Justin Horneker
@hornekerjustin.bsky.social
Curator of CITY SCene newsletter at stlmag.com // MLSSoccer.com contributor // NWSL and other soccer stuff elsewhere // read my newsletter.
www.talkinsoccer.com
www.talkinsoccer.com
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Leave Barbra Banda Alone, and a Decision Day primer.
NWSL Decision Day looms large, consider this your study guide ahead of the final day of the season.
www.talkinsoccer.com
The final weekend of the NWSL season looms large, in today's newsletter I dove into the narratives and asked Chat GPT how to stop Temwa Chawinga.
Lastly, leave Barbra Banda alone. Leave trans kids alone. Focus on the actual problems permeating women's sports.
www.talkinsoccer.com/leave-barbra...
Lastly, leave Barbra Banda alone. Leave trans kids alone. Focus on the actual problems permeating women's sports.
www.talkinsoccer.com/leave-barbra...
Three of four should be locked in on the playoffs, have to get these hires right.
NWSL clubs without a head coach (days without one)
NC Courage (110)
Bay FC (23)
KC Current (11)
Portland Thorns (0)
NC Courage (110)
Bay FC (23)
KC Current (11)
Portland Thorns (0)
November 26, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Three of four should be locked in on the playoffs, have to get these hires right.
Did not see this coming after with the way Portland’s young core developed this year, but I’m also not sold on Rob Gale the game manager.
The Portland Thorns announced that the club and Head Coach Rob Gale have agreed to part ways #BAONPDX
“We thank Rob for his contributions and wish him the best in his next endeavor.” - Jeff Agoos
Assistant Coach Sarah Lowdon will serve as interim head coach.
Also Departing: Adam Day
“We thank Rob for his contributions and wish him the best in his next endeavor.” - Jeff Agoos
Assistant Coach Sarah Lowdon will serve as interim head coach.
Also Departing: Adam Day
BREAKING: Portland Thorns and head coach Rob Gale agree to part ways - immediate search for a replacement has begun
Today, the Portland Thorns have announced the club and Head Coach Rob Gale have agreed to part ways.
Gale took over at the early stages of the 2023 season for Mike Norris. He led the team to consecut...
stumptown-footy.ghost.io
November 26, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Did not see this coming after with the way Portland’s young core developed this year, but I’m also not sold on Rob Gale the game manager.
DC - Gotham has the juice
The NWSL has finally gotten its million-viewer match. Saturday’s championship game garnered 1.184 million viewers, the most watched game in league history
November 25, 2025 at 10:36 PM
DC - Gotham has the juice
These dudes just love skirting accountability
A few days after Cristiano Ronaldo was at the White House, FIFA says it has suspended the remaining two games of Cristiano Ronaldo's three-game ban for violent conduct, meaning he can play in Portugal's first two World Cup games.
Coincidence or not, it's certainly timing.
Coincidence or not, it's certainly timing.
November 25, 2025 at 5:56 PM
These dudes just love skirting accountability
Reposted by Justin Horneker
Indiana Vassilev gets a new contract from the Union, guaranteed through 2028 with an option for '29.
He was a guy Bradley Carnell really wanted here, and that was more than proven over the season.
He was a guy Bradley Carnell really wanted here, and that was more than proven over the season.
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Indiana Vassilev gets a new contract from the Union, guaranteed through 2028 with an option for '29.
He was a guy Bradley Carnell really wanted here, and that was more than proven over the season.
He was a guy Bradley Carnell really wanted here, and that was more than proven over the season.
Reposted by Justin Horneker
the Trump admin is transparently and oafishly corrupt, and FIFA is never more comfortable than when engaging with oafishly corrupt state actors
the problem for Trump and FIFA is that the US still has *some* rule of law and their corruption is so oafish www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
the problem for Trump and FIFA is that the US still has *some* rule of law and their corruption is so oafish www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Why FIFA’s 2026 World Cup draw is at the heart of a Kennedy Center controversy
How much FIFA has paid to host the 2026 World Cup draw at the Washington, D.C. performing arts venue is under scrutiny
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:53 PM
the Trump admin is transparently and oafishly corrupt, and FIFA is never more comfortable than when engaging with oafishly corrupt state actors
the problem for Trump and FIFA is that the US still has *some* rule of law and their corruption is so oafish www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
the problem for Trump and FIFA is that the US still has *some* rule of law and their corruption is so oafish www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Club is still in talks with Henry Kessler, Devin Padelford, and Conrad Wallem. Wallem only trailed Marcel Hartel in creating chances for #allforcity, trailed Hartel and Klauss in xA.
Obviously they have to acquire him in a way that stays under the DP threshold but Wallem is a capital P Player.
Obviously they have to acquire him in a way that stays under the DP threshold but Wallem is a capital P Player.
St. Louis CITY SC finalized its end-of-season roster decisions, declining the 2026 contract options for Seth Antwi, Jayden Reid and Joey Zalinsky. 🗞️
St. Louis CITY SC Finalizes Roster Decisions Ahead of 2026 Season | St. Louis SC
St. Louis CITY SC has finalized its offseason roster decisions, declining 2026 contract options for Seth Antwi, Jayden Reid and Joey Zalinsky.
“Coming in at this stage, my priority is to make decision...
www.stlcitysc.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Club is still in talks with Henry Kessler, Devin Padelford, and Conrad Wallem. Wallem only trailed Marcel Hartel in creating chances for #allforcity, trailed Hartel and Klauss in xA.
Obviously they have to acquire him in a way that stays under the DP threshold but Wallem is a capital P Player.
Obviously they have to acquire him in a way that stays under the DP threshold but Wallem is a capital P Player.
Incredible that Minnesota even has 21% of possession
November 25, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Incredible that Minnesota even has 21% of possession
Riveting half of playoff football
November 25, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Riveting half of playoff football
Reposted by Justin Horneker
On media day, I asked Kysha what it was like coming into this tight Spirit squad:
“I called my mom and I was like ‘damn, why didn’t you tell me I have a lot of sisters in Washington?’”
“I called my mom and I was like ‘damn, why didn’t you tell me I have a lot of sisters in Washington?’”
November 24, 2025 at 9:48 PM
On media day, I asked Kysha what it was like coming into this tight Spirit squad:
“I called my mom and I was like ‘damn, why didn’t you tell me I have a lot of sisters in Washington?’”
“I called my mom and I was like ‘damn, why didn’t you tell me I have a lot of sisters in Washington?’”
That’s good technique
In case you missed it!
Ruesha Littlejohn received a red card after things got a bit heated. Judo tossing Hannah Cain to the ground. Already winning by 3 adding a bit of injury to the insult innit?
Ruesha Littlejohn received a red card after things got a bit heated. Judo tossing Hannah Cain to the ground. Already winning by 3 adding a bit of injury to the insult innit?
November 24, 2025 at 10:27 PM
That’s good technique
USL players have been collective bargaining for over a year and their ask is for owners to simply support professional standards like QoL increases and year round healthcare.
How can ownership say these negotiations are occurring in good faith while performing stunts like this?
How can ownership say these negotiations are occurring in good faith while performing stunts like this?
This post by the USLPA needs to be seen and read.
The league withheld the materials from the USL Championship trophy celebration in retaliation for the players walking out in their USLPA shirts along with cutting out broadcast angles with that message.
www.instagram.com/p/DRcyNEdkhPs/
The league withheld the materials from the USL Championship trophy celebration in retaliation for the players walking out in their USLPA shirts along with cutting out broadcast angles with that message.
www.instagram.com/p/DRcyNEdkhPs/
November 24, 2025 at 9:42 PM
USL players have been collective bargaining for over a year and their ask is for owners to simply support professional standards like QoL increases and year round healthcare.
How can ownership say these negotiations are occurring in good faith while performing stunts like this?
How can ownership say these negotiations are occurring in good faith while performing stunts like this?
New York City is the Rose Lavelle of America.
We think Rose Lavelle should get the key to every city 🔑
November 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
New York City is the Rose Lavelle of America.
Browsing the NWSL vacancies, what job lures you away from UCLA?
Margueritte Aozasa wouldn't give up that job security for just any NWSL job. Perhaps the recent vacancy across the state from where she won the Big Ten title last season? Unless Bay is ready to be serious...
Margueritte Aozasa wouldn't give up that job security for just any NWSL job. Perhaps the recent vacancy across the state from where she won the Big Ten title last season? Unless Bay is ready to be serious...
November 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Browsing the NWSL vacancies, what job lures you away from UCLA?
Margueritte Aozasa wouldn't give up that job security for just any NWSL job. Perhaps the recent vacancy across the state from where she won the Big Ten title last season? Unless Bay is ready to be serious...
Margueritte Aozasa wouldn't give up that job security for just any NWSL job. Perhaps the recent vacancy across the state from where she won the Big Ten title last season? Unless Bay is ready to be serious...
Reposted by Justin Horneker
As I confirmed #Crew96 are working with Celtic FC to finalize an agreement for Wilfried Nancy to join the Scottish club, story below
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
Columbus Crew finalizing agreement for Wilfried Nancy to join Celtic FC
The Crew are confirmed to be working on an agreement with Celtic FC coach Wilfried Nancy to depart from Columbus.
www.dispatch.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:53 PM
As I confirmed #Crew96 are working with Celtic FC to finalize an agreement for Wilfried Nancy to join the Scottish club, story below
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
Hmmm!!!
November 24, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Hmmm!!!
Reposted by Justin Horneker
It's happening!
November 24, 2025 at 3:47 PM
It's happening!
I voted Sørensen because I just thought his Vancouver did a better job adjusting and going toe to toe with the top teams in the league.
Vancouver were 2nd in xG and xGA and suffered in the table for a disastrous June following the CCC loss. All of this without Ryan Gauld for most of the season.
Vancouver were 2nd in xG and xGA and suffered in the table for a disastrous June following the CCC loss. All of this without Ryan Gauld for most of the season.
Bradley Carnell wins coach of the year. Sorensen won media vote (barely) but Carnell dominated among players and clubs.
November 24, 2025 at 5:23 PM
I voted Sørensen because I just thought his Vancouver did a better job adjusting and going toe to toe with the top teams in the league.
Vancouver were 2nd in xG and xGA and suffered in the table for a disastrous June following the CCC loss. All of this without Ryan Gauld for most of the season.
Vancouver were 2nd in xG and xGA and suffered in the table for a disastrous June following the CCC loss. All of this without Ryan Gauld for most of the season.
Reposted by Justin Horneker
If Nancy leaves for Celtic, this is really Issa Tall’s team now. He made the splash for Gazdag and Abou Ali and now will have to appoint a new coach. Going to be a real test for him but it also allows him to build the team he wants. Losing Nancy isn’t easy but at some point it was going to happen
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
If Nancy leaves for Celtic, this is really Issa Tall’s team now. He made the splash for Gazdag and Abou Ali and now will have to appoint a new coach. Going to be a real test for him but it also allows him to build the team he wants. Losing Nancy isn’t easy but at some point it was going to happen
Reposted by Justin Horneker
The time for SLU soccer's Sweet 16 NCAA game has been set for Sunday at 5 Central. They'll play Bryant in Smithfield, RI, which is just outside Providence.
November 24, 2025 at 3:35 PM
The time for SLU soccer's Sweet 16 NCAA game has been set for Sunday at 5 Central. They'll play Bryant in Smithfield, RI, which is just outside Providence.
Newsletter:
Rose Lavelle’s defining NWSL moment.
Trinity Rodman’s eventful week.
& What will it take for the league to actually address its systemic issues?
www.talkinsoccer.com/rose-lavelle...
Rose Lavelle’s defining NWSL moment.
Trinity Rodman’s eventful week.
& What will it take for the league to actually address its systemic issues?
www.talkinsoccer.com/rose-lavelle...
Rose Lavelle's defining moment, Trinity Rodman, and Jessica Berman's NWSL final weekend.
The NWSL Final was one to remember thanks to Rose Lavelle's heroics. Gotham shutdown the Washington Spirit, but where does this leave Trinity Rodman?
www.talkinsoccer.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Newsletter:
Rose Lavelle’s defining NWSL moment.
Trinity Rodman’s eventful week.
& What will it take for the league to actually address its systemic issues?
www.talkinsoccer.com/rose-lavelle...
Rose Lavelle’s defining NWSL moment.
Trinity Rodman’s eventful week.
& What will it take for the league to actually address its systemic issues?
www.talkinsoccer.com/rose-lavelle...
YIKES.
Avelo is using one of its ICE planes (painted white so it won’t hurt the brand) to fly pro-athlete women.
As I reported in @prospect.org, this plane had an emergency landing Nov 13. Migrants regularly soil themselves in their seats bc ICE guards won’t let them get up.
prospect.org/2025/11/17/i...
As I reported in @prospect.org, this plane had an emergency landing Nov 13. Migrants regularly soil themselves in their seats bc ICE guards won’t let them get up.
prospect.org/2025/11/17/i...
November 24, 2025 at 5:59 AM
YIKES.
Who could have seen this coming?
The Shield-winning Union just lost at home to a team starting a left back and a child in central midfield, and their No. 10 as their No. 9.
The answer re: Philly's game model, once again, is "no."
www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/202...
The answer re: Philly's game model, once again, is "no."
www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/202...
November 24, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Who could have seen this coming?
These pigeons just wanna roost
November 24, 2025 at 2:47 AM
These pigeons just wanna roost
NYCFC on fumes!
November 24, 2025 at 2:45 AM
NYCFC on fumes!