Tim Hotze
@thotze.bsky.social
Managing Editor @meninred97.com
Chicago Fire (& other) soccer
Member @soccerreporters.bsky.social
MLS Roster Rule nerd. GAM aficionado.
Chicago Fire (& other) soccer
Member @soccerreporters.bsky.social
MLS Roster Rule nerd. GAM aficionado.
I know, we all think the content would've been better if @lesleyryder.bsky.social just stuck around after talking about the Stars but it was still great talking to Joe and @acampbellsports.bsky.social about the #cf97's 2025 #mls campaign.
NEW POD
Alex was joined by @joechatz.bsky.social and @thotze.bsky.social to reflect on the Fire's 2025 and Gregg Berhalter's first year in charge. Plus: one midfielder staying, one arriving... and maybe one leaving?
#cf97 #vamosfire #mls
Alex was joined by @joechatz.bsky.social and @thotze.bsky.social to reflect on the Fire's 2025 and Gregg Berhalter's first year in charge. Plus: one midfielder staying, one arriving... and maybe one leaving?
#cf97 #vamosfire #mls
CHGO Fire Podcast: Burning Brighter: Recapping the Chicago Fire’s 2025 season - CHGO Sports
From Wooden Spoon ‘winners’ to returning to the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, 2025 was a year of substantial improvement for the Chicago Fire.
allchgo.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
I know, we all think the content would've been better if @lesleyryder.bsky.social just stuck around after talking about the Stars but it was still great talking to Joe and @acampbellsports.bsky.social about the #cf97's 2025 #mls campaign.
I'm all for finding ways to support local retail, but man, what a terrible idea. A flat tax on all "tangible property" regardless of size/weight?
To say nothing of the fact that this will disproportionately affect disabled ppl & ones who live in retail deserts.
To say nothing of the fact that this will disproportionately affect disabled ppl & ones who live in retail deserts.
A package delivery tax is being proposed to help float the city's budget woes — but the mayor says it would need state approval. blockclubchi.co/4qUblCq
November 11, 2025 at 3:52 PM
I'm all for finding ways to support local retail, but man, what a terrible idea. A flat tax on all "tangible property" regardless of size/weight?
To say nothing of the fact that this will disproportionately affect disabled ppl & ones who live in retail deserts.
To say nothing of the fact that this will disproportionately affect disabled ppl & ones who live in retail deserts.
Vamos!
It's CHGO soccer podcasts season finale day!
3:30: @chgo-stars.bsky.social w/ @joechatz.bsky.social + @lesleyryder.bsky.social
4:15: @chgo-fire.bsky.social w/ @thotze.bsky.social + more Joe
#cf97 #mls #withthestars #nwsl
Live on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CHGOSports/...
3:30: @chgo-stars.bsky.social w/ @joechatz.bsky.social + @lesleyryder.bsky.social
4:15: @chgo-fire.bsky.social w/ @thotze.bsky.social + more Joe
#cf97 #mls #withthestars #nwsl
Live on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CHGOSports/...
CHGO Sports
The fastest-growing digital outlet in Chicago Sports! We cover all of the Chicago sports teams and offer daily shows and podcasts for the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cub...
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Vamos!
If MLS does switch schedules and some teams don't want to play when it's cold, well, do I have an expansion market for you...
November 10, 2025 at 3:36 AM
If MLS does switch schedules and some teams don't want to play when it's cold, well, do I have an expansion market for you...
Reposted by Tim Hotze
CONCACAF heritage alert in the CPL final.
November 9, 2025 at 10:54 PM
CONCACAF heritage alert in the CPL final.
$165m expansion fees shouldn't be compatible with teams in the league playing out of high school and college stadiums, but, well, here we are.
BREAKING: The NWSL is awarding its 17th franchise to Atlanta and will join the league for a record expansion fee of $165 million, sources tell The Athletic.
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 10, 2025 at 12:56 AM
$165m expansion fees shouldn't be compatible with teams in the league playing out of high school and college stadiums, but, well, here we are.
Absolute. Legend.
Columbus Crew’s elimination means Darlington Nagbe has played his final game.
Salute to a certified legend.
Salute to a certified legend.
November 9, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Absolute. Legend.
Well that's certainly a series of words assembled into grammatically-correct English sentences.
Have we looked into the possibility that Berman is AI?
Have we looked into the possibility that Berman is AI?
#NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman spoke at halftime. She declined to explicitly confirm her widely reported contract extension ("I'm gonna still say that I intend to be here.") and was asked (Q: @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social) about the league's gender policy. Berman's full answer.
![Q: [With the previous gender policy no longer in place], what work is being done to replace it, and who are you working with on that?
Jessica Berman:
“Imagining that this would be a question for some of you, I have four things to share and hopefully that answers everyone’s questions and hopefully we can keep most of this focused on the game and the incredible athleticism on the field
“So, No. 1, we support and stand by every single player that plays in our league. They deserve our collective kindness, professionalism, and respect, and we celebrate them now and every day and through the championship.
“No. 2, when we think about our policy [air quotes with hands], what I can say is that every single player who plays in this league is eligible to play in this league, otherwise they would not be playing, and we are proud of every single player who plays in our league.
“The third point, I would say, is as it relates to this topic, generally, it is quite controversial and there are many different perspectives and we are doing everything we can to educate ourselves, to listen, to learn, to speak with subject matter experts to make sure that we have an informed and educated perspective. Our sport deserves that, and any changes that we make will be done in communication and collaboration with our players and our player association.
“And until then, our policy is our current practice, which is that every single player who plays in our league is eligible to play, and we should collectively rally around them, protect them, and ensure that they are treated with kindness and professionalism.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nslcuo75yabmubphoumrlfwc/bafkreicrrafatw66aj4wkormhaf367ghxvvwyxedwkp2s5v2l2qgpjcdzi@jpeg)
November 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Well that's certainly a series of words assembled into grammatically-correct English sentences.
Have we looked into the possibility that Berman is AI?
Have we looked into the possibility that Berman is AI?
Was not public but it's one of several parties that had expressed strong interest in Brian Gutiérrez.
I don't think I've reported this publicly or not but: The Colorado Rapids pushed hard for Brian Gutierrez this summer. Was one of their top options after selling Djordje Mihailovic.
Colorado landed on a club-record deal for Paxten Aaronson, of course.
Colorado landed on a club-record deal for Paxten Aaronson, of course.
November 7, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Was not public but it's one of several parties that had expressed strong interest in Brian Gutiérrez.
Huge news – new central/defensive mid Anton Salétros official per Bogert, and André Franco now a permanent member of #cf97
Franco's the no. 10 role is what made the 5-3-2 work offensively for the Fire in big wins over Minnesota, Columbus and Miami, sending the Chicago Fire back into the playoffs
Franco's the no. 10 role is what made the 5-3-2 work offensively for the Fire in big wins over Minnesota, Columbus and Miami, sending the Chicago Fire back into the playoffs
New: The Chicago Fire has signed midfielder André Franco on a permanent deal from Porto. Club agreed new transfer fee after ACL injury.
Club also complete deal to sign Sweden int'l midfielder Anton Salétros.
Gregg Berhalter on those deals + offseason plans: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Club also complete deal to sign Sweden int'l midfielder Anton Salétros.
Gregg Berhalter on those deals + offseason plans: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Sources: Fire reach permanent deal for Franco as part of club's plan to build on 2025
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Huge news – new central/defensive mid Anton Salétros official per Bogert, and André Franco now a permanent member of #cf97
Franco's the no. 10 role is what made the 5-3-2 work offensively for the Fire in big wins over Minnesota, Columbus and Miami, sending the Chicago Fire back into the playoffs
Franco's the no. 10 role is what made the 5-3-2 work offensively for the Fire in big wins over Minnesota, Columbus and Miami, sending the Chicago Fire back into the playoffs
Reposted by Tim Hotze
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
So long, sweet RailHawk.
A reflection on the grim annual tradition of USL clubs ceasing operations.
jeffrueter.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
This is a list of some WoSo people and people that Jessica Berman is excited she gets to hang out with.
November 6, 2025 at 6:42 PM
This is a list of some WoSo people and people that Jessica Berman is excited she gets to hang out with.
Rumor: Chicago Fire signing central midfielder Anton Salétros from AIK in Stockholm for ~$3.2m USD.
Salétros, 29, has 19 caps for 🇸🇪, including during their recent World Cup qualifiers.
#cf97 #VamosFire
www.expressen.se/sport/fotbol...
h/t to @johandykhoff.bsky.social
Salétros, 29, has 19 caps for 🇸🇪, including during their recent World Cup qualifiers.
#cf97 #VamosFire
www.expressen.se/sport/fotbol...
h/t to @johandykhoff.bsky.social
Lämnar AIK för MLS:
Här hamnar Salétros
Anton Salétros väntas lämna AIK efter säsongen för MLS, enligt Aftonbladet . Enligt initierade källor till Expressen kommer Salétros att lämna för Chicago Fire som är överens med Stockholmsklubben om ...
www.expressen.se
November 3, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Rumor: Chicago Fire signing central midfielder Anton Salétros from AIK in Stockholm for ~$3.2m USD.
Salétros, 29, has 19 caps for 🇸🇪, including during their recent World Cup qualifiers.
#cf97 #VamosFire
www.expressen.se/sport/fotbol...
h/t to @johandykhoff.bsky.social
Salétros, 29, has 19 caps for 🇸🇪, including during their recent World Cup qualifiers.
#cf97 #VamosFire
www.expressen.se/sport/fotbol...
h/t to @johandykhoff.bsky.social
This is just a huge story.
The USL top flight is suddenly starting to feel much more real
The USL top flight is suddenly starting to feel much more real
ICYMI: The USL has hired Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes to run its Division One league and help bring pro-rel to the U.S.
Updated with quotes from USL's Paul McDonough.
Reporting with @oliverkay.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Updated with quotes from USL's Paul McDonough.
Reporting with @oliverkay.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
USL tabs Premier League chief Tony Scholes to run new first division: Sources
USL is launching a new first-division league in 2028, and it's turning to an experienced Premier League leader to run it
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:12 PM
This is just a huge story.
The USL top flight is suddenly starting to feel much more real
The USL top flight is suddenly starting to feel much more real
God I love this content
They were selling packs for $1 and I convinced Yuki Nagasato to open them and we went 0/7 trying to find one of her cards
November 3, 2025 at 12:56 AM
God I love this content
Very, very random stat: for the past 3 years, the NWSL spoon "winner" has finished with a -22 goal differential (KC in 2021 we're at -21).
Weird, right?
Weird, right?
November 3, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Very, very random stat: for the past 3 years, the NWSL spoon "winner" has finished with a -22 goal differential (KC in 2021 we're at -21).
Weird, right?
Weird, right?
Most reports – from people who I've known and don't think are lying here – suggest that it wasn't frequent attendees that were primarily responsible for the chants.
But this just highlights how ineffective the current tools are at making an impact.
#cf97 #VamosFire
But this just highlights how ineffective the current tools are at making an impact.
#cf97 #VamosFire
Last night in Bridgeview, the match was temporarily stopped due to repeated use of anti-gay chants by fans in attendance.
READ: meninred97.com/chicago-fire...
#cf97 #vamosfire
READ: meninred97.com/chicago-fire...
#cf97 #vamosfire
Chicago Fire-Philadelphia Union Playoff Game Temporarily Stopped Due to Homophobic Chant - MIR97 Media
Bridgeview, Ill. — A rough game on the pitch for the Chicago Fire at SeatGeek was rendered uglier by actions from some fans in the stadium. The game had to be momentarily stopped twice late in the sec...
meninred97.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Most reports – from people who I've known and don't think are lying here – suggest that it wasn't frequent attendees that were primarily responsible for the chants.
But this just highlights how ineffective the current tools are at making an impact.
#cf97 #VamosFire
But this just highlights how ineffective the current tools are at making an impact.
#cf97 #VamosFire
Reposted by Tim Hotze
Abduction of Proserpina, by Giambologna, 1579 (from the @NortonSimon Museum in Pasadena), 📸 by @nturchiarophoto
November 2, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Abduction of Proserpina, by Giambologna, 1579 (from the @NortonSimon Museum in Pasadena), 📸 by @nturchiarophoto
All good things...
But it still was a year of tremendous progress for the Fire
But it still was a year of tremendous progress for the Fire
252 days after it began, the Chicago Fire's 2025 season is over
meninred97.com/chicago-fire...
#cf97 #VamosFire
meninred97.com/chicago-fire...
#cf97 #VamosFire
Chicago Fire Fall To Philadelphia, Ending Record-Breaking Season - MIR97 Media
The 2025 Chicago Fire FC’s season is over. The Fire fell 3-0 to the Philadelphia Union at SeatGeek Stadium, exiting their first-round series after two defeats in a row to the Supporters Shielder winne...
meninred97.com
November 2, 2025 at 3:29 AM
All good things...
But it still was a year of tremendous progress for the Fire
But it still was a year of tremendous progress for the Fire
Immediately after the game resumed, the chant happenedf again in the 82nd minute.
#mls needs to handle this better, if fans can't be trusted to do it themselves.
#mls needs to handle this better, if fans can't be trusted to do it themselves.
November 1, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Immediately after the game resumed, the chant happenedf again in the 82nd minute.
#mls needs to handle this better, if fans can't be trusted to do it themselves.
#mls needs to handle this better, if fans can't be trusted to do it themselves.
And the game has been suspended in Bridgeview with Gregg Berhalter personally going over to talk to fans.
Just shameful behavior from fans behind Andre Blake's goal.
#cf97 #VamosFire
Just shameful behavior from fans behind Andre Blake's goal.
#cf97 #VamosFire
November 1, 2025 at 11:26 PM
And the game has been suspended in Bridgeview with Gregg Berhalter personally going over to talk to fans.
Just shameful behavior from fans behind Andre Blake's goal.
#cf97 #VamosFire
Just shameful behavior from fans behind Andre Blake's goal.
#cf97 #VamosFire
The chant happened louder in the 74th minute, leading to a third announcement.
As it stands now, the game between Chicago and Philadelphia should be stopped per the protocol.
Fire supporters are ending a overall good season on a terrible note.
#cf97 #VamosFire
As it stands now, the game between Chicago and Philadelphia should be stopped per the protocol.
Fire supporters are ending a overall good season on a terrible note.
#cf97 #VamosFire
November 1, 2025 at 11:20 PM
The chant happened louder in the 74th minute, leading to a third announcement.
As it stands now, the game between Chicago and Philadelphia should be stopped per the protocol.
Fire supporters are ending a overall good season on a terrible note.
#cf97 #VamosFire
As it stands now, the game between Chicago and Philadelphia should be stopped per the protocol.
Fire supporters are ending a overall good season on a terrible note.
#cf97 #VamosFire
And the chant was the loudest it's been on Blake's kick in the 70', leading to the second announcement.
#cf97 supporters : Just. do. better. here.
#cf97 supporters : Just. do. better. here.
November 1, 2025 at 11:16 PM
And the chant was the loudest it's been on Blake's kick in the 70', leading to the second announcement.
#cf97 supporters : Just. do. better. here.
#cf97 supporters : Just. do. better. here.