 👋 @protagonistsoccer.bsky.social @leagueoneupdater.com @theuslshow.bsky.social @dancreel.com

During my Air Force time it was a toss up between “So are you a pilot?” and “Does Area 51 really have aliens?”

Regardless of my previous views on LSU*, this whole thing kinda makes me hope they lose every game next season. *insert team Kiffen actually goes to** **yes, even if he somehow landed at Arkansas.

You’ve just died. 6th picture in your gallery is what killed you. Buried under an avalanche of @forwardmadisonfc.bsky.social merchandising ads.

Besides the obvious (finally some stadium news!) it’s absolutely that there is even a team here. I never dreamed of the friends, connections, and experiences I’ve had because @unionomaha.bsky.social exists. (Double bonus thanks for the owners, management, and support folks that make it sustainable!)

News we’ve all been waiting for! While there are still some procedural things that have to happen, this is probably the closest we’ve been to a new home. I’ll have some thoughts written out later (stupid day jobs…)

Don’t believe you’ll find that in the SEC or Big Ten!

2026 Transaction Tracker up to date as of this evening.

Because owls. That’s why.

youtu.be/H7A0pe_sHXo?... Charles, Charleton, and myself attempt to sift through the comings and goings of the inaugural Hearts of Pine roster. @dirigounion.bsky.social

Me: This is the Body of Strawberry Pop-Tart. Congregation: The Body of Strawberry Pop-Tart.

@sickoscommittee.org ready to adopt an actual MACoon?

A lot to look forward to here. And many guys to thank who gave their all for this club and the badge. Thank you, all, for your contributions. Once a Búho, always a Búho (mostly).

Very good foundation for next year. Some of these stings, but overall, it's part of the cycle.

The only one that fully surprised me as leaving was Stefano. But this is an amazing corps to start with and should serve notice of intent to the league—The Owls want their Cup back.

Did you know that Penguins occasionally write things? I'd forgotten, so I did something about it! Wanna speculate about @unionomaha.bsky.social off-season roster moves with me? It'll be great fun while you wait for tomorrow night's Team Talk! open.substack.com/pub/rbpengui...

Surprise! We've got another Team Talk for you TOMORROW at St. Andrew's Pub in Benson. Be there at 7pm for a chat with Sporting Director Jamie Henderson and Head Coach Vincenzo Candela as we recap the season that was and look forward to next year! #OneMeansAll

I rate this post/thread two awkward penguins having tea and three cheering librarians!

Three Owls in the g+ top 5, two in the xG top 5, and only Sergio Ors Navarro on both. Reminder: Sergio is a first year pro. Mark Bronnik took home young player of the year. Pinho arrived midseason. Becher likely gone after his loan, but the other three give a lot to build with if they stay.

The league has finally arrived! Google “USL League One” and you’ll get to see fireworks and a One Knoxville shield pop up over the results celebrating their championship.

This, but also let’s pray your supporters don’t have any epilepsy or light-sensitivity issues.

In non-soccer: I’m not going to say he doesn’t deserve the award, but it’s gotta be awkward for Stephen Vogt to win manager of the year the same week he has two pitchers indicted for allegedly rigging pitches.