Jeff Rueter
@jeffrueter.bsky.social
Journalist covering soccer in all its arenas (Substack: Five Asides) || Fmr. senior writer, The Athletic || MLS Weekly - Tuesdays on the Total Soccer Show || Putting the "bi" in byline 🏳️🌈
Pinned
Jeff Rueter
@jeffrueter.bsky.social
· Oct 23
Introducing Five Asides... with a MLS playoff preview!
This will cover far more terrain in time. But until then: I'm back!
jeffrueter.substack.com
NEW(!): Kicking off my new posting space, Five Asides, with an MLS playoff preview.
A personal note before scrutinizing the postseason format in its third season and sizing up each first round matchup. Great to be back! jeffrueter.substack.com/p/introducin...
A personal note before scrutinizing the postseason format in its third season and sizing up each first round matchup. Great to be back! jeffrueter.substack.com/p/introducin...
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
The ESPN FC top 50 is here and we need to talk about the sudden conflict of interest the league has created with the high-impact player rule.
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
December 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The ESPN FC top 50 is here and we need to talk about the sudden conflict of interest the league has created with the high-impact player rule.
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
With coaches and GMs weighing in on these lists, they can influence whether or not their players can get a bag.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Ah yes, the famously informed and reflective Ballon d’Or Féminin and a not-at-all convoluted and devoid of ball knowledge “SportsPro Media Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes.”
An all-time fumble from a league that looks less confident in its trajectory and planning with every passing week.
An all-time fumble from a league that looks less confident in its trajectory and planning with every passing week.
this is so stupid
December 23, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Ah yes, the famously informed and reflective Ballon d’Or Féminin and a not-at-all convoluted and devoid of ball knowledge “SportsPro Media Top 150 Most Marketable Athletes.”
An all-time fumble from a league that looks less confident in its trajectory and planning with every passing week.
An all-time fumble from a league that looks less confident in its trajectory and planning with every passing week.
Few purer scenes left in this sport than when a tournament host scores its opening goal - this time, Morocco and AFCON. Nifty sequence to break down a well-organized Comoros defense.
December 21, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Few purer scenes left in this sport than when a tournament host scores its opening goal - this time, Morocco and AFCON. Nifty sequence to break down a well-organized Comoros defense.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
Some parting thoughts on Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua, 6ix9ine, the attention economy, the streaming wars and What It All Means. www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
Jake Paul’s artless spectacle robbed boxing of its democratic dream
Netflix’s 300 million global subscribers got just what they wanted: to see a former YouTuber knocked out brutally
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Some parting thoughts on Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua, 6ix9ine, the attention economy, the streaming wars and What It All Means. www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/d...
Good business for the Loons, who looked much better with Anthony Markanich at LB down the stretch.
Austin gets a versatile chance creator with international pedigree, mind the temperament.
Austin gets a versatile chance creator with international pedigree, mind the temperament.
🟢 BREAKING: Austin FC is finalizing a deal to acquire Honduras int'l left back Joseph Rosales from Minnesota United, per sources.
Deal worth $1.5m GAM. Minnesota retain sell-on.
Rosales, 25, made 128 apps for the Loons.
Deal worth $1.5m GAM. Minnesota retain sell-on.
Rosales, 25, made 128 apps for the Loons.
December 20, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Good business for the Loons, who looked much better with Anthony Markanich at LB down the stretch.
Austin gets a versatile chance creator with international pedigree, mind the temperament.
Austin gets a versatile chance creator with international pedigree, mind the temperament.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
this was well done and also the first place I've seen actual results of dynamic ticket pricing. spoiler: doesn't really go well for fans!
We know that World Cup ticket prices are way up on past years. But a new @us.theguardian.com analysis of current prices + past World Cups shows exactly where and how those increases are being felt most. Via @jeffrueter.bsky.social + Andrew Witherspoon: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Analysis: how prices for the cheapest World Cup tickets have rocketed
A Guardian study of past ticket prices for the men’s World Cup, compared with current 2026 figures, shows how the barrier for entry has been raised for most fans
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:54 PM
this was well done and also the first place I've seen actual results of dynamic ticket pricing. spoiler: doesn't really go well for fans!
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
Fresh off signing Hassani Dotson, @jeremiah.sounderatheart.com and @elrolonw.bsky.social talked to @jeffrueter.bsky.social to get a better idea of what kind of player the Sounders got.
www.sounderatheart.com/2025/12/what...
www.sounderatheart.com/2025/12/what...
What kind of player is Hassani Dotson?
We got some insight into the Federal Way native from someone who has covered him closely.
www.sounderatheart.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Fresh off signing Hassani Dotson, @jeremiah.sounderatheart.com and @elrolonw.bsky.social talked to @jeffrueter.bsky.social to get a better idea of what kind of player the Sounders got.
www.sounderatheart.com/2025/12/what...
www.sounderatheart.com/2025/12/what...
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
We know that World Cup ticket prices are way up on past years. But a new @us.theguardian.com analysis of current prices + past World Cups shows exactly where and how those increases are being felt most. Via @jeffrueter.bsky.social + Andrew Witherspoon: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Analysis: how prices for the cheapest World Cup tickets have rocketed
A Guardian study of past ticket prices for the men’s World Cup, compared with current 2026 figures, shows how the barrier for entry has been raised for most fans
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:33 PM
We know that World Cup ticket prices are way up on past years. But a new @us.theguardian.com analysis of current prices + past World Cups shows exactly where and how those increases are being felt most. Via @jeffrueter.bsky.social + Andrew Witherspoon: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
the tldr - you need to be an "Insider" and the higher your annual fee and the more years you've been in the program, the better your chances
U.S. Soccer announces World Cup ticket lottery details for USMNT fans
U.S. Soccer has announced the details of two upcoming lotteries for World Cup tickets.
prosoccerwire.usatoday.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
the tldr - you need to be an "Insider" and the higher your annual fee and the more years you've been in the program, the better your chances
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
this is why the 'high impact player' mechanism is a cynical solution imo, it's a way to raise salaries for a fraction without influencing the floor
As we talk about the top end of women's soccer players and speak in millions, another FIFPRO study reminds of the realities of global minimum standards:
66% of players make <$20K
25% have outside jobs
33% have contract of <1 year
22% have no contract
The study:
www.fifpro.org/en/articles/...
66% of players make <$20K
25% have outside jobs
33% have contract of <1 year
22% have no contract
The study:
www.fifpro.org/en/articles/...
Latest FIFPRO player survey highlights growth in some confederations – but players feel current gaps still need addressed
A FIFPRO survey which collected responses from 383 footballers from over 40 nations who competed in this year’s women’s confederation championships provides an illustration of how players experience t...
www.fifpro.org
December 18, 2025 at 4:03 PM
this is why the 'high impact player' mechanism is a cynical solution imo, it's a way to raise salaries for a fraction without influencing the floor
NEW: The 2026 #FIFAWorldCup was priced beyond many fans' budgets. Comparing ticket prices dating back to 1994 shows the scale of next summer's mark-up, and where the steepest hikes were felt.
With Andrew Witherspoon, for @us.theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
With Andrew Witherspoon, for @us.theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Analysis: how prices for the cheapest World Cup tickets have rocketed
A Guardian study of past ticket prices for the men’s World Cup, compared with current 2026 figures, shows how the barrier for entry has been raised for most fans
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM
NEW: The 2026 #FIFAWorldCup was priced beyond many fans' budgets. Comparing ticket prices dating back to 1994 shows the scale of next summer's mark-up, and where the steepest hikes were felt.
With Andrew Witherspoon, for @us.theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
With Andrew Witherspoon, for @us.theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Honestly makes Minnesota’s summer business even less sensible if they’re heading into a partial-to-full rebuild.
News: #MNUFC offered goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair a “seven-figure” contract to return to #Loons next season, but #MLS Goalkeeper of Year declined it, a source told @pioneerpress.bsky.social on Wednesday. United had ability to pay DSC more than other clubs in league, but his run in Minnesota is over.
December 17, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Honestly makes Minnesota’s summer business even less sensible if they’re heading into a partial-to-full rebuild.
On today's episode of the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social, Taylor and I braved the Wheel of Topics!
- Inter Miami roster, Vancouver stadium updates
- What's at stake as USL, USLPA near CBA's end
- Why NWSL's "Rodman Rule" is a vital idea
- MLS at AFCON
...and more!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJlC...
- Inter Miami roster, Vancouver stadium updates
- What's at stake as USL, USLPA near CBA's end
- Why NWSL's "Rodman Rule" is a vital idea
- MLS at AFCON
...and more!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJlC...
Could Trinity Rodman change the NWSL forever?
YouTube video by Total Soccer Show
www.youtube.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:13 PM
On today's episode of the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social, Taylor and I braved the Wheel of Topics!
- Inter Miami roster, Vancouver stadium updates
- What's at stake as USL, USLPA near CBA's end
- Why NWSL's "Rodman Rule" is a vital idea
- MLS at AFCON
...and more!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJlC...
- Inter Miami roster, Vancouver stadium updates
- What's at stake as USL, USLPA near CBA's end
- Why NWSL's "Rodman Rule" is a vital idea
- MLS at AFCON
...and more!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJlC...
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
From Paul's tier 1 last year, 15 of 19 were selected, 6 went in the top 10, 5 played >1000 MLS minutes, some dominated USL.
Of players selected not found in any tier, 0 played >300 MLS minutes.
There is not a public college evaluation with a better hit rate.
Of players selected not found in any tier, 0 played >300 MLS minutes.
There is not a public college evaluation with a better hit rate.
It's here. The single best resource for the 2026 MLS Superdraft has dropped from @paulharvey.theoutfield.nyc www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2025/12...
The 2026 MLS SuperDraft ASA Big (Dash)Board — American Soccer Analysis
By Paul Harvey The MLS Superdraft in many ways kicks off the offseason, as most teams have yet to make any real signings. Even though many of the draft picks will never play for their respective fi...
www.americansocceranalysis.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:56 PM
From Paul's tier 1 last year, 15 of 19 were selected, 6 went in the top 10, 5 played >1000 MLS minutes, some dominated USL.
Of players selected not found in any tier, 0 played >300 MLS minutes.
There is not a public college evaluation with a better hit rate.
Of players selected not found in any tier, 0 played >300 MLS minutes.
There is not a public college evaluation with a better hit rate.
Really enjoyed voting on The Guardian's Top 100 male (soccer players) in the world for an eighth year. Especially tricky in years without major tournaments to tiebreak, but felt good listing Vitinha at the top on my ballot.
www.theguardian.com/football/ng-...
www.theguardian.com/football/ng-...
The 100 best male footballers in the world 2025 – Nos 100-71
Arda Güler, Nick Woltemade and Rafael Leão are all among the first 30 players as we start our countdown to this year’s list
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Really enjoyed voting on The Guardian's Top 100 male (soccer players) in the world for an eighth year. Especially tricky in years without major tournaments to tiebreak, but felt good listing Vitinha at the top on my ballot.
www.theguardian.com/football/ng-...
www.theguardian.com/football/ng-...
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
the only plausible winner, this is prime marta'ing, elite marta'ing, doing something so outrageous that even exceptional, world cup-winning players fall to their knees in disbelief
December 16, 2025 at 3:30 PM
the only plausible winner, this is prime marta'ing, elite marta'ing, doing something so outrageous that even exceptional, world cup-winning players fall to their knees in disbelief
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
USL's proposed salary floor for a Div 1 league that doesn't exist yet – with 0 players under contract – is $55k... in 2028.
That's lower than the RESERVE minimum was in #MLS in 2019 – WITHOUT adjusting for inflation.
In 2027, MLS's floor will be $97,700.
That's lower than the RESERVE minimum was in #MLS in 2019 – WITHOUT adjusting for inflation.
In 2027, MLS's floor will be $97,700.
December 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
USL's proposed salary floor for a Div 1 league that doesn't exist yet – with 0 players under contract – is $55k... in 2028.
That's lower than the RESERVE minimum was in #MLS in 2019 – WITHOUT adjusting for inflation.
In 2027, MLS's floor will be $97,700.
That's lower than the RESERVE minimum was in #MLS in 2019 – WITHOUT adjusting for inflation.
In 2027, MLS's floor will be $97,700.
Stoked to see Danielle kicking off her new national enterprise role with USA Today Sports. Worth a follow if you aren’t already!
For my first @usatodaysports.usatoday.com story, I went to a USA Football talent ID camp to learn how officials are scouring the country for flag football athletes with Olympic potential – building a pipeline while preparing for LA 2028 www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Team USA's flag football talent search for 2028 Olympics is on. Here's how
NFL players and current U.S. flag national team members aren't guaranteed to make the Olympic rosters. USA Football is casting a wide net.
www.usatoday.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Stoked to see Danielle kicking off her new national enterprise role with USA Today Sports. Worth a follow if you aren’t already!
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
Had a ton of fun kicking off the MLS offseason with @jeffrueter.bsky.social on the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social earlier.
✍️ Playing free agency matchmaker with Benteke, Espinoza
👀 Best coaching job still available
🆕 New eras for Columbus Crew, LAFC
✍️ Playing free agency matchmaker with Benteke, Espinoza
👀 Best coaching job still available
🆕 New eras for Columbus Crew, LAFC
Could Christian Benteke stay in MLS for 2026?
YouTube video by Total Soccer Show
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Had a ton of fun kicking off the MLS offseason with @jeffrueter.bsky.social on the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social earlier.
✍️ Playing free agency matchmaker with Benteke, Espinoza
👀 Best coaching job still available
🆕 New eras for Columbus Crew, LAFC
✍️ Playing free agency matchmaker with Benteke, Espinoza
👀 Best coaching job still available
🆕 New eras for Columbus Crew, LAFC
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
🗺️ Possible MLS destinations for Benteke!
🇪🇬 Could Salah come to MLS?
✍️ Managerial appointments across the league!
Today's 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 with @taylorrockwell.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & @jeffrueter.bsky.social 👇
🇪🇬 Could Salah come to MLS?
✍️ Managerial appointments across the league!
Today's 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 with @taylorrockwell.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & @jeffrueter.bsky.social 👇
Who will sign Christian Benteke? Plus, LAFC’s coaching change & more | MLS Update
Podcast Episode · Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... · 09/12/2025 · 51m
podcasts.apple.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:19 PM
🗺️ Possible MLS destinations for Benteke!
🇪🇬 Could Salah come to MLS?
✍️ Managerial appointments across the league!
Today's 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 with @taylorrockwell.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & @jeffrueter.bsky.social 👇
🇪🇬 Could Salah come to MLS?
✍️ Managerial appointments across the league!
Today's 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 with @taylorrockwell.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & @jeffrueter.bsky.social 👇
"...(offer) would make it unfeasible for the Spirit to field a team in 2028 and still be salary cap compliant.
The NWSL might think the Spirit are making a nonsensical decision, and they may be right. It’s still the Spirit’s call to make."
The NWSL is casting such pessimism about its own future.
The NWSL might think the Spirit are making a nonsensical decision, and they may be right. It’s still the Spirit’s call to make."
The NWSL is casting such pessimism about its own future.
As things stand now, the NWSL isn’t fighting for Trinity Rodman. It’s fighting against her, and shadowboxing with its own potential in the process.
A column, at @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
A column, at @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itself
One way or the other, the league will set a precedent with Rodman. The NWSL has the power to choose what that looks like.
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:59 PM
"...(offer) would make it unfeasible for the Spirit to field a team in 2028 and still be salary cap compliant.
The NWSL might think the Spirit are making a nonsensical decision, and they may be right. It’s still the Spirit’s call to make."
The NWSL is casting such pessimism about its own future.
The NWSL might think the Spirit are making a nonsensical decision, and they may be right. It’s still the Spirit’s call to make."
The NWSL is casting such pessimism about its own future.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
Watch our 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 with @taylorrockwell.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & @jeffrueter.bsky.social on YouTube 📺
How Messi's Inter Miami won MLS Cup
YouTube video by Total Soccer Show
www.youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Watch our 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 with @taylorrockwell.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & @jeffrueter.bsky.social on YouTube 📺
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
🏆 Inter Miami win MLS Cup!
🌴 How did Messi and co. get the job done?
🔜 What's next for Miami, Vancouver Whitecaps?
Our MLS Cup review show with @jeffrueter.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & Taylor is out now👇
🌴 How did Messi and co. get the job done?
🔜 What's next for Miami, Vancouver Whitecaps?
Our MLS Cup review show with @jeffrueter.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & Taylor is out now👇
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami win MLS Cup! How they beat Vancouver Whitecaps & what comes next
open.spotify.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:09 PM
🏆 Inter Miami win MLS Cup!
🌴 How did Messi and co. get the job done?
🔜 What's next for Miami, Vancouver Whitecaps?
Our MLS Cup review show with @jeffrueter.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & Taylor is out now👇
🌴 How did Messi and co. get the job done?
🔜 What's next for Miami, Vancouver Whitecaps?
Our MLS Cup review show with @jeffrueter.bsky.social, @joeclowery.bsky.social & Taylor is out now👇
Few games have as consistent of a "yeah, that game ruled" hit rate than MLS Cup, especially considering expectations. Another worthy installment tonight.
December 6, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Few games have as consistent of a "yeah, that game ruled" hit rate than MLS Cup, especially considering expectations. Another worthy installment tonight.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
Leo Messi finally wins the one trophy he's pursued his entire life: MLS Cup.
Now officially the GOAT.
Now officially the GOAT.
December 6, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Leo Messi finally wins the one trophy he's pursued his entire life: MLS Cup.
Now officially the GOAT.
Now officially the GOAT.