Ben Wright
@benwright.bsky.social
⚽️ @sixonefivesoccer.com
📝 @backheeled.com, @SoccerAmerica.bsky.social & http://MLSSoccer.com
🏅 Nashville Scene's Best Sports Writer of 2024 & 2025
✟ Christ follower
#ITFC fan 💙🚜
https://linktr.ee/benwri
📝 @backheeled.com, @SoccerAmerica.bsky.social & http://MLSSoccer.com
🏅 Nashville Scene's Best Sports Writer of 2024 & 2025
✟ Christ follower
#ITFC fan 💙🚜
https://linktr.ee/benwri
Pinned
Just got this in the mail. Thanks again to everyone who’s voted for me the past two years and has supported and encouraged my work over the last eight seasons. It’s a joy to cover the beautiful game in Nashville!
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Free newsletter: I'm leaving Substack and moving to Ghost.
First delivery from the Ghost platform will come tomorrow!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
First delivery from the Ghost platform will come tomorrow!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Giving up the ghost on Substack
TacticsFreeZone™ is moving to Ghost
open.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM
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Nashville SC have signed defender Jeisson Palacios to a contract extension through 2027-28, with an option for 2028-29. The 32-year-old made 28 appearances in all competitions in his first season in MLS, and was Nashville's best defender last year.
📸 @cmoorestoryteller.bsky.social
📸 @cmoorestoryteller.bsky.social
February 9, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Nashville SC have signed defender Jeisson Palacios to a contract extension through 2027-28, with an option for 2028-29. The 32-year-old made 28 appearances in all competitions in his first season in MLS, and was Nashville's best defender last year.
📸 @cmoorestoryteller.bsky.social
📸 @cmoorestoryteller.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Wright
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 ⤵️
Reposted by Ben Wright
This is like WWI trench warfare: young men sent out again and again by their generals to try and take a few yards of land only to get chewed up by opposition guns and then crawl back to their lines.
February 9, 2026 at 2:23 AM
This is like WWI trench warfare: young men sent out again and again by their generals to try and take a few yards of land only to get chewed up by opposition guns and then crawl back to their lines.
Reposted by Ben Wright
both teams need to be more efficient in zone 14 in the second half
February 9, 2026 at 1:19 AM
both teams need to be more efficient in zone 14 in the second half
🇲🇽 Can confirm @tombogert.bsky.social's report that Chivas are finalizing a deal with Nashville SC to sign Jonathan Pérez. Not done yet, but getting close. Pérez grew up a Chivas fan and wants the move.
📸 @jmaza86.bsky.social
📸 @jmaza86.bsky.social
February 8, 2026 at 7:32 PM
🇲🇽 Can confirm @tombogert.bsky.social's report that Chivas are finalizing a deal with Nashville SC to sign Jonathan Pérez. Not done yet, but getting close. Pérez grew up a Chivas fan and wants the move.
📸 @jmaza86.bsky.social
📸 @jmaza86.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Wright
🇲🇽 Chivas in talks to sign winger Jonny Perez from Nashville SC.
Nashville manager BJ Callaghan confirmed talks today.
Chivas made an offer, talks proceeding but not there yet. Liga MX window closes Monday night.
Nashville manager BJ Callaghan confirmed talks today.
Chivas made an offer, talks proceeding but not there yet. Liga MX window closes Monday night.
February 7, 2026 at 10:54 PM
🇲🇽 Chivas in talks to sign winger Jonny Perez from Nashville SC.
Nashville manager BJ Callaghan confirmed talks today.
Chivas made an offer, talks proceeding but not there yet. Liga MX window closes Monday night.
Nashville manager BJ Callaghan confirmed talks today.
Chivas made an offer, talks proceeding but not there yet. Liga MX window closes Monday night.
Reposted by Ben Wright
Extremely good work by Nashville here if they can flip Perez for, like, 1.5x what they paid for him.
🇲🇽 Nashville SC head coach BJ Callaghan says Jonny Pérez didn't play today ahead of a potential transfer to Liga MX powerhouse Chivas.
"We held Jonny out of the game. There's a transfer opportunity here. He's still here in camp. He's still part of the team."
📸 @_mikemeredith.bsky.social
"We held Jonny out of the game. There's a transfer opportunity here. He's still here in camp. He's still part of the team."
📸 @_mikemeredith.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Extremely good work by Nashville here if they can flip Perez for, like, 1.5x what they paid for him.
🇲🇽 Nashville SC head coach BJ Callaghan says Jonny Pérez didn't play today ahead of a potential transfer to Liga MX powerhouse Chivas.
"We held Jonny out of the game. There's a transfer opportunity here. He's still here in camp. He's still part of the team."
📸 @_mikemeredith.bsky.social
"We held Jonny out of the game. There's a transfer opportunity here. He's still here in camp. He's still part of the team."
📸 @_mikemeredith.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 7:55 PM
🇲🇽 Nashville SC head coach BJ Callaghan says Jonny Pérez didn't play today ahead of a potential transfer to Liga MX powerhouse Chivas.
"We held Jonny out of the game. There's a transfer opportunity here. He's still here in camp. He's still part of the team."
📸 @_mikemeredith.bsky.social
"We held Jonny out of the game. There's a transfer opportunity here. He's still here in camp. He's still part of the team."
📸 @_mikemeredith.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Wright
Here's how Nashville SC line up for their preseason match against Orlando City
Schwake; Bauer, Woledzi, Palacios, Nájar; Tagseth, Yazbek; Muyl, Espinoza; Surridge, Mukhtar
The match will be 120 minutes.
Schwake; Bauer, Woledzi, Palacios, Nájar; Tagseth, Yazbek; Muyl, Espinoza; Surridge, Mukhtar
The match will be 120 minutes.
February 7, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Here's how Nashville SC line up for their preseason match against Orlando City
Schwake; Bauer, Woledzi, Palacios, Nájar; Tagseth, Yazbek; Muyl, Espinoza; Surridge, Mukhtar
The match will be 120 minutes.
Schwake; Bauer, Woledzi, Palacios, Nájar; Tagseth, Yazbek; Muyl, Espinoza; Surridge, Mukhtar
The match will be 120 minutes.
Reposted by Ben Wright
The James Rodriguez Mania has hit MLS 🥁
@empiregass.bsky.social & special guest @joeclowery.bsky.social debrief the expected move, plus talk about San Diego’s legendary start in CCC and more!
@empiregass.bsky.social & special guest @joeclowery.bsky.social debrief the expected move, plus talk about San Diego’s legendary start in CCC and more!
February 5, 2026 at 11:38 PM
The James Rodriguez Mania has hit MLS 🥁
@empiregass.bsky.social & special guest @joeclowery.bsky.social debrief the expected move, plus talk about San Diego’s legendary start in CCC and more!
@empiregass.bsky.social & special guest @joeclowery.bsky.social debrief the expected move, plus talk about San Diego’s legendary start in CCC and more!
Shout out to Huntsville City FC for sending over their Astronaut Orange Kit. Leaning hard into the NASA connection for a really unique shirt.
February 5, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Shout out to Huntsville City FC for sending over their Astronaut Orange Kit. Leaning hard into the NASA connection for a really unique shirt.
Reposted by Ben Wright
Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg leaked the new Nashville SC jersey en route to Bridgestone Arena tonight. The new kit is set to launch next week.
Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg leaks new Nashville SC jersey
New home shirt set to release during MLS Jersey Week on February 10
www.sixonefivesoccer.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:02 AM
Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg leaked the new Nashville SC jersey en route to Bridgestone Arena tonight. The new kit is set to launch next week.
Casual jersey leak from Preds forward and Nashville SC part-owner Filip Forsberg.
February 4, 2026 at 11:52 PM
Casual jersey leak from Preds forward and Nashville SC part-owner Filip Forsberg.
Reposted by Ben Wright
Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day to our fearless Christina Moore, who's on the field every weekend, rain or shine, to bring you the best photos of Nashville soccer around!
You're the best, @cmoorestoryteller.bsky.social
You're the best, @cmoorestoryteller.bsky.social
February 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day to our fearless Christina Moore, who's on the field every weekend, rain or shine, to bring you the best photos of Nashville soccer around!
You're the best, @cmoorestoryteller.bsky.social
You're the best, @cmoorestoryteller.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Wright
Longtime followers know this well but... I'll always be rooting for someone like Andy. He's overcome a lot - A LOT - to still be here and playing at a high level.
Great example of how salaries/fame are only part of the story in our game, because Najar is one of the most entertaining players in MLS
Great example of how salaries/fame are only part of the story in our game, because Najar is one of the most entertaining players in MLS
📥️ Nashville SC have officially signed defender Andy Nájar to a new contract for the 2026 season with a club option through December 31, 2027. Nájar had a career-best season in 2025 with two goals and 10 assists, and gets a deserved pay increase to reward his performance.
February 4, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Longtime followers know this well but... I'll always be rooting for someone like Andy. He's overcome a lot - A LOT - to still be here and playing at a high level.
Great example of how salaries/fame are only part of the story in our game, because Najar is one of the most entertaining players in MLS
Great example of how salaries/fame are only part of the story in our game, because Najar is one of the most entertaining players in MLS
Reposted by Ben Wright
It was great to chat with Andy at the All-Star Game about heading to Honduras, which was seen by many as a career-ending move but one he used for rejuvenation ahead of the superb season in Nashville.
www.mlssoccer.com/allstar/2025...
www.mlssoccer.com/allstar/2025...
February 4, 2026 at 3:31 PM
It was great to chat with Andy at the All-Star Game about heading to Honduras, which was seen by many as a career-ending move but one he used for rejuvenation ahead of the superb season in Nashville.
www.mlssoccer.com/allstar/2025...
www.mlssoccer.com/allstar/2025...
📥️ Nashville SC have officially signed defender Andy Nájar to a new contract for the 2026 season with a club option through December 31, 2027. Nájar had a career-best season in 2025 with two goals and 10 assists, and gets a deserved pay increase to reward his performance.
February 4, 2026 at 3:04 PM
📥️ Nashville SC have officially signed defender Andy Nájar to a new contract for the 2026 season with a club option through December 31, 2027. Nájar had a career-best season in 2025 with two goals and 10 assists, and gets a deserved pay increase to reward his performance.
Reposted by Ben Wright
#EveryoneN, you have been Not So Deep Dived!
We sat down with @benwright.bsky.social from @sixonefivesoccer.com to chat all things NSH heading into 2026!
Can this team break down a low block in 2026? That's what Ben wants to know!
Be sure to check it out when it drops later today!
We sat down with @benwright.bsky.social from @sixonefivesoccer.com to chat all things NSH heading into 2026!
Can this team break down a low block in 2026? That's what Ben wants to know!
Be sure to check it out when it drops later today!
February 4, 2026 at 2:02 PM
#EveryoneN, you have been Not So Deep Dived!
We sat down with @benwright.bsky.social from @sixonefivesoccer.com to chat all things NSH heading into 2026!
Can this team break down a low block in 2026? That's what Ben wants to know!
Be sure to check it out when it drops later today!
We sat down with @benwright.bsky.social from @sixonefivesoccer.com to chat all things NSH heading into 2026!
Can this team break down a low block in 2026? That's what Ben wants to know!
Be sure to check it out when it drops later today!
Reposted by Ben Wright
Free newsletter: 2026 MLS Points Over/Unders, which in some ways is a measure of POWER!
Plus we're just hours away from our first installment of #MLSAfterDark for 2026.
We're back, baby!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Plus we're just hours away from our first installment of #MLSAfterDark for 2026.
We're back, baby!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
2026 MLS Points Over/Unders
I joined Tom & Gass for in-depth 2026 prediction show on Soccerwise
open.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Free newsletter: 2026 MLS Points Over/Unders, which in some ways is a measure of POWER!
Plus we're just hours away from our first installment of #MLSAfterDark for 2026.
We're back, baby!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Plus we're just hours away from our first installment of #MLSAfterDark for 2026.
We're back, baby!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Former Nashville SC defender Wyatt Meyer has signed a one-year deal with Sporting Kansas City, with options for 2027 and 2027-28. Meyer was Nashville's first-round draft pick in the 2024 SuperDraft and made eight appearances in all competitions.
February 3, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Former Nashville SC defender Wyatt Meyer has signed a one-year deal with Sporting Kansas City, with options for 2027 and 2027-28. Meyer was Nashville's first-round draft pick in the 2024 SuperDraft and made eight appearances in all competitions.
Reposted by Ben Wright
Episode 308: Frozen But Focused is live!
The guys discuss their takes on the state of team now that we are in February and the season is around the corner.
🥶Our thoughts to everyone affected by the storms.
📝 Notes from training
📢USMNT Valair it out
The guys discuss their takes on the state of team now that we are in February and the season is around the corner.
🥶Our thoughts to everyone affected by the storms.
📝 Notes from training
📢USMNT Valair it out
February 3, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Episode 308: Frozen But Focused is live!
The guys discuss their takes on the state of team now that we are in February and the season is around the corner.
🥶Our thoughts to everyone affected by the storms.
📝 Notes from training
📢USMNT Valair it out
The guys discuss their takes on the state of team now that we are in February and the season is around the corner.
🥶Our thoughts to everyone affected by the storms.
📝 Notes from training
📢USMNT Valair it out
Reposted by Ben Wright
Nashville's Geodis Park has been announced as a host venue for the 2028 Summer Olympics men's and women's soccer tournaments, leading up to the gold medal matches at the Rose Bowl.
Nashville's Geodis Park announced as host venue for 2028 Summer Olympics
The largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States set to host men's and women's matches for LA28
www.sixonefivesoccer.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Nashville's Geodis Park has been announced as a host venue for the 2028 Summer Olympics men's and women's soccer tournaments, leading up to the gold medal matches at the Rose Bowl.
Reposted by Ben Wright
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 ⤵️