Kyle Robinson
@backseatsoccer.bsky.social
Doing my best to Tifoirl-ize MLS
https://youtube.com/@backseatsoccer?si=T42F8NckZDmhxgdx
https://youtube.com/@backseatsoccer?si=T42F8NckZDmhxgdx
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
We're so back
Get ready to meet futi
Sorry for the wait. Would some free advanced data make it up to you?
johnspacemuller.substack.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:23 PM
We're so back
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
Orlando City getting a potential fee worth north of $7m + sell-on clause is big. Orlando offered U-22 initiative contract extensions... but Alex Freeman was ready for Europe.
I'm told Freeman is happy his boyhood club gets a fee as well and not a free transfer.
Good for all.
I'm told Freeman is happy his boyhood club gets a fee as well and not a free transfer.
Good for all.
💣🇺🇸 BREAKING: Villarreal has agreed to a deal to sign USMNT right back Alex Freeman from Orlando City, per sources.
Deal worth north of $4m plus another $3m in add-ons + sell-on clause.
Freeman was set to leave for free when contract expired end of year. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Deal worth north of $4m plus another $3m in add-ons + sell-on clause.
Freeman was set to leave for free when contract expired end of year. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Sources: USMNT, Orlando breakout talent Freeman seals move to Villarreal
www.nytimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Orlando City getting a potential fee worth north of $7m + sell-on clause is big. Orlando offered U-22 initiative contract extensions... but Alex Freeman was ready for Europe.
I'm told Freeman is happy his boyhood club gets a fee as well and not a free transfer.
Good for all.
I'm told Freeman is happy his boyhood club gets a fee as well and not a free transfer.
Good for all.
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
This is an amazing study
1/12 Really proud of this paper! We borrowed tools from biology to ask a simple question: does who you play with actually matter in football? (Spoiler: it does, a lot.) 🧬 🤝 ⚽
Paper here: authors.elsevier.com/a/1mUusArnpe...
Paper here: authors.elsevier.com/a/1mUusArnpe...
January 23, 2026 at 9:24 PM
This is an amazing study
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
FBRef was not only a brilliant resource generally, it made so much WoSo data available that couldn’t be found elsewhere. Absolutely gutting for fans, data nerds, and those of us who feel these things shouldn’t merely be the preserve of people with lots of money
January 20, 2026 at 10:42 PM
FBRef was not only a brilliant resource generally, it made so much WoSo data available that couldn’t be found elsewhere. Absolutely gutting for fans, data nerds, and those of us who feel these things shouldn’t merely be the preserve of people with lots of money
Dayne St. Clair won Goalkeeper of the Year before this big move to Inter Miami, but can he do it in a completely different environment?
#intermiami #mls #ussoccer
youtu.be/ooav7c71e94
#intermiami #mls #ussoccer
youtu.be/ooav7c71e94
Why St. Clair Might NOT Be a Success at Miami
YouTube video by Backseat Soccer
youtu.be
January 13, 2026 at 11:29 PM
Dayne St. Clair won Goalkeeper of the Year before this big move to Inter Miami, but can he do it in a completely different environment?
#intermiami #mls #ussoccer
youtu.be/ooav7c71e94
#intermiami #mls #ussoccer
youtu.be/ooav7c71e94
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
“Well, I had 3 in 3 and then I broke my ankle”
Wessam Abou Ali was supposed to tear up MLS with Columbus Crew, but injury got in the way.
Yet it’s a new season, with a new manager, and maybe a new Wes.
On recovery, late night gaming sessions, and golden boot talk
www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
Wessam Abou Ali was supposed to tear up MLS with Columbus Crew, but injury got in the way.
Yet it’s a new season, with a new manager, and maybe a new Wes.
On recovery, late night gaming sessions, and golden boot talk
www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
‘Top scorer in MLS, without a doubt’ - Wessam Abou Ali showed flashes before injury, now he’s ready to dominate | Goal.com US
The Danish-born Palestinian international made a real impact before suffering a devastating ankle injury last October. Fit and firing again - he's out to prove that his strong run was no fluke.
www.goal.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:03 PM
“Well, I had 3 in 3 and then I broke my ankle”
Wessam Abou Ali was supposed to tear up MLS with Columbus Crew, but injury got in the way.
Yet it’s a new season, with a new manager, and maybe a new Wes.
On recovery, late night gaming sessions, and golden boot talk
www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
Wessam Abou Ali was supposed to tear up MLS with Columbus Crew, but injury got in the way.
Yet it’s a new season, with a new manager, and maybe a new Wes.
On recovery, late night gaming sessions, and golden boot talk
www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
Good time to revisit this video with him taking the job at West Brom!
My favorite coach to watch this season has been Eric Ramsay
-Why did he choose MLS?
-How has Minnesota set up this season?
-How do they create chances?
-How has he adapted to bad results?
Big thanks to @americansocceranalysis.com for the data to let me do these again!
youtu.be/VZb6LmaKteU?...
-Why did he choose MLS?
-How has Minnesota set up this season?
-How do they create chances?
-How has he adapted to bad results?
Big thanks to @americansocceranalysis.com for the data to let me do these again!
youtu.be/VZb6LmaKteU?...
The promising young British coach that chose MLS
YouTube video by Backseat Soccer
youtu.be
January 13, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Good time to revisit this video with him taking the job at West Brom!
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
With the 2026 MLS season just over a month away, we've put together a list of outlets covering the league and all 30 teams. Check them out for all the news and info you'll need this season!
Where to find MLS coverege?
A list of outlets covering Major League Soccer
www.sixonefivesoccer.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:56 PM
With the 2026 MLS season just over a month away, we've put together a list of outlets covering the league and all 30 teams. Check them out for all the news and info you'll need this season!
Excited to see how he does in England, such a pressure cooker in the Championship
Updated news story: Eric Ramsay is leaving #MNUFC for the West Bromwich Albion job, the @pioneerpress.bsky.social learned Thursday morning.
After two outstanding seasons with #Loons, the Welshman is headed home to a team in the English second division.
www.twincities.com/2026/01/08/m...
After two outstanding seasons with #Loons, the Welshman is headed home to a team in the English second division.
www.twincities.com/2026/01/08/m...
Minnesota United coach Eric Ramsay to take West Brom job
This is the second credible connection between Ramsay and another club since the calendar turned last week.
www.twincities.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Excited to see how he does in England, such a pressure cooker in the Championship
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
A lot of ways for BJ Callaghan to set this up, but on paper this should be one of the best attacks in MLS.
January 7, 2026 at 3:15 PM
A lot of ways for BJ Callaghan to set this up, but on paper this should be one of the best attacks in MLS.
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
💣🇦🇷 BREAKING: Nashville SC has signed free agent winger Cristian Espinoza, sources tell @theathleticfc.bsky.social.
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Nashville SC signs top MLS free agent Cristian Espinoza to elevate attack: Sources
Espinoza will link up with two of the most productive attacking talents in MLS to boost Nashville's chances in 2026
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:01 PM
💣🇦🇷 BREAKING: Nashville SC has signed free agent winger Cristian Espinoza, sources tell @theathleticfc.bsky.social.
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
I tell you what, that Santa Claus has got real presence about him
December 18, 2024 at 5:32 PM
I tell you what, that Santa Claus has got real presence about him
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
when i order from a pizzeria do i mean to call the guy “bro”? no, i don’t mean to, but it just comes natural
December 24, 2025 at 12:19 AM
when i order from a pizzeria do i mean to call the guy “bro”? no, i don’t mean to, but it just comes natural
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
Recently added these.
MLS has HUGE home field advantage compared to other leagues, so opened that up as a filter option.
Also added an even game state only, to filter for minutes where the game is tied.
MLS has HUGE home field advantage compared to other leagues, so opened that up as a filter option.
Also added an even game state only, to filter for minutes where the game is tied.
December 20, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Recently added these.
MLS has HUGE home field advantage compared to other leagues, so opened that up as a filter option.
Also added an even game state only, to filter for minutes where the game is tied.
MLS has HUGE home field advantage compared to other leagues, so opened that up as a filter option.
Also added an even game state only, to filter for minutes where the game is tied.
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
Ive really mastered the algos
@jonmackenzie.bsky.social is this supposed to be some sort of a podcast version of a panto or what?
December 19, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Ive really mastered the algos
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
🚨 Sources: All info on new divisions in MLS in future...
- 5 divisions, six teams each
- San Jose not with California teams
- D.C. United not with Northeast teams
Likely plan, but not 100% confirmed yet. Playoff proposals too
With @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
- 5 divisions, six teams each
- San Jose not with California teams
- D.C. United not with Northeast teams
Likely plan, but not 100% confirmed yet. Playoff proposals too
With @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Sources: MLS divisional revamp may split rivalries, blend conferences
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:57 PM
🚨 Sources: All info on new divisions in MLS in future...
- 5 divisions, six teams each
- San Jose not with California teams
- D.C. United not with Northeast teams
Likely plan, but not 100% confirmed yet. Playoff proposals too
With @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
- 5 divisions, six teams each
- San Jose not with California teams
- D.C. United not with Northeast teams
Likely plan, but not 100% confirmed yet. Playoff proposals too
With @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Did a video on this guy a little while ago: youtu.be/LKBcKAqwRvw?...
TLDR: he has good physical attributes but his numbers are terrible...
Can't say this move excites me much
TLDR: he has good physical attributes but his numbers are terrible...
Can't say this move excites me much
December 17, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Did a video on this guy a little while ago: youtu.be/LKBcKAqwRvw?...
TLDR: he has good physical attributes but his numbers are terrible...
Can't say this move excites me much
TLDR: he has good physical attributes but his numbers are terrible...
Can't say this move excites me much
Love all these players (Benteke, Zimmerman, Coronel, Espinoza, Rothrock), so had a think about what teams they might have the most impact on:
#MLS
open.substack.com/pub/backseat...
#MLS
open.substack.com/pub/backseat...
5 MLS Free Agents to Watch this Off Season
My favorite free agents and what teams I think they could improve the most
open.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Love all these players (Benteke, Zimmerman, Coronel, Espinoza, Rothrock), so had a think about what teams they might have the most impact on:
#MLS
open.substack.com/pub/backseat...
#MLS
open.substack.com/pub/backseat...
Wanted to do a Tifo inspired "sensible transfers" series for MLS, but found it impossible because of the lack of publicly available data from where MLS teams recruit from.
Perfect example. Neither I nor FBref knows anything about 'Brommapojkarna'. Was always a losing battle 😭
Perfect example. Neither I nor FBref knows anything about 'Brommapojkarna'. Was always a losing battle 😭
🇬🇭 Sources: Ezekiel Alladoh has completed his medical for the Philadelphia Union.
Alladoh, 20, will join the Union on a club-record deal worth around $4.5m from Brommapojkarna.
Big signing for the Union.
Alladoh, 20, will join the Union on a club-record deal worth around $4.5m from Brommapojkarna.
Big signing for the Union.
December 2, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Wanted to do a Tifo inspired "sensible transfers" series for MLS, but found it impossible because of the lack of publicly available data from where MLS teams recruit from.
Perfect example. Neither I nor FBref knows anything about 'Brommapojkarna'. Was always a losing battle 😭
Perfect example. Neither I nor FBref knows anything about 'Brommapojkarna'. Was always a losing battle 😭
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
I'm off work this week but I still found time to write a script about the Chelsea-Arsenal game from yesterday which Reuben delivered excellently. Enjoy!
December 1, 2025 at 4:42 PM
I'm off work this week but I still found time to write a script about the Chelsea-Arsenal game from yesterday which Reuben delivered excellently. Enjoy!
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
Ali Ahmed has been a menace all postseason. An elite 1v1 dribbler, knows how to manipulate his defender’s momentum and use it against him. Incredible to watch.
November 30, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Ali Ahmed has been a menace all postseason. An elite 1v1 dribbler, knows how to manipulate his defender’s momentum and use it against him. Incredible to watch.
Wow Vancouver really jumping on every loose ball incredibly well
November 30, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Wow Vancouver really jumping on every loose ball incredibly well
Trying this out as a way to get thoughts out that don't necessarily lend themselves to a video.
Was getting a bit frustrated watching people dismiss what I thought was a great game by simply writing off one team as playing "bad soccer".
open.substack.com/pub/backseat...
Was getting a bit frustrated watching people dismiss what I thought was a great game by simply writing off one team as playing "bad soccer".
open.substack.com/pub/backseat...
San Diego FC vs Minnesota United and the Perception of Defensive Soccer
What is there to appreciate about "bad soccer"?
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Trying this out as a way to get thoughts out that don't necessarily lend themselves to a video.
Was getting a bit frustrated watching people dismiss what I thought was a great game by simply writing off one team as playing "bad soccer".
open.substack.com/pub/backseat...
Was getting a bit frustrated watching people dismiss what I thought was a great game by simply writing off one team as playing "bad soccer".
open.substack.com/pub/backseat...
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
San Diego versus the Vancouver Whitecaps for a spot to MLS Cup, as we all expected in February.
November 25, 2025 at 5:13 AM
San Diego versus the Vancouver Whitecaps for a spot to MLS Cup, as we all expected in February.
Reposted by Kyle Robinson
