Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 28m

The #USMNT played its best 90 minutes under Mauricio Pochettino in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. You can see the confidence building in its new tactical flexibility and identity — and players are embracing the approach.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...

USMNT effectively embraces its new tactical identity under Pochettino

It's taken a year, but Mauricio Pochettino appears to have landed on the best way to accentuate the U.S.'s attacking strengths

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 11h

Folarin Balogun shined and got a deserved goal to equalize Enner Valencia’s superb first half finish in #USMNT’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...

USMNT 1, Ecuador 1: Balogun’s deserved goal; Valencia’s moment of brilliance

The USMNT took on a tough South American opponent, played well and got the goal to show for it in a promising overall performance

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 21h

Jeff is an OG on The Athletic Soccer team, helped build the vertical into what it is and did a ton of great work in his six-plus years with us.

Know he's going to continue to crush it with coverage in the years to come.

Jeff Rueter @jeffrueter.bsky.social · 22h

Some personal news: today is my final day at The Athletic, ending a 6+ year tenure on its staff.

Immensely fortunate to have covered this sport alongside some of the finest writers and editors in the industry. Will keep you posted as I figure out what’s next for my work!

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 1d

Christian Pulisic arrives to #USMNT in form, but status for Friday suddenly in doubt as Pochettino says the No. 10 did not train today.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...

Christian Pulisic arrives in form, but status in sudden doubt for USMNT vs. Ecuador

Pulisic was just named Serie A's player of the month for September, but he may not be available for the U.S. Friday night

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Felipe Cardenas @felipecardenas.bsky.social · 3d

Darlington Nagbe decided over the summer that 2025 would be his last season in MLS. He stayed quiet about until today.

Nagbe, and those closest to him, spoke to The Athletic about his decision and the emotional conflicts of his announcement.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...

Darlington Nagbe retires: An understated star with an impeccable reputation

Nagbe is retiring after a distinguished, trophy-laden career in MLS, and those closest to him paint a picture of a revered superstar

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 3d

Inter Miami's Jordi Alba surprisingly announces he will retire at the end of the season.

Miami finalizing deal with Sergio Reguilon, who won't be eligible to play until 2026.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...

Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba announces retirement, team close to signing Sergio Reguilon

Alba had signed a contract extension until 2027 in May, while Reguilon is a free agent following his summer exit from Tottenham Hotspur.

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Henry Bushnell @henrybushnell.bsky.social · 4d

Outside of USMNT camps, Mauricio Pochettino hardly communicates with players.

It's a stark departure from the Berhalter era, but there's a method to the apparent madness.

w/ @paultenorio.bsky.social, inside Pochettino's strategy and silence:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...

For Mauricio Pochettino, communication void with USMNT players is a feature, not a bug

It's been common over the last year for USMNT players to hear little from Mauricio Pochettino outside camps. In fact, it's by design.

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 4d

#USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff have taken a different approach to communication: they don't talk much to players outside of camp.

It has a purpose. With @henrybushnell.bsky.social, a deep dive on Poch wanting players to talk with their play:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...

For Mauricio Pochettino, communication void with USMNT players is a feature, not a bug

It's been common over the last year for USMNT players to hear little from Mauricio Pochettino outside camps. In fact, it's by design.

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 8d

FIFA chasing those famously passionate Super Bowl crowds...

Henry Bushnell @henrybushnell.bsky.social · 8d

2026 World Cup ticket prices are (much) higher than:

🏆 all previous World Cups
🥇 all Olympics
🔮 projections in the 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 bid
⚽️ Euros, Champions League & more

Only real comparison: the NFL and Super Bowls.

A piece placing WC prices in context:

Booming World Cup ticket prices outstrip everything except the Super Bowl

The 2026 World Cup final could be the single most lucrative match in soccer history.

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 8d

Houston Dynamo and USMNT midfielder Jack McGlynn has undergone surgery on a foot injury on an injury suffered this weekend and will miss the rest of the 2025 season.

McGlynn was initially included in the USMNT October squad I’m told, but misses out with injury

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 8d

Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup roster may be coming into focus as Turner, McKennie, Antonee Robinson return along with Aidan Morris, Tanner Tessmann and others.

No Tyler Adams (personal reasons) or Yunus Musah.

Details here with @henrybushnell.bsky.social:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...

Mauricio Pochettino drops World Cup hint with USMNT squad as Robinson, McKennie return

The USMNT coach appears to be getting closer to landing on his first-choice squad for next summer's tournament

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 21d

D.C. United has hired Erkut Sogut as its new sporting director, per sources.

Indicative of leaning toward global experience as MLS model shifts in that direction in coming years.

Confirming earlier reporting from @stevengoff.bsky.social and @tombogert.bsky.social.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...

D.C. United hires Erkut Sogut, Mesut Özil’s ex-agent, as new sporting director

D.C. United is hoping to kick-start a revival, with the club mired among MLS's worst for a lengthy stretch

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 22d

In the last 15 seasons, just four players have had a season with 9+ goals + assists in Europe’s Big 5, then played four straight seasons in B5 without reaching 1,000 mins in any – and then had 9+ G+A again in a Big 5, per TruMedia.

Can Gio Reyna be the fifth? #USMNT

www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...

For Gio Reyna to make USMNT’s World Cup team, he’ll have to be a statistical exception

There aren't really any recent historical comps to Gio Reyna that suggest a full reclamation of form and productivity are imminent

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · Sep 8

Luis Suárez gets an additional three-game suspension from MLS for Leagues Cup rumble.

Steven Lenhart's credential revoked for remainder of 2025 season. Seattle fined for misappropriation of credential.

No other punishments for Inter Miami players.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...

MLS suspends Luis Suárez further after League Cup ban for spitting

Suárez was already suspended for six Leagues Cup games, but the punishment now bleeds into Miami's MLS slate as well.

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · Sep 7

Mauricio Pochettino was trying to fix a very real problem in this #USMNT by creating competition. But the U.S. depth only extends so far.

Pochettino has to cope with the flaws of the best players, bring them back in and coax more out of them.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...

In trying to generate squad competition, Pochettino’s USMNT is no better off

Mauricio Pochettino recognizes the USMNT's complacency problem, but has proven hooked on trying to solve it with lackluster depth

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Henry Bushnell @henrybushnell.bsky.social · Sep 6

Sad.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...

USMNT 0, South Korea 2: Pochettino's moves no match for Son in limp defeat

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · Sep 5

Guys. I say things are "peak MLS" all the time. This is the most #PeakMLS thing I have ever experienced.

Inter Miami stars Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Sounders team psych Steven Lenhart among those suspended for postgame Leagues Cup final brawl.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...

Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets suspended for role in Inter Miami Leagues Cup melee

Miami's clash with the Seattle Sounders turned ugly and led to repercussions.

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · Sep 5

#USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino looking forward to reuniting and coaching against his former star Son Heung-min

www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...

USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino looking forward to match against his former player Son Heung-min

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · Sep 4

Over/under on number of minutes after Cowboys-Eagles kicks off Leagues Cup (and MLS?) announce disciplinary decisions?

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Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Henry Bushnell @henrybushnell.bsky.social · Sep 3

finally, we have some 2026 World Cup ticket info. (*some*)

Here, @theathletic.com, is everything you need to know about how to get your hands on tickets, when, and what they might cost:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/659...

How to buy World Cup 2026 tickets: Prices, dates and everything to know

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · Sep 2

USMNT's Josh Sargent relishes "good spot" at Norwich after passing on transfers in summer window. Six goals in five games.

Now, he'll look to get back to scoring for the U.S.

"I know it’s a matter of time," he said.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/659...

USMNT’s Josh Sargent relishes ‘good spot’ at Norwich after passing on transfer

Staying put has proven fruitful for Sargent, who leads the EFL Championship in goals at the international break

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Leander **PRE-ORDER THE LONG GAME** Schaerlaeckens @leanderalphabet.bsky.social · Sep 2

🚨🚨You can now pre-order my book, THE LONG GAME, on the United States men's national soccer team and its messy rise from total international irrelevance to, well, TBD!🚨🚨

I spoke to ~150 players/coaches/etc. and got fresh stories and unprecedented access!

www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722130...

The Long Game by Leander Schaerlaeckens: 9780593653876 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

The gripping account of the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s winding saga from obscurity to the global stage as they stand on the brink of a seminal World Cup in 2026. For almost half a century,...

www.penguinrandomhouse.com

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Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Henry Bushnell @henrybushnell.bsky.social · Sep 2

I chatted with U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker about his grand plan for player development.

(and with him + others about why implementing it is so dang difficult.)

Feature @theathleticfc.bsky.social:

U.S. Soccer has a new vision for youth development. Implementing it is ‘an astronomical ask’

The "U.S. Way" is meant to kick development into high gear, but the American soccer landscape presents a series of challenges

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · Aug 29

LAFC hopes Son's biggest impact is on the field, but he also brings an enormous boost in visibility.

Son can make LAFC go global.

“The commercial benefits are undeniable, but it’s definitely a byproduct, it is not the priority,” John Thorrington said.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/658...

The Son Heung-min Effect is already being felt in Los Angeles and around MLS

Before even playing in his first home game in L.A., the South Korean superstar's impact is being felt on and beyond the pitch.

www.nytimes.com

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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · Aug 26

Christian Pulisic returns; Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah among absences. Noahkai Banks gets first call.

Pochettino's September roster is out.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...

USMNT September roster: Pulisic returns, but McKennie among omissions

Christian Pulisic returns after a contentious summer break, but there's intrigue elsewhere on Mauricio Pochettino's latest squad

www.nytimes.com

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