Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by John Parker

Soccerwise @soccerwisehq.bsky.social · 4h

Goal footage from @empiregass.bsky.social’s in-laws goes hard 🔥

Reposted by John Parker

First Touch @firsttouch.bsky.social · 4h

COOL AS YOU LIKE 🥶

#HajiWright keeps it clean and SMASHES the ball past the #Australia keeper to bring the #USMNT level!

1 3 18

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 4h

So…better once Pulisic came off?

Roldan the star man?

8

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 5h

Excited to see James Sands, Roldan, Freeman, and McKenzie.

Wondering if players will play together at all before the World Cup?

4

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 1d

I think if we just put our best scientists on to studying the Atlanta Falcons we will solve all of the Universe's most complex problems.

5

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 1d

Losing my mind here!!!

1

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 1d

Yep. I do.

1

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 2d

a man in a green cardigan and yellow shirt is standing next to another man .

ALT: a man in a green cardigan and yellow shirt is standing next to another man .

media.tenor.com

4

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 2d

I know the USSF prefers keeping players in their age groups these days, but I have a suspicion they'd be in the semi's right now if Julian Hall was with the U20's.

2

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 2d

Our U17's are much more talented (though performing worse in friendlies).

Can't wait for another quarterfinal heartbreak later this year. We move!

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 2d

It's BRUTAL to go out like that, but this US U20 squad looked like the best team on the pitch every time they walked out, and that's without some of the "star" players we've sometimes had in the past.

Mitrovic should get an MLS job next year, Tsakiris should get a cashfer. Maybe together in KC?

2 5

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 2d

It's BRUTAL to go out like that, but this US U20 squad looked like the best team on the pitch every time they walked out, and that's without some of the "star" players we've sometimes had in the past.

Mitrovic should get an MLS job next year, Tsakiris should get a cashfer. Maybe together in KC?

1 14

Reposted by John Parker

Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 2d

This sucks. A lot.

I know from my own experience doing it— it is NOT expensive to pay humans to do this. I got invaluable development working there. As did countless others.

But hey look at that, here’s a feedback form in case you also think it sucks www.mlssoccer.com/feedback/rec...

12 52 270

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 2d

Pro/Rel for America

🏰meg⚔️ @Birthright Audiobook! @impavid.us · 5d

In honor of spooky month, share a 4 word horror story that only someone in your profession would understand

I'll go first: Six page commercial lease.

1 10

Reposted by John Parker

Jeff Rueter @jeffrueter.bsky.social · 2d

As someone whose time freelancing for MLSsoccer was a vital step in my career progression, and someone who generally gleans insight from the observations of others:

This sucks so hard.

MLS is using generative AI to write match recaps. Writers used to get paid freelance rates to do that. Hssssss.

47 150 730

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 3d

Soccer won’t make it in this country until it’s the sport of choice in platonic rooms at swinger retreats.

Nun Ya @ishfery.bsky.social · 3d

I strongly recommend Banana Ball youtube.com/@officialban...

It's so much fun to watch that we actually had a platonic room party to watch it while at a swingers' retreat

Banana Ball

Banana Ball has become the fastest and most entertaining game in sports. With its fast-paced rules and emphasis on continuous play, Banana Ball strips away the often criticized lulls and lengthy pause...

youtube.com

2 3 21

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 4d

100%, and did it in two unique positions in 30 minutes.

1

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 4d

Looked like BJ Callaghan was the coach

1

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 4d

I know we didn’t win but that was our most encouraging Poch era performance since 2023 for me.

1 8

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 4d

Build the USMNT around Alex Freeman

1 6

Reposted by John Parker

First Touch @firsttouch.bsky.social · 4d

The #UnitedStates get caught in transition and Enner Valencia fires #Ecuador in front 🇪🇨

1 4

Reposted by John Parker

Kickback Committee @kickbackcommittee.bsky.social · 4d

LEVEL UP: FRANKIE WESTFIELD 🏆

It took #MLS & #USA breakout star Frankie Westfield one season to secure silverware, and he is not done yet!

The #fullbacks enigmatic and fearless attitude both unbalanced defenses and stifled attacks across numerous matches. Who is having a better 2025 than Frankie?

‘Level Up!’ Art graphic for Philadelphia Union and United States Youth National Team defender Frankie Westfield.

1 7

Reposted by John Parker

Kickback Committee @kickbackcommittee.bsky.social · 4d

Kickback Minutes #11 ⚽️

🏆 #PhiladelphiaUnion clinch the Supporter’s Shield.

🔥 #GoldenBoot race: Bouanga vs #Messi vs Surridge.

🇺🇸 #USMNTU20 roll past Italy: Benja Cremaschi brace

⭐️ Union homegrown talent Frankie Westfield Level’s Up

Full issue 👉 the-kickback.ghost.io/minutes-from...

Minutes from the Committee Meeting

October 10, 2025 — Committee Meeting # 11 Thanks for enjoying Kickback Minutes! This is Kickback’s weekly quick hits on all things soccer in the U.S. Our World Cup newsletter, First Touch ‘26, is iss...

the-kickback.ghost.io

1 6

Reposted by John Parker

Kickback Committee @kickbackcommittee.bsky.social · 5d

Every tournament has its star🌟For the USA, it’s Benjamin Cremaschi, the heartbeat of the team 🇺🇸🔥

The U.S. dominates Italy 3-0 to advance to the Quarterfinals of U20 World Cup💥⚽

4 23

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 6d

So is Portland going to do V for Vendetta, but with inflatable frogs instead of Guy Fawkes masks? (complimentary)

8

John Parker @johnkickback.bsky.social · 7d

Scuba dive is my all time fave

1