Marc Machado
@marcmachado.bsky.social
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
Just give Doyle and Wiebe a small budget and complete editorial freedom to make 10 hours of stuff worth watching on Apple TV every week, it would transform MLS overnight
December 4, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Just give Doyle and Wiebe a small budget and complete editorial freedom to make 10 hours of stuff worth watching on Apple TV every week, it would transform MLS overnight
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
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
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
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
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
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 ✍️
Reposted by Marc Machado
🇺🇸 Sources: The Colorado Rapids have acquired USYNT center back Noah Cobb from Atlanta United.
Deal is a loan thru the season with a purchase option.
Cobb, who just turned 20, had made 40 first team apps for Atlanta.
Deal is a loan thru the season with a purchase option.
Cobb, who just turned 20, had made 40 first team apps for Atlanta.
July 25, 2025 at 10:58 PM
🇺🇸 Sources: The Colorado Rapids have acquired USYNT center back Noah Cobb from Atlanta United.
Deal is a loan thru the season with a purchase option.
Cobb, who just turned 20, had made 40 first team apps for Atlanta.
Deal is a loan thru the season with a purchase option.
Cobb, who just turned 20, had made 40 first team apps for Atlanta.
Reposted by Marc Machado
After my postgame interview with Club América HC André Jardine @mls.bsky.social I kinda jokingly said “We are waiting for you here in MLS”… he replied: “I think it’s going to happen”
I don’t know but I think there’s a certain team in SoCal looking for a new HC.
I don’t know but I think there’s a certain team in SoCal looking for a new HC.
July 24, 2025 at 5:06 AM
After my postgame interview with Club América HC André Jardine @mls.bsky.social I kinda jokingly said “We are waiting for you here in MLS”… he replied: “I think it’s going to happen”
I don’t know but I think there’s a certain team in SoCal looking for a new HC.
I don’t know but I think there’s a certain team in SoCal looking for a new HC.
Reposted by Marc Machado
LAFC is pushing hard to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min in this summer window, according to multiple sources briefed on talks.
No major progress as yet, but LAFC trying hard to get the South Korean superstar for 2025 and beyond.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
No major progress as yet, but LAFC trying hard to get the South Korean superstar for 2025 and beyond.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
Sources: LAFC eyeing Son Heung-min for summer transfer splash
LAFC has two open designated player spots and is eyeing the Tottenham and South Korea star for one of them
www.nytimes.com
July 23, 2025 at 10:10 PM
LAFC is pushing hard to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min in this summer window, according to multiple sources briefed on talks.
No major progress as yet, but LAFC trying hard to get the South Korean superstar for 2025 and beyond.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
No major progress as yet, but LAFC trying hard to get the South Korean superstar for 2025 and beyond.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
Reposted by Marc Machado
Reposted by Marc Machado
We had our say on the state of analytics in MLS. Now the staffers get theirs'.
Here's the 2025 MLS analytics survey: www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2025/7/21/2025-mls-analytics-survey
Here's the 2025 MLS analytics survey: www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2025/7/21/2025-mls-analytics-survey
2025 MLS Analytics Survey — American Soccer Analysis
Every year, we update the State of MLS Analytics by putting teams into tiers based upon how many analytics staff they have. However, the number of analytics staff members doesn’t necessarily say a...
www.americansocceranalysis.com
July 22, 2025 at 1:59 PM
We had our say on the state of analytics in MLS. Now the staffers get theirs'.
Here's the 2025 MLS analytics survey: www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2025/7/21/2025-mls-analytics-survey
Here's the 2025 MLS analytics survey: www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2025/7/21/2025-mls-analytics-survey