Marc Machado
@marcmachado.bsky.social
GW '25 | Former intern with D.C. United, YMU, USL, the Soccer Syndicate, and Per90 Sporting Advisory
https://mbmachado.substack.com/
https://mbmachado.substack.com/
Pinned
Marc Machado
@marcmachado.bsky.social
· Apr 8
The Lower Third
Analyzing supplemental roster composition and value in 2024
mbmachado.substack.com
It’s been about a month, but I’m back with more than 3,000 words (plus visuals) on supplemental roster composition, usage, and value in 2024. Give it a read, and if you enjoy, follow my Substack.
Reposted by Marc Machado
MLS plans to extend transfer windows a bit beyond when major European windows close after the schedule flips in summer of 2027.
MLS also has gotten green light from FIFA and Concacaf to include the three Canadian MLS teams as domestic, so all 30 MLS clubs will be aligned.
MLS also has gotten green light from FIFA and Concacaf to include the three Canadian MLS teams as domestic, so all 30 MLS clubs will be aligned.
November 13, 2025 at 9:59 PM
MLS plans to extend transfer windows a bit beyond when major European windows close after the schedule flips in summer of 2027.
MLS also has gotten green light from FIFA and Concacaf to include the three Canadian MLS teams as domestic, so all 30 MLS clubs will be aligned.
MLS also has gotten green light from FIFA and Concacaf to include the three Canadian MLS teams as domestic, so all 30 MLS clubs will be aligned.
Reposted by Marc Machado
Sources: St. Louis City SC has agreed terms with former Montreal executive Corey Wray to be its next sporting director. Contract could be signed as soon as late Friday. A Canadian citizen, Wray will need to acquire a work visa as well. #AllForCITY
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Sources: St. Louis to hire ex-Montréal exec Wray
St. Louis City SC has agreed personal terms with former CF Montreal executive Corey Wray to be the team's next sporting director, sources told ESPN.
www.espn.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Sources: St. Louis City SC has agreed terms with former Montreal executive Corey Wray to be its next sporting director. Contract could be signed as soon as late Friday. A Canadian citizen, Wray will need to acquire a work visa as well. #AllForCITY
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Reposted by Marc Machado
Without spending big, the Seattle Sounders have assembled an all-time MLS roster to withstand one of the busiest seasons ever.
“Our fourth DP is our development system,” general manager Craig Waibel told me. “That’s where we choose to spend the money because it’s working.”
For @backheeled.com ⤵️
“Our fourth DP is our development system,” general manager Craig Waibel told me. “That’s where we choose to spend the money because it’s working.”
For @backheeled.com ⤵️
How the Seattle Sounders turned smart spending into an all-time great MLS roster
MLS is keeping its teams busier than ever, so the Sounders are looking inward to create an elite squad.
www.backheeled.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Without spending big, the Seattle Sounders have assembled an all-time MLS roster to withstand one of the busiest seasons ever.
“Our fourth DP is our development system,” general manager Craig Waibel told me. “That’s where we choose to spend the money because it’s working.”
For @backheeled.com ⤵️
“Our fourth DP is our development system,” general manager Craig Waibel told me. “That’s where we choose to spend the money because it’s working.”
For @backheeled.com ⤵️
Reposted by Marc Machado
Update: Chris Armas reached out. We spoke on the phone. He apologized. I accepted his apology. He posted a public apology on the other site.
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” - Seneca
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” - Seneca
October 20, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Update: Chris Armas reached out. We spoke on the phone. He apologized. I accepted his apology. He posted a public apology on the other site.
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” - Seneca
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” - Seneca
Reposted by Marc Machado
Free Newsletter: Best XI, Awards Ballot & final Power Rankings vote of the year!
This is the longest newsletter I will ever write (b/c I should've put out the awards ballot as a separate post last week... oh well!)
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
This is the longest newsletter I will ever write (b/c I should've put out the awards ballot as a separate post last week... oh well!)
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Best XI, Awards Ballot & final Power Rankings vote of the year!
This is the longest newsletter I'll ever write. I am sorry.
open.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Free Newsletter: Best XI, Awards Ballot & final Power Rankings vote of the year!
This is the longest newsletter I will ever write (b/c I should've put out the awards ballot as a separate post last week... oh well!)
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
This is the longest newsletter I will ever write (b/c I should've put out the awards ballot as a separate post last week... oh well!)
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Reposted by Marc Machado
This is such a whiny, unprofessional response from Chris Armas. Most markets around MLS would kill to have the type of coverage @bymattpollard.bsky.social brings every week, and to go after him like this for an incredibly fair question is embarrassing.
Here’s the video at the start of the question. Decide for yourself if @bymattpollard.bsky.social is in the wrong here:
www.youtube.com/live/CGwCbG1...
www.youtube.com/live/CGwCbG1...
Postgame Press Conference: Colorado Rapids vs. LAFC
YouTube video by Colorado Rapids
www.youtube.com
October 19, 2025 at 6:53 AM
This is such a whiny, unprofessional response from Chris Armas. Most markets around MLS would kill to have the type of coverage @bymattpollard.bsky.social brings every week, and to go after him like this for an incredibly fair question is embarrassing.
Reposted by Marc Machado
Pochettino: "Cristian Roldan is maybe an example of if you want to build your perfect player...he has a little bit of everything."
October 15, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Pochettino: "Cristian Roldan is maybe an example of if you want to build your perfect player...he has a little bit of everything."
Reposted by Marc Machado
BREAKING: Columbus Crew midfielder and MLS legend Darlington Nagbe is retiring after the 2025 MLS season, per sources.
Nagbe, 35, is a four-time MLS Cup winner (2015, 2018, 2020, 2023) with three clubs (Portland, Atlanta, Columbus).
One of MLS's best-ever midfielders 👏
Nagbe, 35, is a four-time MLS Cup winner (2015, 2018, 2020, 2023) with three clubs (Portland, Atlanta, Columbus).
One of MLS's best-ever midfielders 👏
October 6, 2025 at 11:18 PM
BREAKING: Columbus Crew midfielder and MLS legend Darlington Nagbe is retiring after the 2025 MLS season, per sources.
Nagbe, 35, is a four-time MLS Cup winner (2015, 2018, 2020, 2023) with three clubs (Portland, Atlanta, Columbus).
One of MLS's best-ever midfielders 👏
Nagbe, 35, is a four-time MLS Cup winner (2015, 2018, 2020, 2023) with three clubs (Portland, Atlanta, Columbus).
One of MLS's best-ever midfielders 👏
Reposted by Marc Machado
With three goals in the first half tonight, Chicago Fire FC have now scored 39 road goals this regular season, which is the second most in a single season in MLS history (44, LA Galaxy in 1998).
October 1, 2025 at 12:31 AM
With three goals in the first half tonight, Chicago Fire FC have now scored 39 road goals this regular season, which is the second most in a single season in MLS history (44, LA Galaxy in 1998).
Reposted by Marc Machado
It's been a disappointing DC United season, and the owners are finally speaking up about the club's struggles. @blazindw.bsky.social sits down with #DCU owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan for an in depth interview on what the club's path forward will be to rebuild the trust of the fans.
DC United owners Jason Levien, Steve Kaplan speak candidly on team struggles, need to rebuild support
DC United is entering the final few weeks of what has been a very disappointing 2025 season. They were the first team to be eliminated from contention for the MLS Cup playoffs, marking the sixth straight season that they will miss out on the postseason. In July, they fired head coach Troy Lesesne, bringing in René Weiler after a month of having academy director Kevin Flanagan serve as the interim coach until the visa process could be finalized.
thedistrictpress.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:58 AM
It's been a disappointing DC United season, and the owners are finally speaking up about the club's struggles. @blazindw.bsky.social sits down with #DCU owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan for an in depth interview on what the club's path forward will be to rebuild the trust of the fans.
Reposted by Marc Machado
At first glance, Charlotte FC look unremarkable. A longer look, however, paints them as a legit trophy threat.
I dive into Sir Minty's boys + soccer injustice that was done in San Diego, LAFC's new look, DC United's latest low & more.
For Backheeled ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...
I dive into Sir Minty's boys + soccer injustice that was done in San Diego, LAFC's new look, DC United's latest low & more.
For Backheeled ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...
MLS Winners and Losers: LAFC's "no-brainer", Charlotte FC's hot streak & more
LAFC tried a new look, Charlotte FC wrote their name in the record books, the Vancouver Whitecaps didn't play with their food, and more.
www.backheeled.com
September 14, 2025 at 10:00 PM
At first glance, Charlotte FC look unremarkable. A longer look, however, paints them as a legit trophy threat.
I dive into Sir Minty's boys + soccer injustice that was done in San Diego, LAFC's new look, DC United's latest low & more.
For Backheeled ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...
I dive into Sir Minty's boys + soccer injustice that was done in San Diego, LAFC's new look, DC United's latest low & more.
For Backheeled ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...
Reposted by Marc Machado
Sources: Saudi club Al-Kholood is finalizing deal to sign forward Ramiro Enrique from Orlando City.
Agreement is for third-highest outbound transfer in Orlando City history.
Agreement is for third-highest outbound transfer in Orlando City history.
August 29, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Sources: Saudi club Al-Kholood is finalizing deal to sign forward Ramiro Enrique from Orlando City.
Agreement is for third-highest outbound transfer in Orlando City history.
Agreement is for third-highest outbound transfer in Orlando City history.
Reposted by Marc Machado
Due to a combination of results on Saturday night, San Diego FC became the first team to clinch a berth to the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, becoming the fastest expansion team to clinch a postseason berth in the post-shootout era (excluding shortened 2020 season).
August 24, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Due to a combination of results on Saturday night, San Diego FC became the first team to clinch a berth to the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, becoming the fastest expansion team to clinch a postseason berth in the post-shootout era (excluding shortened 2020 season).
Reposted by Marc Machado
Friday Stat Dump: This week we are looking at "Positive Possessions". Positive Possessions are those which end at a point further up the pitch than they started. Seems simple enough? Let's get into it.
Possessions by themselves are neither good nor bad. It matters more what you do with them.
1/
Possessions by themselves are neither good nor bad. It matters more what you do with them.
1/
August 23, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Friday Stat Dump: This week we are looking at "Positive Possessions". Positive Possessions are those which end at a point further up the pitch than they started. Seems simple enough? Let's get into it.
Possessions by themselves are neither good nor bad. It matters more what you do with them.
1/
Possessions by themselves are neither good nor bad. It matters more what you do with them.
1/
Reposted by Marc Machado
Burgundy Wave can confirm Kimani Stewart-Baynes is out for the season due to an ankle injury.
Colorado Rapids have recalled him from his loan with Lexington SC of the USL Championship. KSB will rehab back in Colorado. There is no timeline for recovery yet.
Colorado Rapids have recalled him from his loan with Lexington SC of the USL Championship. KSB will rehab back in Colorado. There is no timeline for recovery yet.
August 20, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Burgundy Wave can confirm Kimani Stewart-Baynes is out for the season due to an ankle injury.
Colorado Rapids have recalled him from his loan with Lexington SC of the USL Championship. KSB will rehab back in Colorado. There is no timeline for recovery yet.
Colorado Rapids have recalled him from his loan with Lexington SC of the USL Championship. KSB will rehab back in Colorado. There is no timeline for recovery yet.
Reposted by Marc Machado
Mateusz Klich signed with KS Cracovia today, but per D.C. United this *does not* open up a Designated Player slot for them.
August 13, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Mateusz Klich signed with KS Cracovia today, but per D.C. United this *does not* open up a Designated Player slot for them.
As of May 1, TFC had no GAM remaining (and one of the ugliest cap situations in the league).
They’ve since accumulated $900k in 2025 GAM through trades, while generating an additional $200k in guaranteed 2026 GAM.
Factor in the DP moves, and it feels like a page is being turned in Toronto.
They’ve since accumulated $900k in 2025 GAM through trades, while generating an additional $200k in guaranteed 2026 GAM.
Factor in the DP moves, and it feels like a page is being turned in Toronto.
TFC have made two very good moves this window, are suddenly playing their kids a bit and have basically everyone on a big salary coming off the books this winter.
Momentum.
Momentum.
August 13, 2025 at 8:47 PM
As of May 1, TFC had no GAM remaining (and one of the ugliest cap situations in the league).
They’ve since accumulated $900k in 2025 GAM through trades, while generating an additional $200k in guaranteed 2026 GAM.
Factor in the DP moves, and it feels like a page is being turned in Toronto.
They’ve since accumulated $900k in 2025 GAM through trades, while generating an additional $200k in guaranteed 2026 GAM.
Factor in the DP moves, and it feels like a page is being turned in Toronto.
Reposted by Marc Machado
Fluminense have officially signed Colombian attacker Santi Moreno from the Portland Timbers.
Transfer fee around $6m. Timbers will net north of $5m. Fluminense and America de Cali found solution to lower Cali’s sell-on % from initial deal.
Transfer fee around $6m. Timbers will net north of $5m. Fluminense and America de Cali found solution to lower Cali’s sell-on % from initial deal.
🇨🇴 BREAKING: Fluminense are finalizing a deal to sign Colombian midfielder Santi Moreno from the Portland Timbers, per sources.
Timbers agreed a fee around $6m.
Moreno gets the move he wants to Fluminense. Portland get their valuation met. Fluminense get their guy.
Timbers agreed a fee around $6m.
Moreno gets the move he wants to Fluminense. Portland get their valuation met. Fluminense get their guy.
August 12, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Fluminense have officially signed Colombian attacker Santi Moreno from the Portland Timbers.
Transfer fee around $6m. Timbers will net north of $5m. Fluminense and America de Cali found solution to lower Cali’s sell-on % from initial deal.
Transfer fee around $6m. Timbers will net north of $5m. Fluminense and America de Cali found solution to lower Cali’s sell-on % from initial deal.
Reposted by Marc Machado
Here's a fun fact:
DCU's Academy GK coach left the club over the winter and they didn't hire a replacement until the summer.
The interim GK coach for the Academy?
Jordan Farr.
DCU's Academy GK coach left the club over the winter and they didn't hire a replacement until the summer.
The interim GK coach for the Academy?
Jordan Farr.
DCU academy trails 3-0 after a well-worked 65th minute counter. Jordan Farr pulled the team together to coach them up after the goal.
Before anyone asks, I do not have the academy player names.
Before anyone asks, I do not have the academy player names.
August 2, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Here's a fun fact:
DCU's Academy GK coach left the club over the winter and they didn't hire a replacement until the summer.
The interim GK coach for the Academy?
Jordan Farr.
DCU's Academy GK coach left the club over the winter and they didn't hire a replacement until the summer.
The interim GK coach for the Academy?
Jordan Farr.
Reposted by Marc Machado
🚨🇰🇷 BREAKING: LAFC & Tottenham in advanced talks over potential fee in ballpark of $20m (£15m) for Son Heung-Min, per sources
- Personal terms close to being finalized
- Spurs asked for £30m when Saudi asked
- Deal could conclude quickly
w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social
www.givemesport.com/lafc-son-heu...
- Personal terms close to being finalized
- Spurs asked for £30m when Saudi asked
- Deal could conclude quickly
w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social
www.givemesport.com/lafc-son-heu...
Exclusive: LAFC, Tottenham in advanced talks over $20m fee for Son
LAFC and Tottenham are in advanced talks over a deal worth around $20 million to sign Son Heung-Min, per sources.
www.givemesport.com
August 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
🚨🇰🇷 BREAKING: LAFC & Tottenham in advanced talks over potential fee in ballpark of $20m (£15m) for Son Heung-Min, per sources
- Personal terms close to being finalized
- Spurs asked for £30m when Saudi asked
- Deal could conclude quickly
w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social
www.givemesport.com/lafc-son-heu...
- Personal terms close to being finalized
- Spurs asked for £30m when Saudi asked
- Deal could conclude quickly
w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social
www.givemesport.com/lafc-son-heu...
Reposted by Marc Machado
Eyob Joe Mamo, part owner of #DCU, says at the press conference for the friendly against the Ethiopian national team that he hopes the club pursues “older Premier League players” and has spoken with Jason Levine about pursuing those kind of players.
July 31, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Eyob Joe Mamo, part owner of #DCU, says at the press conference for the friendly against the Ethiopian national team that he hopes the club pursues “older Premier League players” and has spoken with Jason Levine about pursuing those kind of players.
Reposted by Marc Machado
Matt Turner will be loaned to the New England Revolution with an option to buy, according to L’Equipe
#NERevs
#NERevs
One to keep an eye on:
I’m hearing the New England Revolution are exploring the possibility of bringing back Matt Turner.
#NERevs
I’m hearing the New England Revolution are exploring the possibility of bringing back Matt Turner.
#NERevs
July 31, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Matt Turner will be loaned to the New England Revolution with an option to buy, according to L’Equipe
#NERevs
#NERevs
Reposted by Marc Machado
🇩🇪🇨🇦 Sources: The Vancouver Whitecaps are closing in on total agreement on personal terms with legend Thomas Müller.
Only final details remain. TAM in 2025, DP in 2026
➕ Vancouver still in negotiations w/ Cincinnati for discovery rights
w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social
www.givemesport.com/thomas-mulle...
Only final details remain. TAM in 2025, DP in 2026
➕ Vancouver still in negotiations w/ Cincinnati for discovery rights
w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social
www.givemesport.com/thomas-mulle...
Vancouver Whitecaps nearing total agreement on personal terms with Thomas Müller: Sources
The Vancouver Whitecaps are nearing a total agreement on personal terms with free agent forward Thomas Müller, sources tell GIVEMESPORT.
www.givemesport.com
July 28, 2025 at 9:13 PM
🇩🇪🇨🇦 Sources: The Vancouver Whitecaps are closing in on total agreement on personal terms with legend Thomas Müller.
Only final details remain. TAM in 2025, DP in 2026
➕ Vancouver still in negotiations w/ Cincinnati for discovery rights
w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social
www.givemesport.com/thomas-mulle...
Only final details remain. TAM in 2025, DP in 2026
➕ Vancouver still in negotiations w/ Cincinnati for discovery rights
w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social
www.givemesport.com/thomas-mulle...
Reposted by Marc Machado
🚨 BREAKING: Vancouver Whitecaps in talks with Müller, per sources.
Whitecaps in talks with FC Cincinnati over discovery rights too.
Nothing agreed yet, but update follows Müller confirming his next club is "across the pond".
With @jacobsben.bsky.social ✍️
Whitecaps in talks with FC Cincinnati over discovery rights too.
Nothing agreed yet, but update follows Müller confirming his next club is "across the pond".
With @jacobsben.bsky.social ✍️
July 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
🚨 BREAKING: Vancouver Whitecaps in talks with Müller, per sources.
Whitecaps in talks with FC Cincinnati over discovery rights too.
Nothing agreed yet, but update follows Müller confirming his next club is "across the pond".
With @jacobsben.bsky.social ✍️
Whitecaps in talks with FC Cincinnati over discovery rights too.
Nothing agreed yet, but update follows Müller confirming his next club is "across the pond".
With @jacobsben.bsky.social ✍️
