Joseph Lowery
@joeclowery.bsky.social
⚽️ @backheeled.com
🖊️ ESPN, The Guardian, The Athletic
🎙️ TV analyst for Phoenix Rising FC
🗣️ Total Soccer Show
🖊️ ESPN, The Guardian, The Athletic
🎙️ TV analyst for Phoenix Rising FC
🗣️ Total Soccer Show
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
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.
Last winter was Bailout Winter (Pulido, Driussi, Velasco), but with Bukari already gone and Atlanta United getting their money back on Slisz, this might be Bailout Winter 2, The Sequel.
Slisz underperformed his large and long contract. Great move for Atlanta United to move on.
Slisz underperformed his large and long contract. Great move for Atlanta United to move on.
Sources: Brøndby is set to sign Polish midfielder Bartosz Sliz from Atlanta United.
Fee in region of $3m.
Significant cap relief for Atlanta.
Fee in region of $3m.
Significant cap relief for Atlanta.
January 7, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Last winter was Bailout Winter (Pulido, Driussi, Velasco), but with Bukari already gone and Atlanta United getting their money back on Slisz, this might be Bailout Winter 2, The Sequel.
Slisz underperformed his large and long contract. Great move for Atlanta United to move on.
Slisz underperformed his large and long contract. Great move for Atlanta United to move on.
I *love* this pickup from Nashville SC.
▪️Espinoza will fit perfectly on the right in Callaghan's attack, providing elite service into the front two
▪️The Espinoza/Najar right side will feed families with varied service and positioning
Nashville a bigger trophy threat now.
▪️Espinoza will fit perfectly on the right in Callaghan's attack, providing elite service into the front two
▪️The Espinoza/Najar right side will feed families with varied service and positioning
Nashville a bigger trophy threat now.
💣🇦🇷 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 2:38 PM
I *love* this pickup from Nashville SC.
▪️Espinoza will fit perfectly on the right in Callaghan's attack, providing elite service into the front two
▪️The Espinoza/Najar right side will feed families with varied service and positioning
Nashville a bigger trophy threat now.
▪️Espinoza will fit perfectly on the right in Callaghan's attack, providing elite service into the front two
▪️The Espinoza/Najar right side will feed families with varied service and positioning
Nashville a bigger trophy threat now.
Congratulations! This rules.
January 6, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Congratulations! This rules.
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
First off, thanks to everyone who reads and contributes to Sounder at Heart. We’ve continued to build and get better entirely because of you.
With the hope of continuing that momentum, we’re launching a print publication.
www.sounderatheart.com/2026/01/than...
With the hope of continuing that momentum, we’re launching a print publication.
www.sounderatheart.com/2026/01/than...
Thank you for another amazing year
Sounder at Heart continues to grow and expand.
www.sounderatheart.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:50 PM
First off, thanks to everyone who reads and contributes to Sounder at Heart. We’ve continued to build and get better entirely because of you.
With the hope of continuing that momentum, we’re launching a print publication.
www.sounderatheart.com/2026/01/than...
With the hope of continuing that momentum, we’re launching a print publication.
www.sounderatheart.com/2026/01/than...
Riqui Puig's injury will go down as one of the biggest moments in the 2026 MLS season...and we're less than a week into 2026.
On the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social, we broke down what comes next for the Puig-less LA Galaxy + chatted about a *ton* of other offseason news.
📺 ⬇️
On the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social, we broke down what comes next for the Puig-less LA Galaxy + chatted about a *ton* of other offseason news.
📺 ⬇️
Will Puig’s injury ruin the LA Galaxy’s season?
YouTube video by Total Soccer Show
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Riqui Puig's injury will go down as one of the biggest moments in the 2026 MLS season...and we're less than a week into 2026.
On the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social, we broke down what comes next for the Puig-less LA Galaxy + chatted about a *ton* of other offseason news.
📺 ⬇️
On the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social, we broke down what comes next for the Puig-less LA Galaxy + chatted about a *ton* of other offseason news.
📺 ⬇️
Adding Bogusz certainly makes the Houston Dynamo better, but he's still not the central playmaker type they've needed for three-straight seasons now.
I don't think a Guilherme-Ponce-Bogusz Designated Player trio is scaring many teams, nor is the rest of the roster.
I don't think a Guilherme-Ponce-Bogusz Designated Player trio is scaring many teams, nor is the rest of the roster.
🚨🇺🇸 Excl: Houston Dynamo submit official bid to Cruz Azul for Mateusz Bogusz. Negotiations underway with MLS side to sign him as Designated Player.
January 6, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Adding Bogusz certainly makes the Houston Dynamo better, but he's still not the central playmaker type they've needed for three-straight seasons now.
I don't think a Guilherme-Ponce-Bogusz Designated Player trio is scaring many teams, nor is the rest of the roster.
I don't think a Guilherme-Ponce-Bogusz Designated Player trio is scaring many teams, nor is the rest of the roster.
I wouldn't put much stock in Rapha Wicky's struggles with the Chicago Fire when it comes to his appointment for SKC.
The Fire simply weren't set up to succeed under then-CSO Georg Heitz. Wicky fell victim to that.
The Fire simply weren't set up to succeed under then-CSO Georg Heitz. Wicky fell victim to that.
January 5, 2026 at 6:59 PM
I wouldn't put much stock in Rapha Wicky's struggles with the Chicago Fire when it comes to his appointment for SKC.
The Fire simply weren't set up to succeed under then-CSO Georg Heitz. Wicky fell victim to that.
The Fire simply weren't set up to succeed under then-CSO Georg Heitz. Wicky fell victim to that.
It’s unfortunate for Nancy that things didn’t work out at Celtic — he wasn’t blameless, but Celtic are a mess with deeper problems to address.
Doesn’t change the fact that Nancy is a fantastic coach who will do well in his next post if given a preseason and resources.
Doesn’t change the fact that Nancy is a fantastic coach who will do well in his next post if given a preseason and resources.
absolutely hilarious xG story going on with Wilfried Nancy at Celtic
January 5, 2026 at 5:18 PM
It’s unfortunate for Nancy that things didn’t work out at Celtic — he wasn’t blameless, but Celtic are a mess with deeper problems to address.
Doesn’t change the fact that Nancy is a fantastic coach who will do well in his next post if given a preseason and resources.
Doesn’t change the fact that Nancy is a fantastic coach who will do well in his next post if given a preseason and resources.
🔮 Inter Miami, best MLS team...ever?
🔮 Two breakout striker candidates
🔮 Coaches on the move
🔮 Out-of-nowhere cashfer
10 big MLS predictions for @backheeled.com ⤵️
🔮 Two breakout striker candidates
🔮 Coaches on the move
🔮 Out-of-nowhere cashfer
10 big MLS predictions for @backheeled.com ⤵️
10 MLS Predictions for 2026: Inter Miami’s dynasty, Wooden Spoon & more
Here’s what you should expect from MLS in 2026.
www.backheeled.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:59 PM
🔮 Inter Miami, best MLS team...ever?
🔮 Two breakout striker candidates
🔮 Coaches on the move
🔮 Out-of-nowhere cashfer
10 big MLS predictions for @backheeled.com ⤵️
🔮 Two breakout striker candidates
🔮 Coaches on the move
🔮 Out-of-nowhere cashfer
10 big MLS predictions for @backheeled.com ⤵️
This is absolutely brutal news for anyone not employed by or a fan of the other 29 MLS teams.
Riqui Puig is the most entertaining player in MLS.
LA Galaxy’s season now up in the air.
Riqui Puig is the most entertaining player in MLS.
LA Galaxy’s season now up in the air.
BREAKING: LA Galaxy star Riqui Puig will undergo knee surgery and his status for 2026 is in question, per sources.
Same knee from torn ACL at end of 2024 which kept him out all of 2025.
Brutal, brutal news for one of the league's best players. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Same knee from torn ACL at end of 2024 which kept him out all of 2025.
Brutal, brutal news for one of the league's best players. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
LA Galaxy's Puig set for knee surgery
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:25 PM
This is absolutely brutal news for anyone not employed by or a fan of the other 29 MLS teams.
Riqui Puig is the most entertaining player in MLS.
LA Galaxy’s season now up in the air.
Riqui Puig is the most entertaining player in MLS.
LA Galaxy’s season now up in the air.
Clever idea from Charlotte to -- if they can pull it off -- give themselves a boost at the start of the season.
Harvey Elliott would *crush* in MLS and help Sir Minty's boys stack points in a hyper-competitive Eastern Conference before heading back to Europe.
Harvey Elliott would *crush* in MLS and help Sir Minty's boys stack points in a hyper-competitive Eastern Conference before heading back to Europe.
🏴 Sources: Charlotte FC want Liverpool's Harvey Elliott on potential loan deal until summer, if the player would be open to it @fabriziorom.bsky.social 1st.
Elliott on loan at Aston Villa but not playing. Can't join another European club on loan, but can come to MLS
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Elliott on loan at Aston Villa but not playing. Can't join another European club on loan, but can come to MLS
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Charlotte interest in Harvey Elliott as Villa seek to terminate loan from Liverpool
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Clever idea from Charlotte to -- if they can pull it off -- give themselves a boost at the start of the season.
Harvey Elliott would *crush* in MLS and help Sir Minty's boys stack points in a hyper-competitive Eastern Conference before heading back to Europe.
Harvey Elliott would *crush* in MLS and help Sir Minty's boys stack points in a hyper-competitive Eastern Conference before heading back to Europe.
Kai Wagner’s exit will be the biggest test of the Philadelphia Union’s “we can replace anybody and still be good” approach to roster-building.
One of the all-time best in MLS at LB. Elite chance creator. Philly’s best provider.
Massive loss for the Union.
One of the all-time best in MLS at LB. Elite chance creator. Philly’s best provider.
Massive loss for the Union.
January 1, 2026 at 12:11 AM
Kai Wagner’s exit will be the biggest test of the Philadelphia Union’s “we can replace anybody and still be good” approach to roster-building.
One of the all-time best in MLS at LB. Elite chance creator. Philly’s best provider.
Massive loss for the Union.
One of the all-time best in MLS at LB. Elite chance creator. Philly’s best provider.
Massive loss for the Union.
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
A deal for the Charleston Battery to send USL star Juan David Torres on loan to Peruvian club Sport Boys is close, per source.
Sport Boys will have a $400,000 purchase option — that would make Torres' Charleston exit one of the richest outgoing moves in USL history.
🇵🇪 💰
Sport Boys will have a $400,000 purchase option — that would make Torres' Charleston exit one of the richest outgoing moves in USL history.
🇵🇪 💰
December 31, 2025 at 2:56 AM
A deal for the Charleston Battery to send USL star Juan David Torres on loan to Peruvian club Sport Boys is close, per source.
Sport Boys will have a $400,000 purchase option — that would make Torres' Charleston exit one of the richest outgoing moves in USL history.
🇵🇪 💰
Sport Boys will have a $400,000 purchase option — that would make Torres' Charleston exit one of the richest outgoing moves in USL history.
🇵🇪 💰
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
Since MLS introduced cash trades last season, superstars and young talents have changed hands 💰
Who could be on the move this offseason?
@benwright.bsky.social dives into the best candidates, from an elite striker to top-tier budget options.
Read ⤵️
Who could be on the move this offseason?
@benwright.bsky.social dives into the best candidates, from an elite striker to top-tier budget options.
Read ⤵️
Best MLS cashfer candidates for the 2026 offseason: DPs, young stars & more
Does your favorite MLS team have cash to spend? They should be looking at these guys.
www.backheeled.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Since MLS introduced cash trades last season, superstars and young talents have changed hands 💰
Who could be on the move this offseason?
@benwright.bsky.social dives into the best candidates, from an elite striker to top-tier budget options.
Read ⤵️
Who could be on the move this offseason?
@benwright.bsky.social dives into the best candidates, from an elite striker to top-tier budget options.
Read ⤵️
Haven’t watched any of Rydstrom’s Malmo team and words and just words etc etc but that sure sounds like Nancy!
Interesting hire.
Interesting hire.
Henrik Rydström in 2024 interview w/ Sky Sports:
"Defensively, I wanted us to be close together. Everybody wants that.
But then I started to think what if we could be close to each other with the ball as well? Then we can start to connect, find solutions & progress from there."
"Defensively, I wanted us to be close together. Everybody wants that.
But then I started to think what if we could be close to each other with the ball as well? Then we can start to connect, find solutions & progress from there."
December 31, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Haven’t watched any of Rydstrom’s Malmo team and words and just words etc etc but that sure sounds like Nancy!
Interesting hire.
Interesting hire.
It was going to have to big money (or the potential for it) to get JD Torres out of Charleston: he might be the USL's best attacker.
Now a big opportunity for the Battery to generate cash if he performs in Peru.
But for now? Work to be done on the roster for Charleston.
Now a big opportunity for the Battery to generate cash if he performs in Peru.
But for now? Work to be done on the roster for Charleston.
December 31, 2025 at 3:03 AM
It was going to have to big money (or the potential for it) to get JD Torres out of Charleston: he might be the USL's best attacker.
Now a big opportunity for the Battery to generate cash if he performs in Peru.
But for now? Work to be done on the roster for Charleston.
Now a big opportunity for the Battery to generate cash if he performs in Peru.
But for now? Work to be done on the roster for Charleston.
A deal for the Charleston Battery to send USL star Juan David Torres on loan to Peruvian club Sport Boys is close, per source.
Sport Boys will have a $400,000 purchase option — that would make Torres' Charleston exit one of the richest outgoing moves in USL history.
🇵🇪 💰
Sport Boys will have a $400,000 purchase option — that would make Torres' Charleston exit one of the richest outgoing moves in USL history.
🇵🇪 💰
December 31, 2025 at 2:56 AM
A deal for the Charleston Battery to send USL star Juan David Torres on loan to Peruvian club Sport Boys is close, per source.
Sport Boys will have a $400,000 purchase option — that would make Torres' Charleston exit one of the richest outgoing moves in USL history.
🇵🇪 💰
Sport Boys will have a $400,000 purchase option — that would make Torres' Charleston exit one of the richest outgoing moves in USL history.
🇵🇪 💰
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
"Maybe it's because his name's not Declan-inho" - @joeclowery.bsky.social 🗣️
Does Declan Rice get enough credit for being really, really good? 🏴
Does Declan Rice get enough credit for being really, really good? 🏴
December 30, 2025 at 6:04 PM
"Maybe it's because his name's not Declan-inho" - @joeclowery.bsky.social 🗣️
Does Declan Rice get enough credit for being really, really good? 🏴
Does Declan Rice get enough credit for being really, really good? 🏴
The Philadelphia Union doing very well here to acquire a highly rated talent from the USL.
Welcome to Philly, Finn! ⚡️
Philadelphia Union has acquired defender Finn Sundstrom.
As part of the transaction, the Union have sent the club’s natural 1st round selection in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft to D.C. United for Sundstrom’s rights.
📝 philaunion.co/welcomefs
#DOOP
Philadelphia Union has acquired defender Finn Sundstrom.
As part of the transaction, the Union have sent the club’s natural 1st round selection in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft to D.C. United for Sundstrom’s rights.
📝 philaunion.co/welcomefs
#DOOP
December 30, 2025 at 5:27 PM
The Philadelphia Union doing very well here to acquire a highly rated talent from the USL.
Congratulations!!!
December 30, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Congratulations!!!
Lexington SC’s offseason has been unlike anything we’ve seen in USL.
💰 The 1st six-figure intra-league transfer in league history (Aaron Molloy)
💰 The *2nd* six-figure intra-league transfer in league history (Philip Goodrum)
Plus key adds like Semmle. Fascinating investment in the 2nd division.
💰 The 1st six-figure intra-league transfer in league history (Aaron Molloy)
💰 The *2nd* six-figure intra-league transfer in league history (Philip Goodrum)
Plus key adds like Semmle. Fascinating investment in the 2nd division.
Sources: Former Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Oliver Semmle is signing with Lexington (USL Championship).
Semmle, 27, made 18 appearances for the Union first team and seven for Union II, adding veteran experience to a win-now roster.
Cc: @usltactics.com, @joeclowery.bsky.social
#doop #lexgo
Semmle, 27, made 18 appearances for the Union first team and seven for Union II, adding veteran experience to a win-now roster.
Cc: @usltactics.com, @joeclowery.bsky.social
#doop #lexgo
December 29, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Lexington SC’s offseason has been unlike anything we’ve seen in USL.
💰 The 1st six-figure intra-league transfer in league history (Aaron Molloy)
💰 The *2nd* six-figure intra-league transfer in league history (Philip Goodrum)
Plus key adds like Semmle. Fascinating investment in the 2nd division.
💰 The 1st six-figure intra-league transfer in league history (Aaron Molloy)
💰 The *2nd* six-figure intra-league transfer in league history (Philip Goodrum)
Plus key adds like Semmle. Fascinating investment in the 2nd division.
BENNY SCOOPS
🚨 BREAKING: Nashville SC are sending winger Jacob Shaffelburg to Los Angeles FC, sources confirm to @sixonefivesoccer.com. Shaffelburg spent four seasons in Nashville and broke into Canadian national team, and now joins one of the best attacks in MLS.
December 29, 2025 at 2:59 PM
BENNY SCOOPS