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
USL Power Rankings: Which Championship team can win it all?
Who has the best shot to take home a trophy? Plus, we're eulogizing the latest teams to fall.
www.backheeled.com
ICYMI: The USL Championship conference semis are in the books, so what am I taking away?
4️⃣ How the four remaining teams got the job done
⭐️ Who's best positioned to make a run at a trophy
💀 Eulogizing the clubs we lost www.backheeled.com/usl-power-ra...
4️⃣ How the four remaining teams got the job done
⭐️ Who's best positioned to make a run at a trophy
💀 Eulogizing the clubs we lost www.backheeled.com/usl-power-ra...
NEW: One Knox are your 2025 League One Champions, so how'd they get it done on Sunday night? I dive deep.
(That, plus the usual newsletter segments across the Championship and Super League.)
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
(That, plus the usual newsletter segments across the Championship and Super League.)
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
The Back Four: On One Knox's title
Welcome in to The Back Four!
As always, visit Backheeled for more USL content, including a deep dive into the Championship’s conference finals. Also, check out This League! for an audiovisual dive in...
www.usltactics.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:04 AM
NEW: One Knox are your 2025 League One Champions, so how'd they get it done on Sunday night? I dive deep.
(That, plus the usual newsletter segments across the Championship and Super League.)
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
(That, plus the usual newsletter segments across the Championship and Super League.)
www.usltactics.com/the-back-fou...
Spokane's got a reeeaaaal bad title game curse
November 16, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Spokane's got a reeeaaaal bad title game curse
Reposted by John Morrissey
Here's we go on @cbssportsgolazo-m.bsky.social.
Stream the #USL-1 Final between @oneknoxsc.bsky.social and Spokane Velocity FC live.
www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sp...
Stream the #USL-1 Final between @oneknoxsc.bsky.social and Spokane Velocity FC live.
www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sp...
Watch CBS Sports Golazo Network - Free Soccer Live Streams & News
Want more news, highlights, live games and match replays? Get the latest soccer coverage for your favorite leagues, players, and teams on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
www.cbssports.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Here's we go on @cbssportsgolazo-m.bsky.social.
Stream the #USL-1 Final between @oneknoxsc.bsky.social and Spokane Velocity FC live.
www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sp...
Stream the #USL-1 Final between @oneknoxsc.bsky.social and Spokane Velocity FC live.
www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sp...
Reposted by John Morrissey
The USL Championship Final is set 🏆
How did FC Tulsa and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds book their spot in the final game of the season?
@usltactics.com examines the decisions that have taken both clubs one step away from history ⤵️
How did FC Tulsa and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds book their spot in the final game of the season?
@usltactics.com examines the decisions that have taken both clubs one step away from history ⤵️
How FC Tulsa, Pittsburgh Riverhounds booked a spot in the USL Championship Final
After a pair of intense conference final matchups watched by record-setting crowds, here's how this year's final was formed.
www.backheeled.com
November 16, 2025 at 3:37 PM
The USL Championship Final is set 🏆
How did FC Tulsa and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds book their spot in the final game of the season?
@usltactics.com examines the decisions that have taken both clubs one step away from history ⤵️
How did FC Tulsa and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds book their spot in the final game of the season?
@usltactics.com examines the decisions that have taken both clubs one step away from history ⤵️
Flight booked to Tulsa let’s get it
November 16, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Flight booked to Tulsa let’s get it
Reposted by John Morrissey
This Tulsa performance might be one of the most dominant in a Conference Final that I can remember. Absolutely stamped their authority on this one from the opening minute
November 16, 2025 at 3:28 AM
This Tulsa performance might be one of the most dominant in a Conference Final that I can remember. Absolutely stamped their authority on this one from the opening minute
Reposted by John Morrissey
Get out the @johnspacemuller.com long throw-in claxon.
Taylor Calheira finishes off the chance for his second of the night as @fctulsa.bsky.social doubles its lead. #USL-C
Taylor Calheira finishes off the chance for his second of the night as @fctulsa.bsky.social doubles its lead. #USL-C
November 16, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Get out the @johnspacemuller.com long throw-in claxon.
Taylor Calheira finishes off the chance for his second of the night as @fctulsa.bsky.social doubles its lead. #USL-C
Taylor Calheira finishes off the chance for his second of the night as @fctulsa.bsky.social doubles its lead. #USL-C
Alright folks let me know where I can get a good cup of coffee in Tulsa
November 16, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Alright folks let me know where I can get a good cup of coffee in Tulsa
New Mexico finally starts going long from the back to tilt the field...and then they resort to endless backpasses to defeat the purpose of the change. Absolutely no answer for this Tulsa defense right now.
Misplaced pass out of the back into @fctulsa.bsky.social's midfield and the hosts pounce, Jamie Webber sets up Taylor Calheira for his 16th goal of the #USL-C season.
November 16, 2025 at 2:21 AM
New Mexico finally starts going long from the back to tilt the field...and then they resort to endless backpasses to defeat the purpose of the change. Absolutely no answer for this Tulsa defense right now.
Reposted by John Morrissey
The Hounds' scoreless streak ends at 389 minutes.
The shutout streak is now at 477 minutes, 35 minutes from a trip to the #USL-C Final next Saturday.
The shutout streak is now at 477 minutes, 35 minutes from a trip to the #USL-C Final next Saturday.
November 16, 2025 at 12:52 AM
The Hounds' scoreless streak ends at 389 minutes.
The shutout streak is now at 477 minutes, 35 minutes from a trip to the #USL-C Final next Saturday.
The shutout streak is now at 477 minutes, 35 minutes from a trip to the #USL-C Final next Saturday.
This is the formula for Rhode Island: stop Pittsburgh from accessing the central spaces in their attacking 3-1-5-1, then break with Fuson and Williams forcing the center backs to make choices.
November 15, 2025 at 11:52 PM
This is the formula for Rhode Island: stop Pittsburgh from accessing the central spaces in their attacking 3-1-5-1, then break with Fuson and Williams forcing the center backs to make choices.
Reposted by John Morrissey
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Keystone State, tonight's #USL-C Eastern Conference Final is half-an-hour from kickoff.
Lineups and formations for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. @rhodeislandfc.bsky.social at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and @siriusxmfc.bsky.social.
Lineups and formations for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. @rhodeislandfc.bsky.social at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and @siriusxmfc.bsky.social.
November 15, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Keystone State, tonight's #USL-C Eastern Conference Final is half-an-hour from kickoff.
Lineups and formations for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. @rhodeislandfc.bsky.social at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and @siriusxmfc.bsky.social.
Lineups and formations for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. @rhodeislandfc.bsky.social at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and @siriusxmfc.bsky.social.
Reposted by John Morrissey
There's plenty to check out ahead of tonight's #USL-C Eastern and Western Conference Finals.
Start here with @usltactics.com's written and video breakdown of both games.
www.usltactics.com/tape-session...
Start here with @usltactics.com's written and video breakdown of both games.
www.usltactics.com/tape-session...
Tape Session: League One's title game, Championship conference finals
The USL season feels like the longest slog on earth, but it goes by in a flash. Opening week at the beginning of March feels like an eon ago, yet the trends that started in the spring still hold valua...
www.usltactics.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:58 PM
There's plenty to check out ahead of tonight's #USL-C Eastern and Western Conference Finals.
Start here with @usltactics.com's written and video breakdown of both games.
www.usltactics.com/tape-session...
Start here with @usltactics.com's written and video breakdown of both games.
www.usltactics.com/tape-session...
Reposted by John Morrissey
USL Odds, November 14 @theuslshow.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/statrobo...
USL Odds, November 14
USL1 final, USLC conference finals. The dramatic conclusion to these seasons are upon us!
open.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:53 PM
USL Odds, November 14 @theuslshow.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/statrobo...
USL League Two and the USL W League drive community-centric soccer in America, and Edgewater Castle FC is bringing that spirit to Chicago.
I spoke to club founder Andrew Swanson on their USL move, Kellyn Acosta's involvement, and the mission behind it all.
www.usltactics.com/in-conversat...
I spoke to club founder Andrew Swanson on their USL move, Kellyn Acosta's involvement, and the mission behind it all.
www.usltactics.com/in-conversat...
In Conversation: Andrew Swanson, Edgewater Castle FC
USL League Two and the USL W League are among the fastest-growing sports organizations in America, if not the world. With nearly 250 clubs dotted across the map, those competitions play a major role i...
www.usltactics.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:38 PM
USL League Two and the USL W League drive community-centric soccer in America, and Edgewater Castle FC is bringing that spirit to Chicago.
I spoke to club founder Andrew Swanson on their USL move, Kellyn Acosta's involvement, and the mission behind it all.
www.usltactics.com/in-conversat...
I spoke to club founder Andrew Swanson on their USL move, Kellyn Acosta's involvement, and the mission behind it all.
www.usltactics.com/in-conversat...
New Mexico United has become one of the USL’s most consistent organizations, one that’s a springboard into the MLS coaching ranks.
What makes United so resilient and so successful? I spoke to sporting director Itamar Keinan to find out.
www.backheeled.com/how-new-mexi...
What makes United so resilient and so successful? I spoke to sporting director Itamar Keinan to find out.
www.backheeled.com/how-new-mexi...
How New Mexico United has become the USL’s top coaching factory
With a track record of sending managers to MLS and a rising young coach at the helm of this year’s trophy contender, New Mexico is doing plenty right.
www.backheeled.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:45 PM
New Mexico United has become one of the USL’s most consistent organizations, one that’s a springboard into the MLS coaching ranks.
What makes United so resilient and so successful? I spoke to sporting director Itamar Keinan to find out.
www.backheeled.com/how-new-mexi...
What makes United so resilient and so successful? I spoke to sporting director Itamar Keinan to find out.
www.backheeled.com/how-new-mexi...
PSA: I've migrated the blog from Substack to Ghost. Hopefully that won't have an impact on any email subscribers, but check out the new look on usltactics.com.
(Also, the old Substack will stay up as an archive for anyone that needs it.)
(Also, the old Substack will stay up as an archive for anyone that needs it.)
November 13, 2025 at 11:11 PM
PSA: I've migrated the blog from Substack to Ghost. Hopefully that won't have an impact on any email subscribers, but check out the new look on usltactics.com.
(Also, the old Substack will stay up as an archive for anyone that needs it.)
(Also, the old Substack will stay up as an archive for anyone that needs it.)
Reposted by John Morrissey
After years of debate, MLS will switch to a European-style calendar in 2027.
The move will create ripple effects for teams, transfers, rules, and TV audiences.
So...what now?
For @backheeled.com, I break down the biggest questions facing MLS post-schedule shift ⤵️
The move will create ripple effects for teams, transfers, rules, and TV audiences.
So...what now?
For @backheeled.com, I break down the biggest questions facing MLS post-schedule shift ⤵️
The biggest questions about MLS’s now-approved calendar change: Transfers, roster rules & TV viewership
Just what kind of impact will switching to a fall-to-spring calendar have? And what other changes will accompany it?
www.backheeled.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:22 PM
After years of debate, MLS will switch to a European-style calendar in 2027.
The move will create ripple effects for teams, transfers, rules, and TV audiences.
So...what now?
For @backheeled.com, I break down the biggest questions facing MLS post-schedule shift ⤵️
The move will create ripple effects for teams, transfers, rules, and TV audiences.
So...what now?
For @backheeled.com, I break down the biggest questions facing MLS post-schedule shift ⤵️
The format for voters isn't one-to-one with an actual XI, but here's who appeared on my ballot.
November 13, 2025 at 7:37 PM
The format for voters isn't one-to-one with an actual XI, but here's who appeared on my ballot.
Reposted by John Morrissey
So far this decade, MLS clubs have hired more than 60 managers.
Three came from the USL Championship. Two of those three came from New Mexico United.
Led by another rising coach in Dennis Sanchez, @usltactics.com looks at how New Mexico became the USL's top coaching factory.
Read ⤵️
Three came from the USL Championship. Two of those three came from New Mexico United.
Led by another rising coach in Dennis Sanchez, @usltactics.com looks at how New Mexico became the USL's top coaching factory.
Read ⤵️
How New Mexico United has become the USL’s top coaching factory
With a track record of sending managers to MLS and a rising young coach at the helm of this year’s trophy contender, New Mexico is doing plenty right.
www.backheeled.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:16 PM
So far this decade, MLS clubs have hired more than 60 managers.
Three came from the USL Championship. Two of those three came from New Mexico United.
Led by another rising coach in Dennis Sanchez, @usltactics.com looks at how New Mexico became the USL's top coaching factory.
Read ⤵️
Three came from the USL Championship. Two of those three came from New Mexico United.
Led by another rising coach in Dennis Sanchez, @usltactics.com looks at how New Mexico became the USL's top coaching factory.
Read ⤵️
Reposted by John Morrissey
Monterey Bay FC Bolsters Front Office By Hiring Former USL Champion Winning Sporting Director to be Chairman and Chief Soccer Officer.
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #mbfc #footy #futbol #footbsll #usl #uslchampionship
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #mbfc #footy #futbol #footbsll #usl #uslchampionship
Monterey Bay FC Bolsters Front Office By Hiring Former USL Champion Winning Sporting Director…
A key figure in Orange County SC’s 2021 USL Championship title winning team is being brought in to spur an MBFC rebirth
medium.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Monterey Bay FC Bolsters Front Office By Hiring Former USL Champion Winning Sporting Director to be Chairman and Chief Soccer Officer.
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #mbfc #footy #futbol #footbsll #usl #uslchampionship
medium.com/the-union-re...
#soccer #sports #mbfc #footy #futbol #footbsll #usl #uslchampionship
There’s no more important player to New Mexico’s growth and success in 2025 than Harris. Great read.
New Mexico United’s incredible resurgence coincides neatly with the return to full-fitness by Dayonn Harris (#5). 📈
open.substack.com/pub/ubtn/p/s...
📸: Matt May | Tampa Bay Rowdies
open.substack.com/pub/ubtn/p/s...
📸: Matt May | Tampa Bay Rowdies
Seize the Day
Dayonn Harris (#5) sends New Mexico United to the USL Championship's Western Conference Finals with a 94th minute winner against Orange County SC.
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
There’s no more important player to New Mexico’s growth and success in 2025 than Harris. Great read.
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🏜️ Pre-Sale for Issue Two, “Soccer Songs of the Southwest” includes 40 pages of soccer stories from AZ, NM, & TX
🎨 Art by Gabaldon, SABA, & Apodaca
⌨️ Words by Vaughn, Gawronski, Brandt, & Morrissey - Vamanos!
www.protagonistsoccer.com/shop/rdli1h4...
🎨 Art by Gabaldon, SABA, & Apodaca
⌨️ Words by Vaughn, Gawronski, Brandt, & Morrissey - Vamanos!
www.protagonistsoccer.com/shop/rdli1h4...
November 13, 2025 at 3:12 PM
👀👀👀