The Union Report
@theunionreport.bsky.social
USL Championship Soccer- specifically Monterey Bay F.C. Check us out on YouTube.
Reposted by The Union Report
On the surface, it’s business as usual in the USL Championship: teams are in preseason and signing players.
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
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
February 6, 2026 at 6:37 PM
On the surface, it’s business as usual in the USL Championship: teams are in preseason and signing players.
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
Reposted by The Union Report
Coming to Backheeled in 2026: in-depth weekly coverage of USL League One!
I'm incredibly excited to dig in all season long, and I'm starting today with a preseason power ranking of all 18 clubs.
www.backheeled.com/usl-league-o...
I'm incredibly excited to dig in all season long, and I'm starting today with a preseason power ranking of all 18 clubs.
www.backheeled.com/usl-league-o...
USL League One Power Rankings (and tiers): Favorites, question marks & more
For the first time ever, Backheeled will be covering the ins and outs of League One. Here’s where all 18 teams stand ahead of the new season.
www.backheeled.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Coming to Backheeled in 2026: in-depth weekly coverage of USL League One!
I'm incredibly excited to dig in all season long, and I'm starting today with a preseason power ranking of all 18 clubs.
www.backheeled.com/usl-league-o...
I'm incredibly excited to dig in all season long, and I'm starting today with a preseason power ranking of all 18 clubs.
www.backheeled.com/usl-league-o...
Reposted by The Union Report
This is an UNBELIEVABLE signing for Legion. The Forge keeper was different gravy in the CPL.
Koleilat was great with the ball at his feet with a squad who liked to play from the back, but he could pick a pinged pass as well.
On top of that, he was setting clean sheet records.
Koleilat was great with the ball at his feet with a squad who liked to play from the back, but he could pick a pinged pass as well.
On top of that, he was setting clean sheet records.
Birmingham Legion have their GK1 for 2026, singing Czech goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat.
He last played for Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, keeping a league-record 11 clean sheets last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
He last played for Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, keeping a league-record 11 clean sheets last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
Birmingham Legion FC Signs Golden Glove–Winning Goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC today announced the signing of goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat, adding a proven, high-level shot stopper to the roster ahead of the season. The 26-year-old goalkeeper stands at 6’2” […...
www.bhmlegion.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:16 PM
This is an UNBELIEVABLE signing for Legion. The Forge keeper was different gravy in the CPL.
Koleilat was great with the ball at his feet with a squad who liked to play from the back, but he could pick a pinged pass as well.
On top of that, he was setting clean sheet records.
Koleilat was great with the ball at his feet with a squad who liked to play from the back, but he could pick a pinged pass as well.
On top of that, he was setting clean sheet records.
Reposted by The Union Report
ICYMI: Check out the latest episode of This League!, where we began our 2026 season preview by taking a look at seven clubs out East.
open.spotify.com/episode/2kKd...
open.spotify.com/episode/2kKd...
This League! The USLC Team by Team If/Then Preview!
open.spotify.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:49 PM
ICYMI: Check out the latest episode of This League!, where we began our 2026 season preview by taking a look at seven clubs out East.
open.spotify.com/episode/2kKd...
open.spotify.com/episode/2kKd...
What Are the 3 Biggest Questions on the Monterey Bay FC Roster?
medium.com/the-union-re...
#sports #soccer #mbfc #usl #uslchampionship #footy #futbol
medium.com/the-union-re...
#sports #soccer #mbfc #usl #uslchampionship #footy #futbol
What Are the 3 Biggest Questions on the Monterey Bay FC Roster?
With the 2026 USL Championship season starting in a month, there are still questions to be answered about the MBFC squad
medium.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:18 PM
What Are the 3 Biggest Questions on the Monterey Bay FC Roster?
medium.com/the-union-re...
#sports #soccer #mbfc #usl #uslchampionship #footy #futbol
medium.com/the-union-re...
#sports #soccer #mbfc #usl #uslchampionship #footy #futbol
Reposted by The Union Report
Messer was the best attacking fullback in League One last season, earning an all-USL nod as a result. He’ll give Charleston real variety and quality in the wide areas – and also create a major hole to fill for Portland.
February 2, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Messer was the best attacking fullback in League One last season, earning an all-USL nod as a result. He’ll give Charleston real variety and quality in the wide areas – and also create a major hole to fill for Portland.
Reposted by The Union Report
The word is out, Nathan Messer is headed to Charleston on a transfer. Hoping for any details on the terms later today.
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 2:20 PM
The word is out, Nathan Messer is headed to Charleston on a transfer. Hoping for any details on the terms later today.
Reposted by The Union Report
What does it take to build a USL roster? I talked to Fort Wayne FC’s Oliver Gage and the Richmond Kickers’ Darren Sawatzky about the scouting process – from the use of data to organizational structure and everything in between.
www.backheeled.com/how-usl-club...
www.backheeled.com/how-usl-club...
How USL clubs scout players: Agents, hours of film & more
From a one-person unit to more robust sporting departments, scouting resources vary across the USL — but every club faces the same challenge: finding the right players.
www.backheeled.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:59 PM
What does it take to build a USL roster? I talked to Fort Wayne FC’s Oliver Gage and the Richmond Kickers’ Darren Sawatzky about the scouting process – from the use of data to organizational structure and everything in between.
www.backheeled.com/how-usl-club...
www.backheeled.com/how-usl-club...
Reposted by The Union Report
Weather and Attendance in the USL League One
Get Plotting the USL in your inbox
open.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM
What to Know About the 2026 Monterey Bay FC Technical Staff: It's the largest staff the club has ever had.
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #mbfc #usl #uslchampionship #futbol #footy
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #mbfc #usl #uslchampionship #futbol #footy
What to Know About the 2026 Monterey Bay FC Technical Staff
This season’s MBFC staff is larger than ever and comes with blend of experience
medium.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:15 PM
What to Know About the 2026 Monterey Bay FC Technical Staff: It's the largest staff the club has ever had.
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #mbfc #usl #uslchampionship #futbol #footy
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #mbfc #usl #uslchampionship #futbol #footy
Reposted by The Union Report
It's been a fortnight, so it's time to look at some notable signings made by #USL-C clubs in the past two weeks, including...
- Nick Ross to @montereybayfc.bsky.social
- Jake LaCava to @newmexicoutd.bsky.social
- Augi Williams to @hfdathletic.bsky.social
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
- Nick Ross to @montereybayfc.bsky.social
- Jake LaCava to @newmexicoutd.bsky.social
- Augi Williams to @hfdathletic.bsky.social
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
11 moves that caught our eye in the USL Championship offseason | Jan. 15-29
One of the league’s all-time leading scorers gets a new home, while there are some notable returnees to the Championship ranks
www.uslchampionship.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:54 PM
It's been a fortnight, so it's time to look at some notable signings made by #USL-C clubs in the past two weeks, including...
- Nick Ross to @montereybayfc.bsky.social
- Jake LaCava to @newmexicoutd.bsky.social
- Augi Williams to @hfdathletic.bsky.social
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
- Nick Ross to @montereybayfc.bsky.social
- Jake LaCava to @newmexicoutd.bsky.social
- Augi Williams to @hfdathletic.bsky.social
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
Reposted by The Union Report
🚨LIVE SHOW TONIGHT🚨
9pm ET/6pm PT
⬆️ The Pyramid is Defined
🧡 The Super League IS BACK
🏆 US Open Cup Round 1 Announced
✈️ Pedro Guimaraes is Off to Germany
🆓 More Free Agent News
9pm ET/6pm PT
⬆️ The Pyramid is Defined
🧡 The Super League IS BACK
🏆 US Open Cup Round 1 Announced
✈️ Pedro Guimaraes is Off to Germany
🆓 More Free Agent News
January 27, 2026 at 11:30 PM
🚨LIVE SHOW TONIGHT🚨
9pm ET/6pm PT
⬆️ The Pyramid is Defined
🧡 The Super League IS BACK
🏆 US Open Cup Round 1 Announced
✈️ Pedro Guimaraes is Off to Germany
🆓 More Free Agent News
9pm ET/6pm PT
⬆️ The Pyramid is Defined
🧡 The Super League IS BACK
🏆 US Open Cup Round 1 Announced
✈️ Pedro Guimaraes is Off to Germany
🆓 More Free Agent News
Reposted by The Union Report
How USL Premier impacts the ongoing USL Championship labor negotiations.
open.substack.com/pub/beyondth...
open.substack.com/pub/beyondth...
How the USL Premier announcement impacts the ongoing Labor negotiations in USL Championship
Listen now | A new CBA is being negotiated
open.substack.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:52 PM
How USL Premier impacts the ongoing USL Championship labor negotiations.
open.substack.com/pub/beyondth...
open.substack.com/pub/beyondth...
January 27, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Reposted by The Union Report
The draw for the First Round of the 2026 @opencup.ussoccer.com has been announced.
Two games will be features on CBS Sports Network, including #USL-2 champion @vermontgreenfc.bsky.social hosting @heartsofpine.bsky.social on Tuesday, March 17. #USOC2026
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
Two games will be features on CBS Sports Network, including #USL-2 champion @vermontgreenfc.bsky.social hosting @heartsofpine.bsky.social on Tuesday, March 17. #USOC2026
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
U.S. Soccer announces draw for First Round of 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC face crosstown trip to Steel City FC, Vermont Green hosts Portland Hearts of Pine
www.uslchampionship.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:00 PM
The draw for the First Round of the 2026 @opencup.ussoccer.com has been announced.
Two games will be features on CBS Sports Network, including #USL-2 champion @vermontgreenfc.bsky.social hosting @heartsofpine.bsky.social on Tuesday, March 17. #USOC2026
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
Two games will be features on CBS Sports Network, including #USL-2 champion @vermontgreenfc.bsky.social hosting @heartsofpine.bsky.social on Tuesday, March 17. #USOC2026
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
Reposted by The Union Report
Weather and Attendance in the USL Championship
Get Plotting the USL in your inbox
open.substack.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:23 AM
Reposted by The Union Report
While details are still evolving for USL League One, there is one thing we now have confirmed: the move to a regional structure.
A few thoughts on why this is important for the sustainability of the lowest professional division.
A few thoughts on why this is important for the sustainability of the lowest professional division.
How USL's 2028 Structure Affects USL League One
The long awaited plans see the league turn to regional competition
beyondthe90.substack.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:01 PM
While details are still evolving for USL League One, there is one thing we now have confirmed: the move to a regional structure.
A few thoughts on why this is important for the sustainability of the lowest professional division.
A few thoughts on why this is important for the sustainability of the lowest professional division.
Reposted by The Union Report
Need to know where the USL Championship stands with camps convening across the division? This League! went club by club to power rank all 25 contenders.
Now up on YouTube, and coming to a podcast player near you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=An68...
Now up on YouTube, and coming to a podcast player near you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=An68...
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲! 📽️📺 | USL CHAMPIONSHIP: THE GREAT USL POWER RANKINGS DEFENSE!
YouTube video by Backheeled
www.youtube.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Need to know where the USL Championship stands with camps convening across the division? This League! went club by club to power rank all 25 contenders.
Now up on YouTube, and coming to a podcast player near you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=An68...
Now up on YouTube, and coming to a podcast player near you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=An68...
Reposted by The Union Report
USL's new first division league to launch in 2028 will be called USL Premier. (Naturally.) Completes pyramid with Championship and League One.
Plan is to grow to 20 teams in USL Premier and 20 in the USL Championship.
More details here.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Plan is to grow to 20 teams in USL Premier and 20 in the USL Championship.
More details here.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
USL Premier announced as new professional league, pro-rel era to launch in 2028
The comprehensive revamp of American lower league soccer is start to take shape
www.nytimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:47 PM
USL's new first division league to launch in 2028 will be called USL Premier. (Naturally.) Completes pyramid with Championship and League One.
Plan is to grow to 20 teams in USL Premier and 20 in the USL Championship.
More details here.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Plan is to grow to 20 teams in USL Premier and 20 in the USL Championship.
More details here.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Reposted by The Union Report
especially apropos with USL's big announcement today.
Don't Miss: Confidential VI- Player Agent X Warns That Promotion/Relegation Will Be a Reckoning for USL and How They Treat Their Players.
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #usl #uslchampionship #futbol
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #usl #uslchampionship #futbol
USL Confidential VI- Player Agent X Warns That Promotion/Relegation Will Be a Reckoning for USL and…
If USL is successful in implementing pro/rel in the next few years, it should bring about positive change for how players are treated
medium.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:23 PM
especially apropos with USL's big announcement today.
Don't Miss: Confidential VI- Player Agent X Warns That Promotion/Relegation Will Be a Reckoning for USL and How They Treat Their Players.
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #usl #uslchampionship #futbol
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #usl #uslchampionship #futbol
USL Confidential VI- Player Agent X Warns That Promotion/Relegation Will Be a Reckoning for USL and…
If USL is successful in implementing pro/rel in the next few years, it should bring about positive change for how players are treated
medium.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Don't Miss: Confidential VI- Player Agent X Warns That Promotion/Relegation Will Be a Reckoning for USL and How They Treat Their Players.
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #usl #uslchampionship #futbol
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #usl #uslchampionship #futbol
Reposted by The Union Report
NEWSLETTER: As the offseason barrels on, I’m diving into…
📍 Westchester’s local reload
🗽 Early stability for Brooklyn FC
💛 Fort Wayne, building a dark horse?
➕ More from across the USL
Check in! www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
📍 Westchester’s local reload
🗽 Early stability for Brooklyn FC
💛 Fort Wayne, building a dark horse?
➕ More from across the USL
Check in! www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
The Back Four: Offseason, continued
Welcome in to The Back Four!
As always, visit Backheeled for more USL content, including a preseason Championship power ranking. Expect a CBA deep-dive imminently. Also, check out This League! for an...
www.usltactics.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:15 PM
NEWSLETTER: As the offseason barrels on, I’m diving into…
📍 Westchester’s local reload
🗽 Early stability for Brooklyn FC
💛 Fort Wayne, building a dark horse?
➕ More from across the USL
Check in! www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
📍 Westchester’s local reload
🗽 Early stability for Brooklyn FC
💛 Fort Wayne, building a dark horse?
➕ More from across the USL
Check in! www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
Reposted by The Union Report
The last USL Championship CBA expired a month ago, and we're barely a month away from the 2026 season. Where do things stand?
For @backheeled.com, I check in on the state of the ongoing negotiations as the specter of a work stoppage looms. www.backheeled.com/usl-cba-tens...
For @backheeled.com, I check in on the state of the ongoing negotiations as the specter of a work stoppage looms. www.backheeled.com/usl-cba-tens...
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 2:35 PM
The last USL Championship CBA expired a month ago, and we're barely a month away from the 2026 season. Where do things stand?
For @backheeled.com, I check in on the state of the ongoing negotiations as the specter of a work stoppage looms. www.backheeled.com/usl-cba-tens...
For @backheeled.com, I check in on the state of the ongoing negotiations as the specter of a work stoppage looms. www.backheeled.com/usl-cba-tens...