Tim Hotze
@timhotze.com
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.
An asterisk that looks like it's made out of KT tape.
Hate on the design all you want but this is an amazing metaphor.
12/10, #nwsl
Hate on the design all you want but this is an amazing metaphor.
12/10, #nwsl
Since the NWSL hasn't posted on this site...the new ball is basically an asterisk on a soccer ball.
January 27, 2026 at 2:01 AM
An asterisk that looks like it's made out of KT tape.
Hate on the design all you want but this is an amazing metaphor.
12/10, #nwsl
Hate on the design all you want but this is an amazing metaphor.
12/10, #nwsl
Reposted by Tim Hotze
The woman who survived five gunshots from a Border Patrol agent in Chicago, only to be criminally charged and then cleared, now wants a judge’s permission to share records showing how the feds respond when agents use deadly force.
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Woman shot by Border Patrol in Chicago asks judge to let her release evidence
Marimar Martinez is blocked from releasing evidence in her case by what's known as a "protective order." Though standard, her attorney says it's “become an albatross” around her neck and “keeps the en...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:18 PM
The woman who survived five gunshots from a Border Patrol agent in Chicago, only to be criminally charged and then cleared, now wants a judge’s permission to share records showing how the feds respond when agents use deadly force.
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
@chicago.suntimes.com story: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Don't worry it's not sports betting it's prediction markets, everyone! You don't need hotlines for people addicted to predicting the outcomes of events!
MLS and the Leagues Cup now have a sponsorship deal with Polymarket.
"The partnership includes safeguards designed to protect the integrity of MLS and Leagues Cup matches, including independent monitoring of trading activities and collaboration on MLS and Leagues Cup markets offered."
"The partnership includes safeguards designed to protect the integrity of MLS and Leagues Cup matches, including independent monitoring of trading activities and collaboration on MLS and Leagues Cup markets offered."
January 26, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Don't worry it's not sports betting it's prediction markets, everyone! You don't need hotlines for people addicted to predicting the outcomes of events!
Did we talk about the Fire's two games over the past week?
Yes.
Did we talk more about roster rules, GAM and MLS sicko stuff?
Also yes.
Yes.
Did we talk more about roster rules, GAM and MLS sicko stuff?
Also yes.
🔥 THEY MAY NEVER LOSE AGAIN🔥
The Fire go 2-0 to start their preseason in Florida, the guys talk what we can learn from behind closed doors action, Mbokazi arriving, and the future of a U22 signing.
Listen wherever you get your pods!
www.meninred97.com/the-bonfire-...
#cf97 #vamosfire
The Fire go 2-0 to start their preseason in Florida, the guys talk what we can learn from behind closed doors action, Mbokazi arriving, and the future of a U22 signing.
Listen wherever you get your pods!
www.meninred97.com/the-bonfire-...
#cf97 #vamosfire
The Bonfire – Episode 403: Fire Conquer Florida
John and Tim talk the Fire's two wins to open preseason, updates to the squad with Mbokazi's arrival to camp and do a deep-dive into MLS roster rules and the Fire's GAM situation.
www.meninred97.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Did we talk about the Fire's two games over the past week?
Yes.
Did we talk more about roster rules, GAM and MLS sicko stuff?
Also yes.
Yes.
Did we talk more about roster rules, GAM and MLS sicko stuff?
Also yes.
A wonderfully eloquent statement about humanity and a reminder of just how fragile our grasp is on so much that we love.
NEW: Reflections on a soccer Saturday, from a state under siege by the FIFA Peace Prize winner. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
A Saturday and a state killing: soccer as Minnesota is torn apart | Jeff Rueter
On the whims of Fifa’s Peace Prize winner, a life usually so focused on sports has found anything but peace
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:58 PM
A wonderfully eloquent statement about humanity and a reminder of just how fragile our grasp is on so much that we love.
It's great to see MLS releasing GAM numbers – but the lack of context has left some smart MLS sickos confused about what they mean.
I'm trying to put #cf97 's total into context and talk about the GAM inflation we're seeing (which @armankafai.bsky.social has great content on)
I'm trying to put #cf97 's total into context and talk about the GAM inflation we're seeing (which @armankafai.bsky.social has great content on)
The Fire have $5,077,349 in GAM.
Here's what that means – and why we're seeing those numbers shoot up across #mls
www.meninred97.com/what-fires-5...
#cf97 #VamosFire
Here's what that means – and why we're seeing those numbers shoot up across #mls
www.meninred97.com/what-fires-5...
#cf97 #VamosFire
What Fire’s $5.1 Million in GAM Means for Chicago’s Roster
MLS revealed that the Fire have $5.1 million in General Allocation Money. Here's what that means for the Fire's cap and roster situation.
www.meninred97.com
January 25, 2026 at 4:16 PM
It's great to see MLS releasing GAM numbers – but the lack of context has left some smart MLS sickos confused about what they mean.
I'm trying to put #cf97 's total into context and talk about the GAM inflation we're seeing (which @armankafai.bsky.social has great content on)
I'm trying to put #cf97 's total into context and talk about the GAM inflation we're seeing (which @armankafai.bsky.social has great content on)
To paraphrase Vince Lombardi: preseason may not matter but if it REALLY didn't matter, why keep score?
#cf97 off to a strong start in 2026
#cf97 off to a strong start in 2026
The Chicago Fire wrapped up the first part of preseason with another W
Here's what the squad and GGGaffer had to say about the team's successful trip to Florida
www.meninred97.com/in-their-wor...
#cf97 #VamosFire
Here's what the squad and GGGaffer had to say about the team's successful trip to Florida
www.meninred97.com/in-their-wor...
#cf97 #VamosFire
In Their Words: Chicago Fire Leave Florida With Pair of Preseason Wins
The Chicago Fire opened 2026 with a pair of preseason victories. Here's what the team experienced in South Florida, in their own words.
www.meninred97.com
January 24, 2026 at 11:31 PM
To paraphrase Vince Lombardi: preseason may not matter but if it REALLY didn't matter, why keep score?
#cf97 off to a strong start in 2026
#cf97 off to a strong start in 2026
And that's a 1-0 final.
And Bamba gets the Fire off to a 1-0 lead off of service from Gutman
January 24, 2026 at 5:29 PM
And that's a 1-0 final.
Jason Shokalook getting a start up top in front of Jo Bamba and a lot of Nordic guys.
Omari Glasgow starts at wingback for #cf97 against SKC.
Graphic from @chicagofire.bsky.social
Omari Glasgow starts at wingback for #cf97 against SKC.
Graphic from @chicagofire.bsky.social
January 24, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Jason Shokalook getting a start up top in front of Jo Bamba and a lot of Nordic guys.
Omari Glasgow starts at wingback for #cf97 against SKC.
Graphic from @chicagofire.bsky.social
Omari Glasgow starts at wingback for #cf97 against SKC.
Graphic from @chicagofire.bsky.social
And now we learn the deal for Facu Torres is FIVE YEARS LONG?!?! Austin FC are REALLY committing to this bit.
This is such an expensive bit for Austin to be committing to.
Funny. But expensive.
Funny. But expensive.
🇺🇾 Sources: Austin FC will sign Facundo Torres from Palmeiras. Deal done pending visas.
$9.5m fee. New DP winger for Austin. Huge signing
$9.5m fee. New DP winger for Austin. Huge signing
January 23, 2026 at 10:35 PM
And now we learn the deal for Facu Torres is FIVE YEARS LONG?!?! Austin FC are REALLY committing to this bit.
Want to know more about the #cf97 fan who kicked off the #MLS category on Jeopardy?
@joechatz.bsky.social has you covered!
@joechatz.bsky.social has you covered!
had a lovely chat(z) with Chicago Fire supporter Bryce Wargin after he shouted out the club on Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions earlier this week. story at @OnTapSportsNet #cf97 #VamosFire ontapsportsnet.com/fire/bryce-w...
Bryce Wargin on his Chicago Fire shoutout on 'Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions'
The Chicago Fire supporter spoke to On Tap Sports Net's Joe Chatz exclusively about shouting out the Fire on 'Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions'
ontapsportsnet.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Want to know more about the #cf97 fan who kicked off the #MLS category on Jeopardy?
@joechatz.bsky.social has you covered!
@joechatz.bsky.social has you covered!
I keep on coming back to this story. GAM inflation is real & also means MLS players in ttl are earning *less* by the amount of whatever GAM rolls over each year.
Now we need players earning the interest on that, distributed as cash.
We need GAM banks. GAM bonds. An entire GAM economy.
Now we need players earning the interest on that, distributed as cash.
We need GAM banks. GAM bonds. An entire GAM economy.
MLS implemented two rules in the last couple of seasons that have allowed for more GAM to be produced, increasing the roster budgets for teams. Why did they have this impact and what impact did it have? We dig into it for FAM:
The Story of GAM Inflation
How MLS slowly raised the amount spent on a roster through two rule changes
open.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:22 AM
I keep on coming back to this story. GAM inflation is real & also means MLS players in ttl are earning *less* by the amount of whatever GAM rolls over each year.
Now we need players earning the interest on that, distributed as cash.
We need GAM banks. GAM bonds. An entire GAM economy.
Now we need players earning the interest on that, distributed as cash.
We need GAM banks. GAM bonds. An entire GAM economy.
Here's a complete break down of the rule changes with a focus on how the Fire are impacted:
www.meninred97.com/mls-announce...
#cf97 #VamosFire
www.meninred97.com/mls-announce...
#cf97 #VamosFire
January 22, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Here's a complete break down of the rule changes with a focus on how the Fire are impacted:
www.meninred97.com/mls-announce...
#cf97 #VamosFire
www.meninred97.com/mls-announce...
#cf97 #VamosFire
2 MLS rule changes may impact Chicago Fire more than most:
International slots can be traded for just the 1st half of a year, and players can move off int'l slot later in year based on GC interview.
Could be significant for #cf97, who currently have 13 int'l players & 8 slots
International slots can be traded for just the 1st half of a year, and players can move off int'l slot later in year based on GC interview.
Could be significant for #cf97, who currently have 13 int'l players & 8 slots
January 22, 2026 at 4:59 PM
2 MLS rule changes may impact Chicago Fire more than most:
International slots can be traded for just the 1st half of a year, and players can move off int'l slot later in year based on GC interview.
Could be significant for #cf97, who currently have 13 int'l players & 8 slots
International slots can be traded for just the 1st half of a year, and players can move off int'l slot later in year based on GC interview.
Could be significant for #cf97, who currently have 13 int'l players & 8 slots
Chicago Fire mentioned!
will have video but Bryce Wargin here made the first pick of the MLS category and noted he had to as a fan of @chicagofire.bsky.social
January 22, 2026 at 1:22 AM
Chicago Fire mentioned!
Chicago Fire confirm via social media Mbokazi has arrived with the team for preseason.
(I will note that this video was taken in South Florida. Gregg Berhalter may have lived in the Midwest for decades, but he's not enough of a native to wear shorts out and about in January.)
#cf97 #VamosFire
(I will note that this video was taken in South Florida. Gregg Berhalter may have lived in the Midwest for decades, but he's not enough of a native to wear shorts out and about in January.)
#cf97 #VamosFire
January 21, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Chicago Fire confirm via social media Mbokazi has arrived with the team for preseason.
(I will note that this video was taken in South Florida. Gregg Berhalter may have lived in the Midwest for decades, but he's not enough of a native to wear shorts out and about in January.)
#cf97 #VamosFire
(I will note that this video was taken in South Florida. Gregg Berhalter may have lived in the Midwest for decades, but he's not enough of a native to wear shorts out and about in January.)
#cf97 #VamosFire
Boys II Men In Red are back!
The @chicagofire.bsky.social II's 2026 MLS Next Pro regular season begins Feb 27 against Inter Miami II in Florida.
Graphic: Chicago Fire FC
#cf97 #VamosFire
The @chicagofire.bsky.social II's 2026 MLS Next Pro regular season begins Feb 27 against Inter Miami II in Florida.
Graphic: Chicago Fire FC
#cf97 #VamosFire
January 21, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Boys II Men In Red are back!
The @chicagofire.bsky.social II's 2026 MLS Next Pro regular season begins Feb 27 against Inter Miami II in Florida.
Graphic: Chicago Fire FC
#cf97 #VamosFire
The @chicagofire.bsky.social II's 2026 MLS Next Pro regular season begins Feb 27 against Inter Miami II in Florida.
Graphic: Chicago Fire FC
#cf97 #VamosFire
Chicago Fire have kids over $5m in GAM - relatively full coffers for a full roster, even as we're seeing inflation hit the fake-money salary cap tool.
More on this later today @meninred97.com
#cf97 #VamosFire
More on this later today @meninred97.com
#cf97 #VamosFire
January 21, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Chicago Fire have kids over $5m in GAM - relatively full coffers for a full roster, even as we're seeing inflation hit the fake-money salary cap tool.
More on this later today @meninred97.com
#cf97 #VamosFire
More on this later today @meninred97.com
#cf97 #VamosFire
Absolutely stunning. And @rabbimarkasherg.bsky.social is right - @paultenorio.bsky.social put together a real must-read here
Incredible journalism. Among @paultenorio.bsky.social ‘s best. Must read.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
The extraordinary story of a soccer coach, a kidnapping and a Saudi job that didn’t exist
Adrian Heath was duped into thinking he was on the verge of a new job – only to be held at knifepoint in Morocco. Turns out he's not alone
www.nytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Absolutely stunning. And @rabbimarkasherg.bsky.social is right - @paultenorio.bsky.social put together a real must-read here
Very much want to second all of this.
Very, very, VERY thankful for the folks at @americansocceranalysis.com today. As well as the folks that create wonderful platforms upon which to consume their data in meaningful ways like @catabush.com and @paulharvey.theoutfield.nyc
January 21, 2026 at 4:11 AM
Very much want to second all of this.
FBRef was one of the most accessible places for lay people and journalists to get access to advanced statistics, ESPECIALLY across leagues.
In North America, also comes on the heels of major retrenchment from MLS on providing data publicly.
Major loss for covering the sport.
In North America, also comes on the heels of major retrenchment from MLS on providing data publicly.
Major loss for covering the sport.
January 20, 2026 at 10:53 PM
FBRef was one of the most accessible places for lay people and journalists to get access to advanced statistics, ESPECIALLY across leagues.
In North America, also comes on the heels of major retrenchment from MLS on providing data publicly.
Major loss for covering the sport.
In North America, also comes on the heels of major retrenchment from MLS on providing data publicly.
Major loss for covering the sport.
This is such an expensive bit for Austin to be committing to.
Funny. But expensive.
Funny. But expensive.
🇺🇾 Sources: Austin FC will sign Facundo Torres from Palmeiras. Deal done pending visas.
$9.5m fee. New DP winger for Austin. Huge signing
$9.5m fee. New DP winger for Austin. Huge signing
🇺🇾🟢 BREAKING: Austin FC is nearing a deal to sign Uruguay international winger Facundo Torres from Palmeiras, per sources.
Deal around $9.5m. Not done yet but close. Would be big signing.
Torres, 25, had 10g/6a in 3,336 mins for Palmeiras this season. www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Deal around $9.5m. Not done yet but close. Would be big signing.
Torres, 25, had 10g/6a in 3,336 mins for Palmeiras this season. www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
January 20, 2026 at 8:35 PM
This is such an expensive bit for Austin to be committing to.
Funny. But expensive.
Funny. But expensive.
The Chicago Fire's first game for #cf97 ends in a 3-1 win against a Nashville team that I'd probably put at second best in the East – and the team most likely to rain on any parades Miami may have planned.
Doesn't count, preseason, etc., but.... hard to take this any way but as a positive
Doesn't count, preseason, etc., but.... hard to take this any way but as a positive
Anton Salétros makes his #cf97 debut and Chris Mueller makes a welcome return to the Starting XI after a very rough 2025.
#cf97 #VamosFire
Image:
@chicagofire.bsky.social
#cf97 #VamosFire
Image:
@chicagofire.bsky.social
January 20, 2026 at 6:27 PM
The Chicago Fire's first game for #cf97 ends in a 3-1 win against a Nashville team that I'd probably put at second best in the East – and the team most likely to rain on any parades Miami may have planned.
Doesn't count, preseason, etc., but.... hard to take this any way but as a positive
Doesn't count, preseason, etc., but.... hard to take this any way but as a positive
David Poreba scores the first goal for #cf97 in 2026?
Hmm.
www.meninred97.com/5-things-wer...
#cf97 #VamosFire
Hmm.
www.meninred97.com/5-things-wer...
#cf97 #VamosFire
January 20, 2026 at 4:19 PM
David Poreba scores the first goal for #cf97 in 2026?
Hmm.
www.meninred97.com/5-things-wer...
#cf97 #VamosFire
Hmm.
www.meninred97.com/5-things-wer...
#cf97 #VamosFire