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
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.
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.
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
Like this LDLT pickup for Charlotte.
Crucially, they get a center mid who can help them progress the ball. Plus, they get a bit younger.
Crucially, they get a center mid who can help them progress the ball. Plus, they get a bit younger.
🇺🇸 Sources: Charlotte FC is set to sign USMNT midfielder Luca de la Torre from Celta Vigo.
LDLT spent 2025 on loan with San Diego. SDFC receives $50k GAM for his MLS rights.
LDLT, 27, made 37 apps for San Diego last season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
LDLT spent 2025 on loan with San Diego. SDFC receives $50k GAM for his MLS rights.
LDLT, 27, made 37 apps for San Diego last season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Charlotte FC to sign USMNT midfielder Luca de la Torre
De La Torre joins on a permanent deal. He spent 2025 on loan at San Diego FC in Major League Soccer.
www.nytimes.com
December 27, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Like this LDLT pickup for Charlotte.
Crucially, they get a center mid who can help them progress the ball. Plus, they get a bit younger.
Crucially, they get a center mid who can help them progress the ball. Plus, they get a bit younger.
This Chancalay deal works well for both Minnesota and New England:
▪️ MN: Gets an undervalued attacker w/promising underlying numbers in a position of need
▪️ NE: Takes a bath on the initial transfer fee, but gets a DP spot back to give the club flexibility for Mitrovic era
▪️ MN: Gets an undervalued attacker w/promising underlying numbers in a position of need
▪️ NE: Takes a bath on the initial transfer fee, but gets a DP spot back to give the club flexibility for Mitrovic era
NEWS: The club has acquired winger Tomás Chancalay in a cash-for-player trade from the New England Revolution in exchange for $100,000.
Bienvenido, Tomás!
More » https://utd.mn/4jolu7a
Bienvenido, Tomás!
More » https://utd.mn/4jolu7a
December 27, 2025 at 2:24 PM
This Chancalay deal works well for both Minnesota and New England:
▪️ MN: Gets an undervalued attacker w/promising underlying numbers in a position of need
▪️ NE: Takes a bath on the initial transfer fee, but gets a DP spot back to give the club flexibility for Mitrovic era
▪️ MN: Gets an undervalued attacker w/promising underlying numbers in a position of need
▪️ NE: Takes a bath on the initial transfer fee, but gets a DP spot back to give the club flexibility for Mitrovic era
Phenomenal pickup from the Fire, who look poised to be even better in ‘26 than they were this year.
Lod can play as an 8 or a 10 or even a winger in the 4-3-3 or he can play as an 8 or a halfspace guy in the 3-4-3.
He adds both quality and versatility ✅
Lod can play as an 8 or a 10 or even a winger in the 4-3-3 or he can play as an 8 or a halfspace guy in the 3-4-3.
He adds both quality and versatility ✅
🗣️ Because maybeeeeeee
Robin is in Chicago babyyyyyyy
And after alllllll
We signed Robin Lodddddddd 🗣️
We have acquired Finland National Team midfielder Robin Lod as a free agent. #cf97
Robin is in Chicago babyyyyyyy
And after alllllll
We signed Robin Lodddddddd 🗣️
We have acquired Finland National Team midfielder Robin Lod as a free agent. #cf97
December 27, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Phenomenal pickup from the Fire, who look poised to be even better in ‘26 than they were this year.
Lod can play as an 8 or a 10 or even a winger in the 4-3-3 or he can play as an 8 or a halfspace guy in the 3-4-3.
He adds both quality and versatility ✅
Lod can play as an 8 or a 10 or even a winger in the 4-3-3 or he can play as an 8 or a halfspace guy in the 3-4-3.
He adds both quality and versatility ✅
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
Watch today's 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 on YouTube 📺
Will Michael Bradley be a good MLS coach?
YouTube video by Total Soccer Show
www.youtube.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Watch today's 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 on YouTube 📺
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
The new USL CBA should include bonuses for my annual top 50
this is so stupid
December 23, 2025 at 4:29 PM
The new USL CBA should include bonuses for my annual top 50
LOL
this is so stupid
December 23, 2025 at 4:17 PM
LOL
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
It’s amazing that every team that buys from Austin FC has never watched Austin FC play soccer.
Sources: Widzew Lodz has signed winger Osman Bukari from Austin FC.
Austin receives around $6.5m + 20% sell on, I’m told.
Opens a DP spot too.
Austin receives around $6.5m + 20% sell on, I’m told.
Opens a DP spot too.
December 19, 2025 at 9:13 PM
It’s amazing that every team that buys from Austin FC has never watched Austin FC play soccer.
Sources: Widzew Lodz has signed winger Osman Bukari from Austin FC.
Austin receives around $6.5m + 20% sell on, I’m told.
Opens a DP spot too.
Austin receives around $6.5m + 20% sell on, I’m told.
Opens a DP spot too.
Sources: Austin FC are in talks to transfer Osman Bukari to Widzew Lodz.
Bukari, 27, has 4g/9a in 42 apps with Austin after joining in deal worth around $7m. Departure would open a DP spot.
Bukari, 27, has 4g/9a in 42 apps with Austin after joining in deal worth around $7m. Departure would open a DP spot.
December 19, 2025 at 8:00 PM
It’s amazing that every team that buys from Austin FC has never watched Austin FC play soccer.
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
In the most MLS trade of all time, Toronto FC traded their first round draft pick to Colorado for a video analyst/assistant coach.
Colorado then used that pick to select a player already under contract at their club for 2026.
Colorado then used that pick to select a player already under contract at their club for 2026.
December 19, 2025 at 12:12 AM
In the most MLS trade of all time, Toronto FC traded their first round draft pick to Colorado for a video analyst/assistant coach.
Colorado then used that pick to select a player already under contract at their club for 2026.
Colorado then used that pick to select a player already under contract at their club for 2026.
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
I don't post personal updates often, but for those who follow my Substack/have noticed my inactivity there, I wanted to share that I've joined the Chicago Fire as a data analyst/scout.
Grateful for everyone who read/supported my work, dating back to my time with B&RU.
Excited for what's ahead! 🔥🆙
Grateful for everyone who read/supported my work, dating back to my time with B&RU.
Excited for what's ahead! 🔥🆙
December 18, 2025 at 12:39 AM
I don't post personal updates often, but for those who follow my Substack/have noticed my inactivity there, I wanted to share that I've joined the Chicago Fire as a data analyst/scout.
Grateful for everyone who read/supported my work, dating back to my time with B&RU.
Excited for what's ahead! 🔥🆙
Grateful for everyone who read/supported my work, dating back to my time with B&RU.
Excited for what's ahead! 🔥🆙
The rich get richer.
Fantastic business from Inter Miami, who get maybe the best pure shot-stopper in MLS.
Worth noting that Minnesota United could pay St. Clair more than any other MLS team — and he still opted for Miami. That says something about Miami as a destination club.
Fantastic business from Inter Miami, who get maybe the best pure shot-stopper in MLS.
Worth noting that Minnesota United could pay St. Clair more than any other MLS team — and he still opted for Miami. That says something about Miami as a destination club.
💣🇨🇦 BREAKING: Inter Miami is nearing a deal to sign Canadian int'l GK Dayne St. Clair, per sources.
St. Clair, 28, just was named MLS GK of the Year.
Huge signing for Miami, who just won MLS Cup.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
St. Clair, 28, just was named MLS GK of the Year.
Huge signing for Miami, who just won MLS Cup.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Inter Miami nearing deal for Canada goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair
St. Clair was named 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and is one of the marquee free agents on the market.
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:14 PM
The rich get richer.
Fantastic business from Inter Miami, who get maybe the best pure shot-stopper in MLS.
Worth noting that Minnesota United could pay St. Clair more than any other MLS team — and he still opted for Miami. That says something about Miami as a destination club.
Fantastic business from Inter Miami, who get maybe the best pure shot-stopper in MLS.
Worth noting that Minnesota United could pay St. Clair more than any other MLS team — and he still opted for Miami. That says something about Miami as a destination club.