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Taking American soccer coverage one step further.

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A new year means the 2026 USL season is just around the corner 👀

@usltactics.com examines what's to come for the USL with 10 predictions, ranging from off-field trends to tactical shifts to players due for a breakout.

Read ⤵️
10 USL predictions for 2026: Pro-rel delays, MVP favorite & more
Here’s what you should expect from the USL in 2026.
www.backheeled.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:28 PM
The USMNT's biggest year ever — headlined by this summer's World Cup — has just begun.

@sanjaysujan.bsky.social has 10 bold predictions for Mauricio Pochettino's team in 2026, from a World Cup run to a big-money transfer 🔮

Read ⤵️
10 USMNT Predictions for 2026: Pochettino’s future, a phenom’s debut & more
Here’s what you should expect from the USMNT in 2026.
www.backheeled.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Reposted by Backheeled
🔮 Inter Miami, best MLS team...ever?

🔮 Two breakout striker candidates

🔮 Coaches on the move

🔮 Out-of-nowhere cashfer

10 big MLS predictions for @backheeled.com ⤵️
10 MLS Predictions for 2026: Inter Miami’s dynasty, Wooden Spoon & more
Here’s what you should expect from MLS in 2026.
www.backheeled.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:59 PM
It's a new year, which means a new MLS season is on the way.

@joeclowery.bsky.social has 10 bold MLS predictions for 2026, from Inter Miami setting records to breakout stars to struggling teams 🔮

Read ⤵️
10 MLS Predictions for 2026: Inter Miami’s dynasty, Wooden Spoon & more
Here’s what you should expect from MLS in 2026.
www.backheeled.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:18 PM
The USL offseason has been historically busy — we've seen spending sprees, free agent splashes, and new records 👀

But which signings stand out above the rest?

@usltactics.com examines the best offseason moves (so far) ⤵️
The best moves of the USL offseason (so far): Lexington SC’s historic spending & more
These signings might just play a big role in how the 2026 season plays out.
www.backheeled.com
January 1, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Reposted by Backheeled
💰 For @backheeled.com, I took a look at six MLS players who could be prime candidates for cash transfers – “cashfers”.
Best MLS cashfer candidates for the 2026 offseason: DPs, young stars & more
Does your favorite MLS team have cash to spend? They should be looking at these guys.
www.backheeled.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Since MLS introduced cash trades last season, superstars and young talents have changed hands 💰

Who could be on the move this offseason?

@benwright.bsky.social dives into the best candidates, from an elite striker to top-tier budget options.

Read ⤵️
Best MLS cashfer candidates for the 2026 offseason: DPs, young stars & more
Does your favorite MLS team have cash to spend? They should be looking at these guys.
www.backheeled.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:25 PM
2025 was a big year for Backheeled, filled with more and better U.S. soccer coverage than ever before.

To our paid subscribers: thank you! None of our work would be possible without you.

A look back — and a look forward to 2026 ⤵️
Thank you for 2025, subscribers! We can't wait for what's next.
Plus, Backheeled's best work of the year.
www.backheeled.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Reposted by Backheeled
The MLS SuperDraft isn't what it once was.

It's not longer televised, nor does it serve as way to build the backbone of a roster.

But make no mistake: there's still value in the draft.

Here's why — and here are the players to watch in this year's class, from @travismclark.bsky.social ⤵️
Why there’s still value in the MLS SuperDraft – and the players to know in this year’s class
The draft isn’t what it used to be, but make no mistake: there’s talent to be had.
www.backheeled.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:06 PM
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 ⤵️
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 3:43 PM
The MLS SuperDraft isn't what it once was.

It's not longer televised, nor does it serve as way to build the backbone of a roster.

But make no mistake: there's still value in the draft.

Here's why — and here are the players to watch in this year's class, from @travismclark.bsky.social ⤵️
Why there’s still value in the MLS SuperDraft – and the players to know in this year’s class
The draft isn’t what it used to be, but make no mistake: there’s talent to be had.
www.backheeled.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Predicting MLS often feels like a fool's errand — but did that stop @joeclowery.bsky.social? Not at all.

We're looking back at 10 MLS predictions made at the start of 2025, from transfers to tactics to trends 🔮

🆓
Revisiting my 10 MLS predictions for 2025: Just how wrong was I?
Spoiler alert: very wrong! But also, kind of right? Predicting the unpredictable is hard.
www.backheeled.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM
There have been plenty of successes for the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance. But the biggest success of all?

The U.S. has depth now.

Could that depth fuel a World Cup run on home soil, ponders @jerryhinnen.bsky.social?

Read ⤵️
The biggest win of Pochettino’s tenure? The USMNT has depth now
The U.S. appears to be deeper than ever heading into a World Cup year. Could that depth lead to a lengthy tournament run?
www.backheeled.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Reposted by Backheeled
Your MLS offseason primer, examining the biggest question facing all 30 teams this winter for @backheeled.com.

🟣 Can Orlando's new starters raise their ceiling?

🟡 How will the Crew replace Nancy, Nagbe?

🔴 Can Dallas give Petar Musa some help?

⚫️ + 27 more questions
Each MLS team’s biggest offseason question heading into 2026
Potential new signings, replacing key cogs, and identity crises, oh my! Here’s what each MLS team should be pondering as the 2026 offseason gets into full swing.
www.backheeled.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:57 PM
The MLS offseason is in full swing — and @joeclowery.bsky.social is here to set the stage for all 30 teams.

Here's each MLS team's biggest offseason question heading into 2026, from potential new signings to replacing key cogs to stylistic direction.

Your MLS offseason primer ⤵️
Each MLS team’s biggest offseason question heading into 2026
Potential new signings, replacing key cogs, and identity crises, oh my! Here’s what each MLS team should be pondering as the 2026 offseason gets into full swing.
www.backheeled.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Reposted by Backheeled
Compare it to any other American sports league, and the USL is unique.

In the face of that limiting structure, how can clubs thrive? I spoke to ownership at Detroit City and One Knox to find out.

www.backheeled.com/usl-ownershi...
USL’s central ownership structure creates challenges for clubs – here’s how they’re trying to make money anyway
Even as the USL adds investment and looks to evolve on the field, a privately held LLC soaks up the earnings.
www.backheeled.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Revenue sharing is a key part of every major professional sports league around the globe — but not the USL, where a privately held LLC soaks up earnings.

@usltactics.com examines the USL's central ownership structure and the challenges it creates for clubs across the country.

Read ⤵️
USL’s central ownership structure creates challenges for clubs – here’s how they’re trying to make money anyway
Even as the USL adds investment and looks to evolve on the field, a privately held LLC soaks up the earnings.
www.backheeled.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:36 PM
🇺🇸 USMNT World Cup drew reaction + analysis

🏆 How Inter Miami won MLS Cup

➡️ What's next for Miami, Vancouver Whitecaps

Listen to The Backheeled Show 🎧
USMNT World Cup draw reaction! Plus, how Inter Miami won MLS Cup
open.spotify.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:59 PM
MLS Cup? That’s old news. With the offseason fully underway, @benwright.bsky.social examines the storylines worth monitoring.

▪️ Will the looming World Cup spark roster rules change?

▪️ Where will the top free agents land?

▪️ How will Inter Miami use their open DP spot?

▪️ ...and much more

Read ⤵️
The 10 biggest questions of the MLS offseason: Free agency, new stars & more
MLS Cup? That’s old news. With the offseason fully underway, here are the storylines worth monitoring.
www.backheeled.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Inter Miami’s MLS Cup triumph made one thing clear: nothing shy of perfection can stop them.

The Vancouver Whitecaps threw every punch they could at Miami on Saturday — but Lionel Messi’s outfit still couldn’t be toppled.

From @benwright.bsky.social ⤵️
Inter Miami’s MLS Cup triumph made one thing clear: Nothing shy of perfection can stop them
The Vancouver Whitecaps threw every punch they could at Inter Miami. Lionel Messi’s outfit still couldn’t be toppled.
www.backheeled.com
December 7, 2025 at 1:49 AM
MLS Cup kicks off later today — and we’re getting you ready with an in-depth preview 🔮

Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps 🏆

Storylines. Tactics. Film. Stats. Coach insights.

You have plenty of time to read before kickoff.

From @joeclowery.bsky.social ⤵️
MLS Cup: 7 key questions that will decide Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
MLS Cup mega-preview? MLS Cup mega-preview. Let’s get you ready for Saturday’s final.
www.backheeled.com
December 6, 2025 at 3:40 PM
As MLS's two best teams prepare to take the field in Saturday's MLS Cup, here's what you need to know:

▪️ How Inter Miami, Vancouver Whitecaps got here
▪️ Why each team will win
▪️ Why each team will lose
▪️ What kind of game to expect

@catabush.com analyzes the numbers behind Miami and Vancouver ⤵️
MLS Cup: Analyzing what to expect from Inter Miami, Vancouver Whitecaps
The league’s two best teams are taking the field on Saturday. Here’s how they’ll match up.
www.backheeled.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:38 PM
After an unexpected coaching change, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds still managed to claim the USL Championship’s most prized piece of silverware 🏆

How did acting coach Rob Vincent help fuel the a playoff run for the 'Hounds?

@usltactics.com spoke to Vincent and analyzed Pittsburgh's late changes 🆓
How Rob Vincent tweaked the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on the fly — and won a USL Championship title
After an unexpected coaching change, the Riverhounds earned the USL’s most prized piece of silverware. Here's how.
www.backheeled.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Two decades ago, Wilfried Nancy arrived in North America with a backpack.

Now he leaves for Celtic with a resume so full of accomplishments that it may not fit in that backpack.

With a huge impact on tactics and players, @joeclowery.bsky.social believes Nancy is the best MLS coach ever.

Read ⤵️
The case for Wilfried Nancy as the best coach in MLS history
Now taking over at Celtic, Nancy may be leaving MLS as the league’s greatest-ever manager.
www.backheeled.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Ahead of MLS Cup between Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps, we wrote a detailed preview covering tactics, matchups, and more.

Will those things matter? Or will Lionel Messi simply decide the game?

This version of Messi, says @joeclowery.bsky.social, is the best we’ve seen of him in pink ⤵️
MLS Cup: 7 key questions that will decide Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
MLS Cup mega-preview? MLS Cup mega-preview. Let’s get you ready for Saturday’s final.
www.backheeled.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:14 PM