Backheeled
@backheeled.com
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As MLS continues to increase investment into players from abroad, not every signing translates from one league to the next 🚫
So: where MLS teams are shopping for players? And which leagues are paying off?
From @behindthefal.bsky.social ⤵️
So: where MLS teams are shopping for players? And which leagues are paying off?
From @behindthefal.bsky.social ⤵️
Where MLS teams are shopping for players — and which leagues are paying off
There's value to be found all over the world. Are MLS teams finding it?
www.backheeled.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:32 PM
As MLS continues to increase investment into players from abroad, not every signing translates from one league to the next 🚫
So: where MLS teams are shopping for players? And which leagues are paying off?
From @behindthefal.bsky.social ⤵️
So: where MLS teams are shopping for players? And which leagues are paying off?
From @behindthefal.bsky.social ⤵️
Reposted by Backheeled
It's the surprise stars that often define the USL Championship season, so who should you be watching in 2026? I've got one breakout pick for all 25 teams as the new year approaches.
www.backheeled.com/each-usl-cha...
www.backheeled.com/each-usl-cha...
Each USL Championship team’s best breakout star candidate in 2026
Keep a close eye on these under-the-radar players with star potential.
www.backheeled.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:58 PM
It's the surprise stars that often define the USL Championship season, so who should you be watching in 2026? I've got one breakout pick for all 25 teams as the new year approaches.
www.backheeled.com/each-usl-cha...
www.backheeled.com/each-usl-cha...
Which under-the-radar players could turn into stars in the USL Championship this year?
Get to know your team's best breakout player candidate ahead of the 2026 season 👀
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
Get to know your team's best breakout player candidate ahead of the 2026 season 👀
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
Each USL Championship team’s best breakout star candidate in 2026
Keep a close eye on these under-the-radar players with star potential.
www.backheeled.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Which under-the-radar players could turn into stars in the USL Championship this year?
Get to know your team's best breakout player candidate ahead of the 2026 season 👀
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
Get to know your team's best breakout player candidate ahead of the 2026 season 👀
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲!
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲. 𝟳𝗣𝗠 𝗘𝗧.
Don't miss our USL Championship video show streaming on YouTube 📽️ 📺
➡️ youtube.com/@backheeled
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲. 𝟳𝗣𝗠 𝗘𝗧.
Don't miss our USL Championship video show streaming on YouTube 📽️ 📺
➡️ youtube.com/@backheeled
February 9, 2026 at 9:16 PM
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲!
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲. 𝟳𝗣𝗠 𝗘𝗧.
Don't miss our USL Championship video show streaming on YouTube 📽️ 📺
➡️ youtube.com/@backheeled
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲. 𝟳𝗣𝗠 𝗘𝗧.
Don't miss our USL Championship video show streaming on YouTube 📽️ 📺
➡️ youtube.com/@backheeled
Even MLS's shortest average away trip is nearly double the Premier League's longest trip — and travel isn't close to even for all 30 MLS teams ✈️
But does travel distance actually matter? Maybe not as much as we think, writes @aclausen90.bsky.social.
Read ⤵️
But does travel distance actually matter? Maybe not as much as we think, writes @aclausen90.bsky.social.
Read ⤵️
Does travel actually matter in MLS? Maybe not as much as we think
Plus, the league’s best away teams.
www.backheeled.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Even MLS's shortest average away trip is nearly double the Premier League's longest trip — and travel isn't close to even for all 30 MLS teams ✈️
But does travel distance actually matter? Maybe not as much as we think, writes @aclausen90.bsky.social.
Read ⤵️
But does travel distance actually matter? Maybe not as much as we think, writes @aclausen90.bsky.social.
Read ⤵️
On the surface, it’s business as usual in the USL Championship: teams are in preseason and signing players.
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
Tension increases in USL CBA talks: Healthcare, hotels & more questions
Significant disagreements remain between the Players Association and the USL Championship. Is a work stoppage brewing?
www.backheeled.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:37 PM
On the surface, it’s business as usual in the USL Championship: teams are in preseason and signing players.
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
For the first time, Backheeled is covering the ins and outs of USL League One 🏆
Here’s where all 18 teams stand ahead of the new season, from favorites to question marks.
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
Here’s where all 18 teams stand ahead of the new season, from favorites to question marks.
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
USL League One Power Rankings (and tiers): Favorites, question marks & more
For the first time ever, Backheeled will be covering the ins and outs of League One. Here’s where all 18 teams stand ahead of the new season.
www.backheeled.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:07 PM
For the first time, Backheeled is covering the ins and outs of USL League One 🏆
Here’s where all 18 teams stand ahead of the new season, from favorites to question marks.
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
Here’s where all 18 teams stand ahead of the new season, from favorites to question marks.
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
The USMNT has four friendlies remaining before the World Cup — but for Maurcio Pochettino, those friendlies are "four World Cup games" 🇺🇸
With key matches nearing, who should be in the U.S. squad?
@sanjaysujan.bsky.social projects Pochettino's roster.
Read ⤵️
With key matches nearing, who should be in the U.S. squad?
@sanjaysujan.bsky.social projects Pochettino's roster.
Read ⤵️
Projecting the USMNT's roster ahead of Pochettino's extra "four World Cup games"
Mauricio Pochettino says his team's World Cup starts in March, not June. Here's who should be on that early World Cup roster.
www.backheeled.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:04 PM
The USMNT has four friendlies remaining before the World Cup — but for Maurcio Pochettino, those friendlies are "four World Cup games" 🇺🇸
With key matches nearing, who should be in the U.S. squad?
@sanjaysujan.bsky.social projects Pochettino's roster.
Read ⤵️
With key matches nearing, who should be in the U.S. squad?
@sanjaysujan.bsky.social projects Pochettino's roster.
Read ⤵️
Reposted by Backheeled
What does it take to build a USL roster? I talked to Fort Wayne FC’s Oliver Gage and the Richmond Kickers’ Darren Sawatzky about the scouting process – from the use of data to organizational structure and everything in between.
www.backheeled.com/how-usl-club...
www.backheeled.com/how-usl-club...
How USL clubs scout players: Agents, hours of film & more
From a one-person unit to more robust sporting departments, scouting resources vary across the USL — but every club faces the same challenge: finding the right players.
www.backheeled.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:59 PM
What does it take to build a USL roster? I talked to Fort Wayne FC’s Oliver Gage and the Richmond Kickers’ Darren Sawatzky about the scouting process – from the use of data to organizational structure and everything in between.
www.backheeled.com/how-usl-club...
www.backheeled.com/how-usl-club...
Obed Vargas grew up playing on frozen fields in Alaska.
Now he's an Atletico Madrid player.
Here's how a Mexican-American family grew in an unexpected place — and helped produce one of the biggest transfers MLS has ever seen.
From @jonarnoldfc.bsky.social ⤵️
Now he's an Atletico Madrid player.
Here's how a Mexican-American family grew in an unexpected place — and helped produce one of the biggest transfers MLS has ever seen.
From @jonarnoldfc.bsky.social ⤵️
Obed Vargas’ remarkable rise from frozen fields in Alaska to the Seattle Sounders and El Tri
Here’s how a Mexican-American soccer family grew in ice-cold Alaska.
www.backheeled.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Obed Vargas grew up playing on frozen fields in Alaska.
Now he's an Atletico Madrid player.
Here's how a Mexican-American family grew in an unexpected place — and helped produce one of the biggest transfers MLS has ever seen.
From @jonarnoldfc.bsky.social ⤵️
Now he's an Atletico Madrid player.
Here's how a Mexican-American family grew in an unexpected place — and helped produce one of the biggest transfers MLS has ever seen.
From @jonarnoldfc.bsky.social ⤵️
Every USL team faces the same challenge: finding the right players 🔎
How do they scout? And where are USL clubs shopping?
“It would be silly to look at such an appropriate player pool right in front of your nose and say no to it."
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
How do they scout? And where are USL clubs shopping?
“It would be silly to look at such an appropriate player pool right in front of your nose and say no to it."
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
How USL clubs scout players: Agents, hours of film & more
From a one-person unit to more robust sporting departments, scouting resources vary across the USL — but every club faces the same challenge: finding the right players.
www.backheeled.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Every USL team faces the same challenge: finding the right players 🔎
How do they scout? And where are USL clubs shopping?
“It would be silly to look at such an appropriate player pool right in front of your nose and say no to it."
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
How do they scout? And where are USL clubs shopping?
“It would be silly to look at such an appropriate player pool right in front of your nose and say no to it."
From @usltactics.com ⤵️
Reposted by Backheeled
📝 @backheeled.com: There's no possible way to replace Riqui Puig, but signing João Klauss actually makes a lot of sense to get the best out of their attack.
Riqui Puig is impossible to replace — but here's how the LA Galaxy are trying anyway
Without their star midfielder for yet another season, the Galaxy have been forced to reinvent themselves yet again.
www.backheeled.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:57 PM
📝 @backheeled.com: There's no possible way to replace Riqui Puig, but signing João Klauss actually makes a lot of sense to get the best out of their attack.
Set for yet another season without Riqui Puig, the LA Galaxy will have to evolve to compete without their biggest star ✨
Here's how the Galaxy's offseason — one filled with major signings at both ends — has prepared the team for 2026.
From @benwright.bsky.social ⤵️
Here's how the Galaxy's offseason — one filled with major signings at both ends — has prepared the team for 2026.
From @benwright.bsky.social ⤵️
Riqui Puig is impossible to replace — but here's how the LA Galaxy are trying anyway
Without their star midfielder for yet another season, the Galaxy have been forced to reinvent themselves yet again.
www.backheeled.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Set for yet another season without Riqui Puig, the LA Galaxy will have to evolve to compete without their biggest star ✨
Here's how the Galaxy's offseason — one filled with major signings at both ends — has prepared the team for 2026.
From @benwright.bsky.social ⤵️
Here's how the Galaxy's offseason — one filled with major signings at both ends — has prepared the team for 2026.
From @benwright.bsky.social ⤵️
18 months ago, Alex Freeman was playing for a reserve team in a third-division league.
Now? He's a regular for Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT and is headed to Villarreal.
This is the story of Freeman's rise, one featuring both kinds of football ⤵️
Now? He's a regular for Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT and is headed to Villarreal.
This is the story of Freeman's rise, one featuring both kinds of football ⤵️
How Alex Freeman – son of a star NFL receiver – is blazing his own path for Orlando City, USMNT
Always drawn to soccer over football, the 20-year-old is shining in MLS as he moves towards a U.S. men’s national team call-up.
www.backheeled.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:58 PM
18 months ago, Alex Freeman was playing for a reserve team in a third-division league.
Now? He's a regular for Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT and is headed to Villarreal.
This is the story of Freeman's rise, one featuring both kinds of football ⤵️
Now? He's a regular for Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT and is headed to Villarreal.
This is the story of Freeman's rise, one featuring both kinds of football ⤵️
Reposted by Backheeled
The last USL Championship CBA expired a month ago, and we're barely a month away from the 2026 season. Where do things stand?
For @backheeled.com, I check in on the state of the ongoing negotiations as the specter of a work stoppage looms. www.backheeled.com/usl-cba-tens...
For @backheeled.com, I check in on the state of the ongoing negotiations as the specter of a work stoppage looms. www.backheeled.com/usl-cba-tens...
Tension increases in USL CBA talks: Healthcare, hotels & more questions
Significant disagreements remain between the Players Association and the USL Championship. Is a work stoppage brewing?
www.backheeled.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:35 PM
The last USL Championship CBA expired a month ago, and we're barely a month away from the 2026 season. Where do things stand?
For @backheeled.com, I check in on the state of the ongoing negotiations as the specter of a work stoppage looms. www.backheeled.com/usl-cba-tens...
For @backheeled.com, I check in on the state of the ongoing negotiations as the specter of a work stoppage looms. www.backheeled.com/usl-cba-tens...
On the surface, it’s business as usual in the USL Championship.
Behind the scenes, CBA talks have been "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand on key topics, from hotels to healthcare ⤵️
Behind the scenes, CBA talks have been "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand on key topics, from hotels to healthcare ⤵️
Tension increases in USL CBA talks: Healthcare, hotels & more questions
Significant disagreements remain between the Players Association and the USL Championship. Is a work stoppage brewing?
www.backheeled.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:31 PM
On the surface, it’s business as usual in the USL Championship.
Behind the scenes, CBA talks have been "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand on key topics, from hotels to healthcare ⤵️
Behind the scenes, CBA talks have been "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand on key topics, from hotels to healthcare ⤵️
MLS is making strides when it comes to youth development, but which teams are at the forefront?
We dive into MLS's best youth development clubs 📈
From @aclausen90.bsky.social ⤵️
We dive into MLS's best youth development clubs 📈
From @aclausen90.bsky.social ⤵️
The MLS clubs turning kids into contributors
Playing the kids is one thing, but getting real impact from them is another. Here are the teams doing the latter.
www.backheeled.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:39 PM
MLS is making strides when it comes to youth development, but which teams are at the forefront?
We dive into MLS's best youth development clubs 📈
From @aclausen90.bsky.social ⤵️
We dive into MLS's best youth development clubs 📈
From @aclausen90.bsky.social ⤵️
Reposted by Backheeled
NEW: We've got 25 teams in the USL Championship this year, but where do they stand as preseason camps begin?
For the first time this year, I'm power ranking everyone from #1 to #25. Check in!
www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...
For the first time this year, I'm power ranking everyone from #1 to #25. Check in!
www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...
USL Championship Power Rankings: Who’s on top as 2026 preseason camps begin?
With rosters starting to take shape, we’re taking the temperature of each Championship team.
www.backheeled.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:23 PM
NEW: We've got 25 teams in the USL Championship this year, but where do they stand as preseason camps begin?
For the first time this year, I'm power ranking everyone from #1 to #25. Check in!
www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...
For the first time this year, I'm power ranking everyone from #1 to #25. Check in!
www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...
With preseason camps open across the USL Championship, which teams are looking strongest ahead of 2026?
@usltactics.com ranks all 25 teams from top to bottom 📈
Find out where your club stands ⤵️
@usltactics.com ranks all 25 teams from top to bottom 📈
Find out where your club stands ⤵️
USL Championship Power Rankings: Who’s on top as 2026 preseason camps begin?
With rosters starting to take shape, we’re taking the temperature of each Championship team.
www.backheeled.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:12 PM
With preseason camps open across the USL Championship, which teams are looking strongest ahead of 2026?
@usltactics.com ranks all 25 teams from top to bottom 📈
Find out where your club stands ⤵️
@usltactics.com ranks all 25 teams from top to bottom 📈
Find out where your club stands ⤵️
We've teamed up with the all-new @fantasyutd.bsky.social to create a special Backheeled MLS fantasy league!
Join our league and prove you’re the best chief soccer officer around.
Details and info on how to sign up here ⤵️
Join our league and prove you’re the best chief soccer officer around.
Details and info on how to sign up here ⤵️
Join Backheeled’s new MLS fantasy league!
We're teaming up with Fantasy UTD for a fun, new fantasy soccer experience.
www.backheeled.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:52 PM
We've teamed up with the all-new @fantasyutd.bsky.social to create a special Backheeled MLS fantasy league!
Join our league and prove you’re the best chief soccer officer around.
Details and info on how to sign up here ⤵️
Join our league and prove you’re the best chief soccer officer around.
Details and info on how to sign up here ⤵️
Playing young players in MLS is one thing. Getting real impact from them is another.
Which teams are getting the best on-field production from their academy products?
@aclausen90.bsky.social dives into MLS's best youth development clubs 📈
Read ⤵️
Which teams are getting the best on-field production from their academy products?
@aclausen90.bsky.social dives into MLS's best youth development clubs 📈
Read ⤵️
The MLS clubs turning kids into contributors
Playing the kids is one thing, but getting real impact from them is another. Here are the teams doing the latter.
www.backheeled.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Playing young players in MLS is one thing. Getting real impact from them is another.
Which teams are getting the best on-field production from their academy products?
@aclausen90.bsky.social dives into MLS's best youth development clubs 📈
Read ⤵️
Which teams are getting the best on-field production from their academy products?
@aclausen90.bsky.social dives into MLS's best youth development clubs 📈
Read ⤵️
Reposted by Backheeled
ICYMI: We’ve got seven new teams joining the USL fold this year, so I broke down the expansion class and previewed what’s coming in 2027 and beyond.
www.backheeled.com/usl-expansio...
www.backheeled.com/usl-expansio...
USL expansion update: Which markets are set to join the Championship and League One?
From this year’s class to the organizations hoping to follow suit, let’s get acquainted with the latest USL expansion efforts.
www.backheeled.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:31 PM
ICYMI: We’ve got seven new teams joining the USL fold this year, so I broke down the expansion class and previewed what’s coming in 2027 and beyond.
www.backheeled.com/usl-expansio...
www.backheeled.com/usl-expansio...
What's the latest on USL expansion?
Ahead of the USL's plans to add a first-division men's league and grow their pyramid, @usltactics.com gives an expansion update.
Get to know this year's class and the organizations hoping to follow suit ⤵️
Ahead of the USL's plans to add a first-division men's league and grow their pyramid, @usltactics.com gives an expansion update.
Get to know this year's class and the organizations hoping to follow suit ⤵️
USL expansion update: Which markets are set to join the Championship and League One?
From this year’s class to the organizations hoping to follow suit, let’s get acquainted with the latest USL expansion efforts.
www.backheeled.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:46 PM
What's the latest on USL expansion?
Ahead of the USL's plans to add a first-division men's league and grow their pyramid, @usltactics.com gives an expansion update.
Get to know this year's class and the organizations hoping to follow suit ⤵️
Ahead of the USL's plans to add a first-division men's league and grow their pyramid, @usltactics.com gives an expansion update.
Get to know this year's class and the organizations hoping to follow suit ⤵️
Inter Miami’s MLS Cup defense is unlike anything MLS has seen.
Signing star after star this winter, the club still has room for more ✨
@benwright.bsky.social examines Miami's historic offseason and the mounting pressure on the team to deliver in 2026.
Read ⤵️
Signing star after star this winter, the club still has room for more ✨
@benwright.bsky.social examines Miami's historic offseason and the mounting pressure on the team to deliver in 2026.
Read ⤵️
Inter Miami’s offseason has piled on the stars — and the pressure
With major signings complete and still room to add, Miami’s MLS Cup defense is unlike anything MLS has seen. So, too, is the pressure on the club to win trophies.
www.backheeled.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Inter Miami’s MLS Cup defense is unlike anything MLS has seen.
Signing star after star this winter, the club still has room for more ✨
@benwright.bsky.social examines Miami's historic offseason and the mounting pressure on the team to deliver in 2026.
Read ⤵️
Signing star after star this winter, the club still has room for more ✨
@benwright.bsky.social examines Miami's historic offseason and the mounting pressure on the team to deliver in 2026.
Read ⤵️
The Designated Player rule helped MLS land David Beckham and Lionel Messi. But now? It's holding the league back, writes @boomstyx.bsky.social.
Here's what's wrong with the DP rule — and how to fix it.
Read ⤵️
Here's what's wrong with the DP rule — and how to fix it.
Read ⤵️
MLS’s Designated Player rule is broken. Here’s why, and how to fix it
As MLS owners review possible changes to the league’s roster rules in hopes of accelerating growth, here’s how the league should adapt.
www.backheeled.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:04 PM
The Designated Player rule helped MLS land David Beckham and Lionel Messi. But now? It's holding the league back, writes @boomstyx.bsky.social.
Here's what's wrong with the DP rule — and how to fix it.
Read ⤵️
Here's what's wrong with the DP rule — and how to fix it.
Read ⤵️