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
Source: North Texas SC has signed former Duke goalkeeper Eryk Dymora 🧤
The 23-year-old arrives in MLS Next Pro after an impressive 2025 college season as Duke’s starting keeper. Former Monmouth standout.
The 23-year-old arrives in MLS Next Pro after an impressive 2025 college season as Duke’s starting keeper. Former Monmouth standout.
February 3, 2026 at 11:52 PM
Source: North Texas SC has signed former Duke goalkeeper Eryk Dymora 🧤
The 23-year-old arrives in MLS Next Pro after an impressive 2025 college season as Duke’s starting keeper. Former Monmouth standout.
The 23-year-old arrives in MLS Next Pro after an impressive 2025 college season as Duke’s starting keeper. Former Monmouth standout.
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
NEW episode of the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social!
@joeclowery.bsky.social, Taylor, and I examine Obed Vargas' move to Atleti and how Seattle is equipped to get by. Plus Bouanga's latest fit, Timo Werner joins a fun San Jose side, and the Whitecaps' sad state of limbo. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhFv...
@joeclowery.bsky.social, Taylor, and I examine Obed Vargas' move to Atleti and how Seattle is equipped to get by. Plus Bouanga's latest fit, Timo Werner joins a fun San Jose side, and the Whitecaps' sad state of limbo. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhFv...
How big a deal is Obed Vargas joining Atleti?
YouTube video by Total Soccer Show
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:20 PM
NEW episode of the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social!
@joeclowery.bsky.social, Taylor, and I examine Obed Vargas' move to Atleti and how Seattle is equipped to get by. Plus Bouanga's latest fit, Timo Werner joins a fun San Jose side, and the Whitecaps' sad state of limbo. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhFv...
@joeclowery.bsky.social, Taylor, and I examine Obed Vargas' move to Atleti and how Seattle is equipped to get by. Plus Bouanga's latest fit, Timo Werner joins a fun San Jose side, and the Whitecaps' sad state of limbo. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhFv...
I think Pedro Guimaraes might be the best non-Diego Luna teenager to play in USL.
The 17-year-old is a smooth, technical outside back who's skilled with both feet.
Well done to Orange County in identifying him from LAFC's academy, playing him, and moving him to the Bundesliga.
The 17-year-old is a smooth, technical outside back who's skilled with both feet.
Well done to Orange County in identifying him from LAFC's academy, playing him, and moving him to the Bundesliga.
Pedro Guimaraes is headed to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Details for Transfermarkt 👇
www.transfermarkt.us/pedro-guirma...
Details for Transfermarkt 👇
www.transfermarkt.us/pedro-guirma...
February 3, 2026 at 10:34 PM
I think Pedro Guimaraes might be the best non-Diego Luna teenager to play in USL.
The 17-year-old is a smooth, technical outside back who's skilled with both feet.
Well done to Orange County in identifying him from LAFC's academy, playing him, and moving him to the Bundesliga.
The 17-year-old is a smooth, technical outside back who's skilled with both feet.
Well done to Orange County in identifying him from LAFC's academy, playing him, and moving him to the Bundesliga.
I'm not sure how much gas James Rodriguez has left in the tank, but this move absolutely rules regardless.
If you needed a sign that Minnesota United are going to play more actual soccer this year in the post Eric Ramsay era, here you go.
If you needed a sign that Minnesota United are going to play more actual soccer this year in the post Eric Ramsay era, here you go.
🇨🇴💣 BREAKING: Minnesota United is in talks for a shock blockbuster move to sign Colombian star James Rodriguez, per sources.
Would easily be biggest star to play for Loons. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Would easily be biggest star to play for Loons. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
James Rodriguez, Minnesota United in talks over shocking deal: Sources
The Colombian star is a free agent after leaving Club León in Mexico
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:23 PM
I'm not sure how much gas James Rodriguez has left in the tank, but this move absolutely rules regardless.
If you needed a sign that Minnesota United are going to play more actual soccer this year in the post Eric Ramsay era, here you go.
If you needed a sign that Minnesota United are going to play more actual soccer this year in the post Eric Ramsay era, here you go.
Along with Alphonso Davies to Bayern + Jhon Duran to Villa, Obed Vargas' move to Atletico Madrid is one of the biggest in MLS history.
Vargas is a tremendous young player — strong defensively, savvy off-ball, and functional on it.
His story is nothing short of amazing.
Vargas is a tremendous young player — strong defensively, savvy off-ball, and functional on it.
His story is nothing short of amazing.
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 9:09 PM
Along with Alphonso Davies to Bayern + Jhon Duran to Villa, Obed Vargas' move to Atletico Madrid is one of the biggest in MLS history.
Vargas is a tremendous young player — strong defensively, savvy off-ball, and functional on it.
His story is nothing short of amazing.
Vargas is a tremendous young player — strong defensively, savvy off-ball, and functional on it.
His story is nothing short of amazing.
Sam's the best. Read his stuff and subscribe to Five Stripe Final if you're an Atlanta United fan (or if you want to get smarter about soccer and/or derive more enjoyment from reading about it.)
Our first rewatch column of the year is here. This one (unlike most) is free to read. Consider becoming a subscriber if you want more insights like "actively trying to score goals is good"
open.substack.com/pub/fivestri...
open.substack.com/pub/fivestri...
REWATCH: Atlanta United wows in preseason with...[checking]...basic tactical competency
Ok but seriously they did effective soccer things
open.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Sam's the best. Read his stuff and subscribe to Five Stripe Final if you're an Atlanta United fan (or if you want to get smarter about soccer and/or derive more enjoyment from reading about it.)
you know what? why not
No new DP yet but NYCFC officially has a new pigeon mascot that looks like this (wearing mascot version of Timbs as well) and is named Sky Scraper
February 2, 2026 at 6:08 PM
you know what? why not
there's a real live game involving an MLS team tomorrow
i'm as shook about this as you all are, i assure you
(san diego fc vs. pumas, concacaf champions cup, we're so back)
i'm as shook about this as you all are, i assure you
(san diego fc vs. pumas, concacaf champions cup, we're so back)
February 2, 2026 at 5:22 PM
there's a real live game involving an MLS team tomorrow
i'm as shook about this as you all are, i assure you
(san diego fc vs. pumas, concacaf champions cup, we're so back)
i'm as shook about this as you all are, i assure you
(san diego fc vs. pumas, concacaf champions cup, we're so back)
Source: New England Revolution has loaned Jack Panayotou to USL Championship club Loudoun United 🔴
@rkeefer.bsky.social 1st reported that a move was close.
Panayotou, 21, is a promising midfielder talent. Big get for Loudoun, who beat out other clubs for the Revs homegrown.
@rkeefer.bsky.social 1st reported that a move was close.
Panayotou, 21, is a promising midfielder talent. Big get for Loudoun, who beat out other clubs for the Revs homegrown.
February 2, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Source: New England Revolution has loaned Jack Panayotou to USL Championship club Loudoun United 🔴
@rkeefer.bsky.social 1st reported that a move was close.
Panayotou, 21, is a promising midfielder talent. Big get for Loudoun, who beat out other clubs for the Revs homegrown.
@rkeefer.bsky.social 1st reported that a move was close.
Panayotou, 21, is a promising midfielder talent. Big get for Loudoun, who beat out other clubs for the Revs homegrown.
Source: Charleston Battery have acquired Nathan Messer from Portland Hearts of Pine in a permanent transfer 🤝
Messer had 6 goals + 5 assists in 2025 and finished second among fullbacks in USL League One in xG+xA
Yet another League One to Championship move in the USL offseason.
Messer had 6 goals + 5 assists in 2025 and finished second among fullbacks in USL League One in xG+xA
Yet another League One to Championship move in the USL offseason.
February 2, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Source: Charleston Battery have acquired Nathan Messer from Portland Hearts of Pine in a permanent transfer 🤝
Messer had 6 goals + 5 assists in 2025 and finished second among fullbacks in USL League One in xG+xA
Yet another League One to Championship move in the USL offseason.
Messer had 6 goals + 5 assists in 2025 and finished second among fullbacks in USL League One in xG+xA
Yet another League One to Championship move in the USL offseason.
I suspect Timo Werner is going to absolutely crush in MLS in an increasingly athletic, rangy San Jose Earthquakes team.
The guy will torch MLS defenders in transition.
The guy will torch MLS defenders in transition.
January 29, 2026 at 4:19 PM
I suspect Timo Werner is going to absolutely crush in MLS in an increasingly athletic, rangy San Jose Earthquakes team.
The guy will torch MLS defenders in transition.
The guy will torch MLS defenders in transition.
Source: 17-year-old Mexican youth int'l Viggo Ortiz is heading to Charlotte Independence from Charleston Battery.
Charleston will retain a sell-on clause.
Ortiz, who scored his first pro goal for the Battery in ’25, will have a bigger path to minutes in USL League One.
Charleston will retain a sell-on clause.
Ortiz, who scored his first pro goal for the Battery in ’25, will have a bigger path to minutes in USL League One.
January 29, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Source: 17-year-old Mexican youth int'l Viggo Ortiz is heading to Charlotte Independence from Charleston Battery.
Charleston will retain a sell-on clause.
Ortiz, who scored his first pro goal for the Battery in ’25, will have a bigger path to minutes in USL League One.
Charleston will retain a sell-on clause.
Ortiz, who scored his first pro goal for the Battery in ’25, will have a bigger path to minutes in USL League One.
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
This is not the final product but we’re so happy with the way the cover turned out that we wanted to share.
🎨: @kevinnewburn.bsky.social
You can pre-order IV here: sounderatheart.bigcartel.com/products
Reminder: the magazine release party is on Feb. 20 at Project 9 Brewing Co.
🎨: @kevinnewburn.bsky.social
You can pre-order IV here: sounderatheart.bigcartel.com/products
Reminder: the magazine release party is on Feb. 20 at Project 9 Brewing Co.
January 28, 2026 at 9:06 PM
This is not the final product but we’re so happy with the way the cover turned out that we wanted to share.
🎨: @kevinnewburn.bsky.social
You can pre-order IV here: sounderatheart.bigcartel.com/products
Reminder: the magazine release party is on Feb. 20 at Project 9 Brewing Co.
🎨: @kevinnewburn.bsky.social
You can pre-order IV here: sounderatheart.bigcartel.com/products
Reminder: the magazine release party is on Feb. 20 at Project 9 Brewing Co.
Sources: MLS Next Pro club CT United, led by former New York Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett, have signed goalkeeper Gunther Rankenburg 🧤
The 26-year-old goalkeeper spent the last three seasons with Greenville Triumph in USL League One where he made 62 starts.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper spent the last three seasons with Greenville Triumph in USL League One where he made 62 starts.
January 28, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Sources: MLS Next Pro club CT United, led by former New York Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett, have signed goalkeeper Gunther Rankenburg 🧤
The 26-year-old goalkeeper spent the last three seasons with Greenville Triumph in USL League One where he made 62 starts.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper spent the last three seasons with Greenville Triumph in USL League One where he made 62 starts.
Wow.
With Chicho Arango + Cristian Espinoza + Josef Martinez all gone this offseason, the San Jose Earthquakes have now lost 44 goal contributions in a single winter.
Huge, huge turnover. Reason to worry.
With Chicho Arango + Cristian Espinoza + Josef Martinez all gone this offseason, the San Jose Earthquakes have now lost 44 goal contributions in a single winter.
Huge, huge turnover. Reason to worry.
🇨🇴 BREAKING: Atletico Nacional has agreed deal to sign forward Chicho Arango from the San Jose Earthquakes, per sources
Arango wanted to leave for "personal reasons" despite signing new contract. Will be his 6th club since 2021.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Arango wanted to leave for "personal reasons" despite signing new contract. Will be his 6th club since 2021.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Atletico Nacional agree deal to sign San Jose's Chicho Arango: Sources
www.nytimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Wow.
With Chicho Arango + Cristian Espinoza + Josef Martinez all gone this offseason, the San Jose Earthquakes have now lost 44 goal contributions in a single winter.
Huge, huge turnover. Reason to worry.
With Chicho Arango + Cristian Espinoza + Josef Martinez all gone this offseason, the San Jose Earthquakes have now lost 44 goal contributions in a single winter.
Huge, huge turnover. Reason to worry.
Joao Klauss isn’t the flashy DP signing we may expect from the Galaxy, but I really like the pickup for LA.
▪️ Klauss under contract for ‘26, helping LA avoid a DP logjam in ‘27
▪️ Fills position of need
▪️ Solid distributor + presser, should help make LA more well-rounded
Good analysis from Ben ⬇️
▪️ Klauss under contract for ‘26, helping LA avoid a DP logjam in ‘27
▪️ Fills position of need
▪️ Solid distributor + presser, should help make LA more well-rounded
Good analysis from Ben ⬇️
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 7:42 PM
Joao Klauss isn’t the flashy DP signing we may expect from the Galaxy, but I really like the pickup for LA.
▪️ Klauss under contract for ‘26, helping LA avoid a DP logjam in ‘27
▪️ Fills position of need
▪️ Solid distributor + presser, should help make LA more well-rounded
Good analysis from Ben ⬇️
▪️ Klauss under contract for ‘26, helping LA avoid a DP logjam in ‘27
▪️ Fills position of need
▪️ Solid distributor + presser, should help make LA more well-rounded
Good analysis from Ben ⬇️
As USL plans major infrastructural increases, I wonder about the upside for club owners.
There's not real rev sharing in USL. Expansion fees stay at USL HQ. Clubs pay yearly dues to USL HQ. Even when teams do turn a (very rare) profit, 49% of that goes to USL HQ.
Interesting times ahead.
There's not real rev sharing in USL. Expansion fees stay at USL HQ. Clubs pay yearly dues to USL HQ. Even when teams do turn a (very rare) profit, 49% of that goes to USL HQ.
Interesting times ahead.
Officially Official (like you didn't know already).
The #USL has announced USL Premier as the official name of its Division One men’s professional league and unveiled a new structure for its men’s pathway.
www.uslsoccer.com/news_article...
The #USL has announced USL Premier as the official name of its Division One men’s professional league and unveiled a new structure for its men’s pathway.
www.uslsoccer.com/news_article...
United Soccer League Announces USL Premier, New Interconnected Men’s Professional Structure
USL outlines three-division framework ahead of promotion and relegation
www.uslsoccer.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:50 PM
As USL plans major infrastructural increases, I wonder about the upside for club owners.
There's not real rev sharing in USL. Expansion fees stay at USL HQ. Clubs pay yearly dues to USL HQ. Even when teams do turn a (very rare) profit, 49% of that goes to USL HQ.
Interesting times ahead.
There's not real rev sharing in USL. Expansion fees stay at USL HQ. Clubs pay yearly dues to USL HQ. Even when teams do turn a (very rare) profit, 49% of that goes to USL HQ.
Interesting times ahead.
Huge move for Alex Freeman, who’s absolutely at the level to make an impact for Villarreal.
The timing of a move now is interesting — and not totally without risk when it comes to form and fitness ahead of the World Cup.
But Freeman is a very good young player. Promising move.
The timing of a move now is interesting — and not totally without risk when it comes to form and fitness ahead of the World Cup.
But Freeman is a very good young player. Promising move.
💣🇺🇸 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 2:21 AM
Huge move for Alex Freeman, who’s absolutely at the level to make an impact for Villarreal.
The timing of a move now is interesting — and not totally without risk when it comes to form and fitness ahead of the World Cup.
But Freeman is a very good young player. Promising move.
The timing of a move now is interesting — and not totally without risk when it comes to form and fitness ahead of the World Cup.
But Freeman is a very good young player. Promising move.
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
With less than a month until the 2026 MLS season starts, rosters are getting finalized.
Chicago, Austin, Columbus, and LAFC are largely running things back.
Toronto FC finally decided to rebuild after years of bad results, returning fewer than 50% of minutes from 2025.
Chicago, Austin, Columbus, and LAFC are largely running things back.
Toronto FC finally decided to rebuild after years of bad results, returning fewer than 50% of minutes from 2025.
January 26, 2026 at 4:12 PM
With less than a month until the 2026 MLS season starts, rosters are getting finalized.
Chicago, Austin, Columbus, and LAFC are largely running things back.
Toronto FC finally decided to rebuild after years of bad results, returning fewer than 50% of minutes from 2025.
Chicago, Austin, Columbus, and LAFC are largely running things back.
Toronto FC finally decided to rebuild after years of bad results, returning fewer than 50% of minutes from 2025.
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
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 ⤵️
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
Super cool: The @tntsportsus.bsky.social broadcast of today's #USWNT friendly features graphics for both in-possession and out-of-possession formations. Coverage matching the realities on the ground!!
January 24, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Super cool: The @tntsportsus.bsky.social broadcast of today's #USWNT friendly features graphics for both in-possession and out-of-possession formations. Coverage matching the realities on the ground!!
Sources: DC United has acquired Alex Bono in a trade from the New England Revolution in exchange for a small amount of GAM 🧤
The 31-year-old returns to DC, joining a goalkeeping room headlined by free agent signing Sean Johnson.
The 31-year-old returns to DC, joining a goalkeeping room headlined by free agent signing Sean Johnson.
January 23, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Sources: DC United has acquired Alex Bono in a trade from the New England Revolution in exchange for a small amount of GAM 🧤
The 31-year-old returns to DC, joining a goalkeeping room headlined by free agent signing Sean Johnson.
The 31-year-old returns to DC, joining a goalkeeping room headlined by free agent signing Sean Johnson.
Jeff is one of the absolute best. It’s been a joy working with him over the years and I’m truly excited to see what he cooks up in this next chapter.
Legend.
Legend.
Some personal news: I’ve joined @us.theguardian.com as a soccer correspondent!
Thrilled to join a newsroom I’ve long admired from afar. Still proudly based in Saint Paul, MN. Still covering the sport from all angles, on-field and off. Truly a dream job: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Thrilled to join a newsroom I’ve long admired from afar. Still proudly based in Saint Paul, MN. Still covering the sport from all angles, on-field and off. Truly a dream job: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Above all else, it’s the stories that make soccer so intoxicating | Jeff Rueter
I have joined the Guardian today as a soccer correspondent in the United States. This is why I cover the sport
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Jeff is one of the absolute best. It’s been a joy working with him over the years and I’m truly excited to see what he cooks up in this next chapter.
Legend.
Legend.
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
I am absolutely over the moon to welcome @mlsist.bsky.social, @jeffrueter.bsky.social, and @ellabrockway.bsky.social to the Guardian.
www.theguardian.com/guardian-us-...
www.theguardian.com/guardian-us-...
The Guardian expands its sports desk with key hires before 2026 World Cup in North America
The new permanent roles are part of the Guardian’s larger investment in the US, which has come to include more than 20 additional journalists in the past year
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:50 PM
I am absolutely over the moon to welcome @mlsist.bsky.social, @jeffrueter.bsky.social, and @ellabrockway.bsky.social to the Guardian.
www.theguardian.com/guardian-us-...
www.theguardian.com/guardian-us-...
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
Sources: The Charleston Battery have signed Jamaican int'l forward Maalique Foster.
Foster, 29, is the USL leader in dribbles since 2024, adding 16 goal contributions in that time. He spent the 2025 season with Indy Eleven.
Major attacking addition in the Lowcountry.
Foster, 29, is the USL leader in dribbles since 2024, adding 16 goal contributions in that time. He spent the 2025 season with Indy Eleven.
Major attacking addition in the Lowcountry.
January 21, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Sources: The Charleston Battery have signed Jamaican int'l forward Maalique Foster.
Foster, 29, is the USL leader in dribbles since 2024, adding 16 goal contributions in that time. He spent the 2025 season with Indy Eleven.
Major attacking addition in the Lowcountry.
Foster, 29, is the USL leader in dribbles since 2024, adding 16 goal contributions in that time. He spent the 2025 season with Indy Eleven.
Major attacking addition in the Lowcountry.