John Morrissey
@usltactics.com
Co-host of @theuslshow.bsky.social, contributor at @Backheeled.com. Did oppo scouting and data for the Sacramento Republic and Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Pinned
John Morrissey
@usltactics.com
· Nov 25
Why yes, I do…
(Free agent list coming later when more teams have announced)
www.usltactics.com/usl-transfer...
(Free agent list coming later when more teams have announced)
www.usltactics.com/usl-transfer...
Reposted by John Morrissey
Announcing new contracts on Christmas Eve without advance notice?
That'll get a club on the Naughty list.
That'll get a club on the Naughty list.
December 24, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Announcing new contracts on Christmas Eve without advance notice?
That'll get a club on the Naughty list.
That'll get a club on the Naughty list.
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
Tekiela is a proven No. 9/No. 10 hybrid player that seems perfect for Vincenzo Candela's attacking line. One of Omaha's biggest strengths late in 2025 was their depth and versatility up top, and Tekiela is purpose-built to provide that in 2026.
December 23, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Tekiela is a proven No. 9/No. 10 hybrid player that seems perfect for Vincenzo Candela's attacking line. One of Omaha's biggest strengths late in 2025 was their depth and versatility up top, and Tekiela is purpose-built to provide that in 2026.
Reposted by John Morrissey
NEWSLETTER: The first half of the Super League campaign is in the books, so I check in with the action across the final weekend of 2025. That, plus a deep dive into various signings from across the Championship and League One.
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
The Back Four: Winter wonderland
Super League 2025 wrap-up, extended signings analysis, and more
www.usltactics.com
December 22, 2025 at 12:42 PM
NEWSLETTER: The first half of the Super League campaign is in the books, so I check in with the action across the final weekend of 2025. That, plus a deep dive into various signings from across the Championship and League One.
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
Reposted by John Morrissey
Not going to say I'm back, but I did hold a microphone today:
❓ Who is on the Legion Roster
🏆 No US Open Cup
🦌 Path for Glory is Difficult
🖊️ Who Should We Sign
📅 12/31 is Coming
Hammering Down Link Below⬇️⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/62YO...
❓ Who is on the Legion Roster
🏆 No US Open Cup
🦌 Path for Glory is Difficult
🖊️ Who Should We Sign
📅 12/31 is Coming
Hammering Down Link Below⬇️⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/62YO...
Birmingham Legion Offseason Update
open.spotify.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Not going to say I'm back, but I did hold a microphone today:
❓ Who is on the Legion Roster
🏆 No US Open Cup
🦌 Path for Glory is Difficult
🖊️ Who Should We Sign
📅 12/31 is Coming
Hammering Down Link Below⬇️⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/62YO...
❓ Who is on the Legion Roster
🏆 No US Open Cup
🦌 Path for Glory is Difficult
🖊️ Who Should We Sign
📅 12/31 is Coming
Hammering Down Link Below⬇️⬇️
open.spotify.com/episode/62YO...
I can’t even sustain the performative “maybe the defense is thin” bit, this roster is actually ridiculous
Defense keeps getting stronger 💪
We're excited to add proven defender Nathan Dossantos to our backline!
🗞️ bit.ly/4j7sq8B
We're excited to add proven defender Nathan Dossantos to our backline!
🗞️ bit.ly/4j7sq8B
December 22, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I can’t even sustain the performative “maybe the defense is thin” bit, this roster is actually ridiculous
NEWSLETTER: The first half of the Super League campaign is in the books, so I check in with the action across the final weekend of 2025. That, plus a deep dive into various signings from across the Championship and League One.
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
The Back Four: Winter wonderland
Super League 2025 wrap-up, extended signings analysis, and more
www.usltactics.com
December 22, 2025 at 12:42 PM
NEWSLETTER: The first half of the Super League campaign is in the books, so I check in with the action across the final weekend of 2025. That, plus a deep dive into various signings from across the Championship and League One.
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
Even while playing somewhat further upfield and falling out of favor late in the year, Rodriguez’s numbers were stellar. We know what he can be in the Detroit system – statement move.
December 19, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Even while playing somewhat further upfield and falling out of favor late in the year, Rodriguez’s numbers were stellar. We know what he can be in the Detroit system – statement move.
Reposted by John Morrissey
The groupings and schedule for the 2026 Prinx Tires #USLCup were announced this week as part of the full calendar rollout.
I took a look at which #USL-C and #USL-1 clubs are the early favorites, dark horses and potential wild cards in all seven groups.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
I took a look at which #USL-C and #USL-1 clubs are the early favorites, dark horses and potential wild cards in all seven groups.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
How might the 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup Group Stage Play Out?
Here’s a look at the early favorites, dark horses and cupset-minded clubs for each of the seven groups
www.uslchampionship.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:26 PM
The groupings and schedule for the 2026 Prinx Tires #USLCup were announced this week as part of the full calendar rollout.
I took a look at which #USL-C and #USL-1 clubs are the early favorites, dark horses and potential wild cards in all seven groups.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
I took a look at which #USL-C and #USL-1 clubs are the early favorites, dark horses and potential wild cards in all seven groups.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
Pack has probably been League One's best goalkeeper for the past three or four years, and his advanced numbers remained elite with Tormenta in 2025. We might have a legit competition for the starting spot in Tampa Bay!
December 19, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Pack has probably been League One's best goalkeeper for the past three or four years, and his advanced numbers remained elite with Tormenta in 2025. We might have a legit competition for the starting spot in Tampa Bay!
ICYMI: I look back on my January predictions for the USL season, which were very bad.
www.backheeled.com/revisiting-m...
www.backheeled.com/revisiting-m...
Revisiting my 10 USL predictions for 2025: Just how wrong was I?
I stared into the USL crystal ball back in January. Did it lead me astray?
www.backheeled.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:04 PM
ICYMI: I look back on my January predictions for the USL season, which were very bad.
www.backheeled.com/revisiting-m...
www.backheeled.com/revisiting-m...
Vincent is so astute tactically, and he couldn’t be a nicer guy. Really excited to see how he fares going forward.
I just talked to him for Backheeled post-title, and I think that all comes through.
www.backheeled.com/how-rob-vinc...
I just talked to him for Backheeled post-title, and I think that all comes through.
www.backheeled.com/how-rob-vinc...
December 19, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Vincent is so astute tactically, and he couldn’t be a nicer guy. Really excited to see how he fares going forward.
I just talked to him for Backheeled post-title, and I think that all comes through.
www.backheeled.com/how-rob-vinc...
I just talked to him for Backheeled post-title, and I think that all comes through.
www.backheeled.com/how-rob-vinc...
Reposted by John Morrissey
It's been a busy start to free agency / acquisition season across the #USL-C.
Here are 12 moves that caught my eye, and the impact they could have on their new clubs in 2026.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
Here are 12 moves that caught my eye, and the impact they could have on their new clubs in 2026.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
12 moves that caught our eye in the USL Championship offseason | December 8-18
A landmark transfer grabs the headlines, but there’s been plenty of interesting business already this month
www.uslchampionship.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:14 PM
It's been a busy start to free agency / acquisition season across the #USL-C.
Here are 12 moves that caught my eye, and the impact they could have on their new clubs in 2026.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
Here are 12 moves that caught my eye, and the impact they could have on their new clubs in 2026.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
My favorite humiliation ritual of the year! I locked in 10 predictions for the USL year back in January, and now I’m looking back to see where I went wrong and what it all means.
Back in January, @usltactics.com made 10 bold predictions for the 2025 USL season ranging from an MVP favorite to expansion 🔮
Today, we’re looking back at those predictions to see what went according to plan — and what didn’t.
Read ⤵️
Today, we’re looking back at those predictions to see what went according to plan — and what didn’t.
Read ⤵️
Revisiting my 10 USL predictions for 2025: Just how wrong was I?
I stared into the USL crystal ball back in January. Did it lead me astray?
www.backheeled.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:44 PM
My favorite humiliation ritual of the year! I locked in 10 predictions for the USL year back in January, and now I’m looking back to see where I went wrong and what it all means.
So I'm officially thinking it's a 4-4-2? This depth chart is silly good.
December 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM
So I'm officially thinking it's a 4-4-2? This depth chart is silly good.
Come get caught up on the USL offseason with This League! We dive into the League One graduating class, talk about Tampa Bay’s big start, and more.
www.youtube.com/live/MghHBiK...
www.youtube.com/live/MghHBiK...
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲! 📽️📺 | USL CHAMPIONSHIP: THE definitive USL Silly Season Show
YouTube video by Backheeled
www.youtube.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Come get caught up on the USL offseason with This League! We dive into the League One graduating class, talk about Tampa Bay’s big start, and more.
www.youtube.com/live/MghHBiK...
www.youtube.com/live/MghHBiK...
In a very challenging Texoma setup, Kilwien did in 2025 what he's always done at the USL level: combine sharp long-range passing with defensive efficiency. Love the business Miami's doing relative to L1 so far.
December 17, 2025 at 8:58 PM
In a very challenging Texoma setup, Kilwien did in 2025 what he's always done at the USL level: combine sharp long-range passing with defensive efficiency. Love the business Miami's doing relative to L1 so far.
Two signings I love today: first up, Cristian Parano is back in San Antonio on a multi-year deal. He's still the best dribbler in this league, and the chemistry between him, Jorge Hernandez, and Mikey Maldonado is going to be mouth-watering.
www.sanantoniofc.com/news/2025/12...
www.sanantoniofc.com/news/2025/12...
December 17, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Two signings I love today: first up, Cristian Parano is back in San Antonio on a multi-year deal. He's still the best dribbler in this league, and the chemistry between him, Jorge Hernandez, and Mikey Maldonado is going to be mouth-watering.
www.sanantoniofc.com/news/2025/12...
www.sanantoniofc.com/news/2025/12...
This is the best resource in the universe btw
It's here. The single best resource for the 2026 MLS Superdraft has dropped from @paulharvey.theoutfield.nyc www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2025/12...
The 2026 MLS SuperDraft ASA Big (Dash)Board — American Soccer Analysis
By Paul Harvey The MLS Superdraft in many ways kicks off the offseason, as most teams have yet to make any real signings. Even though many of the draft picks will never play for their respective fi...
www.americansocceranalysis.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:25 PM
This is the best resource in the universe btw
Reposted by John Morrissey
Really interesting quote from LeBlanc in this piece, followed by a couple of video illustrations from his work with the Union II and U.S. U-18s.
Going to be very interested to see how @brooklynfc.bsky.social builds out ahead of its first #USL-C season next March.
Going to be very interested to see how @brooklynfc.bsky.social builds out ahead of its first #USL-C season next March.
![“When I say ‘collective,’ it’s flooding areas with numbers, creating overloads with the ball, creating overloads against the ball, trying to be really quick in transition, and trying to play as much in the attacking half as possible, whether we're defending or not. I'm a big believer that thirds of the field move with you,” he explained. “A lot of people look at the [defensive] third as the 30-to-40 yards in front of your own goal, but the back third really could be at midfield if that's where you're playing. You understand the risk and responsibility that you have on the ball.” - Marlon LeBlanc, Brooklyn FC Head Coach](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ak5t3ogj3564ctmygzgoocof/bafkreiaieifnb5onzdmt57b7vhavdiuqvfo2nyl5r7xtd57inytvnqgpmm@jpeg)
December 16, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Really interesting quote from LeBlanc in this piece, followed by a couple of video illustrations from his work with the Union II and U.S. U-18s.
Going to be very interested to see how @brooklynfc.bsky.social builds out ahead of its first #USL-C season next March.
Going to be very interested to see how @brooklynfc.bsky.social builds out ahead of its first #USL-C season next March.
Marlon LeBlanc has been a serial winner and masterful player developer with Philadelphia Union II and the US U-18s, but what makes him tick?
As LeBlanc takes over Brooklyn FC ahead of their expansion season, I talked to him about vision for 2026 and beyond.
www.usltactics.com/in-conversat...
As LeBlanc takes over Brooklyn FC ahead of their expansion season, I talked to him about vision for 2026 and beyond.
www.usltactics.com/in-conversat...
In Conversation: Marlon LeBlanc, Brooklyn FC
On Marlon LeBlanc, Brooklyn's first-ever Championship manager
www.usltactics.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Marlon LeBlanc has been a serial winner and masterful player developer with Philadelphia Union II and the US U-18s, but what makes him tick?
As LeBlanc takes over Brooklyn FC ahead of their expansion season, I talked to him about vision for 2026 and beyond.
www.usltactics.com/in-conversat...
As LeBlanc takes over Brooklyn FC ahead of their expansion season, I talked to him about vision for 2026 and beyond.
www.usltactics.com/in-conversat...
Reposted by John Morrissey
NEWSLETTER: After a mixed 2025, San Antonio FC is making major offseason progress. I break down why Mikey Maldonado and Akeem Ward are key additions.
That, plus:
🔵 DC Power in possession
🐎 Lexi Missimo’s return
📝 More signing news
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
That, plus:
🔵 DC Power in possession
🐎 Lexi Missimo’s return
📝 More signing news
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
The Back Four: Super League & San Antonio
On SAFC's big moves, Lexi Missimo, and more
www.usltactics.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:18 PM
NEWSLETTER: After a mixed 2025, San Antonio FC is making major offseason progress. I break down why Mikey Maldonado and Akeem Ward are key additions.
That, plus:
🔵 DC Power in possession
🐎 Lexi Missimo’s return
📝 More signing news
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
That, plus:
🔵 DC Power in possession
🐎 Lexi Missimo’s return
📝 More signing news
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
Lovely business for Miami, who get one of the most dynamic left-footers in the USL. Tunbridge is incredibly dynamic coming off the wing, and he'll give Miami a sense of ingenuity between the lines that wasn't always there in 2025.
December 15, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Lovely business for Miami, who get one of the most dynamic left-footers in the USL. Tunbridge is incredibly dynamic coming off the wing, and he'll give Miami a sense of ingenuity between the lines that wasn't always there in 2025.
Billhardt has suffered through some injuries over the years, but he's one of the most aggressive final-third dribblers in the USL at his best. Really good pick-up for Omaha here.
December 15, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Billhardt has suffered through some injuries over the years, but he's one of the most aggressive final-third dribblers in the USL at his best. Really good pick-up for Omaha here.