Tim Hotze
@thotze.bsky.social
Managing Editor @meninred97.com
Chicago Fire (& other) soccer
Member @soccerreporters.bsky.social
MLS Roster Rule nerd. GAM aficionado.
Chicago Fire (& other) soccer
Member @soccerreporters.bsky.social
MLS Roster Rule nerd. GAM aficionado.
True North Foot quotes former HC of Valour FC - where Chicago Fire II's Diego Konincks was loaned - players were given "leftover concession food" as a post-game meal.
Team owned by Winnipeg Football Group of the 🏈 CFL that posted a record $7m operating profit last year
#cf97 #VamosFire
Team owned by Winnipeg Football Group of the 🏈 CFL that posted a record $7m operating profit last year
#cf97 #VamosFire
November 26, 2025 at 11:07 PM
True North Foot quotes former HC of Valour FC - where Chicago Fire II's Diego Konincks was loaned - players were given "leftover concession food" as a post-game meal.
Team owned by Winnipeg Football Group of the 🏈 CFL that posted a record $7m operating profit last year
#cf97 #VamosFire
Team owned by Winnipeg Football Group of the 🏈 CFL that posted a record $7m operating profit last year
#cf97 #VamosFire
Wake up babe– new MLS (Next Pro) player coach just dropped from #cf97
New role, same Omar 👏
Omar González has been named as an assistant coach for Chicago Fire FC II. Additionally, González’s role may include taking the field as a player, which will be instrumental in providing experience and leadership for young players in MLS NEXT Pro and Academy players. #cf97
Omar González has been named as an assistant coach for Chicago Fire FC II. Additionally, González’s role may include taking the field as a player, which will be instrumental in providing experience and leadership for young players in MLS NEXT Pro and Academy players. #cf97
November 26, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Wake up babe– new MLS (Next Pro) player coach just dropped from #cf97
See, if FC Cincinnati had just been able to make this a one goal game they'd have won it.
November 24, 2025 at 12:06 AM
See, if FC Cincinnati had just been able to make this a one goal game they'd have won it.
VANCOUVER! (and Seb Berhalter could drag the USMNT to a World Cup final on his back if he keeps playing like this)
November 23, 2025 at 5:40 AM
VANCOUVER! (and Seb Berhalter could drag the USMNT to a World Cup final on his back if he keeps playing like this)
Soccer games are often won and lost in the midfield and once again, Cherundolo's genius idea solution of "well then we just won't have one" isn't working out.
November 23, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Soccer games are often won and lost in the midfield and once again, Cherundolo's genius idea solution of "well then we just won't have one" isn't working out.
Reposted by Tim Hotze
The USL Championship final, the NWSL final and Vancouver-LAFC make for a fine day of showing that the domestic game has plenty of its own stories.
November 23, 2025 at 12:21 AM
The USL Championship final, the NWSL final and Vancouver-LAFC make for a fine day of showing that the domestic game has plenty of its own stories.
Honestly JD Vance shoulda just gone with a tuxedo t-shirt and it'd have been an improvement
panting, stumbling and knocking over my coffee table trying to send this to the menswear guy
It is real:
November 21, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Honestly JD Vance shoulda just gone with a tuxedo t-shirt and it'd have been an improvement
Alright, Berman, ball's kinda in your court now.
Valid reasons for Rodman to avoid USLS, but now she wouldn't have to decide between staying in DC and getting paid what she's worth.
Valid reasons for Rodman to avoid USLS, but now she wouldn't have to decide between staying in DC and getting paid what she's worth.
🇺🇸 BREAKING: USLS's DC Power has made an offer to sign USWNT star Trinity Rodman, per sources.
"Significantly" larger than what Washington Spirit can offer.
Convos continue between Rodman's camp + NWSL. WSL clubs still in the mix. ⌛️
w/ @meglinehan.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
"Significantly" larger than what Washington Spirit can offer.
Convos continue between Rodman's camp + NWSL. WSL clubs still in the mix. ⌛️
w/ @meglinehan.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Trinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than what NWSL can match: Sources
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Alright, Berman, ball's kinda in your court now.
Valid reasons for Rodman to avoid USLS, but now she wouldn't have to decide between staying in DC and getting paid what she's worth.
Valid reasons for Rodman to avoid USLS, but now she wouldn't have to decide between staying in DC and getting paid what she's worth.
Reposted by Tim Hotze
Was that Philip Zinckernagel?
I don't think I did a bad job in my acting debut alongside @thotze.bsky.social 🤷♂️ #SAVEMAGEE #cf97 #VamosFire
I don't think I did a bad job in my acting debut alongside @thotze.bsky.social 🤷♂️ #SAVEMAGEE #cf97 #VamosFire
November 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Was that Philip Zinckernagel?
I don't think I did a bad job in my acting debut alongside @thotze.bsky.social 🤷♂️ #SAVEMAGEE #cf97 #VamosFire
I don't think I did a bad job in my acting debut alongside @thotze.bsky.social 🤷♂️ #SAVEMAGEE #cf97 #VamosFire
TL;DR: Gregg says he likes it
🔄BIG changes coming 🔄
MLS announced today the league will shift to a Fall-Spring calendar beginning in July of 2027.
@thotze.bsky.social broke down the biggest change in the history of the League and what it means for the Fire
Read: meninred97.com/mls-announce...
#cf97 #vamosfire
MLS announced today the league will shift to a Fall-Spring calendar beginning in July of 2027.
@thotze.bsky.social broke down the biggest change in the history of the League and what it means for the Fire
Read: meninred97.com/mls-announce...
#cf97 #vamosfire
MLS Announces Schedule, Format Changes: Impact on Fire - MIR97 Media
Major League Soccer owners convened in Palm Beach, Florida voted today to shift the league’s season from an annual spring-to-fall calendar to a European-like fall-spring calendar. The change will go i...
meninred97.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:02 PM
TL;DR: Gregg says he likes it
Huge news but not unexpected news.
Biggest single shift in league history
Biggest single shift in league history
BREAKING: MLS owners officially voted to flip to a "summer-spring" format beginning in mid-July and running through the end of May. Will start in 2027.
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS owners vote to flip schedule to European calendar, change format starting in 2027
MLS will soon align with leagues that play from the fall to the spring after a transformational decision made by its owners
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Huge news but not unexpected news.
Biggest single shift in league history
Biggest single shift in league history
This may affect negotiations with @mlspa.bsky.social: In the current CBA, players were promised part of add'l broadcast revenue (added to salary cap) if certain $ targets met – never happened, but now there's no chance of Apple sharing #mls Season Pass revenue, so it clearly won't happen soon.
BREAKING: MLS will come out from behind the separate MLS Season Pass subscription beginning in 2026, per sources.
All games will be available on the Apple TV streaming service.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
All games will be available on the Apple TV streaming service.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS, Apple TV to bring games outside of extra paywall in 2026: Sources
Beginning next season, MLS games will be even more accessible via Apple TV
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:14 PM
This may affect negotiations with @mlspa.bsky.social: In the current CBA, players were promised part of add'l broadcast revenue (added to salary cap) if certain $ targets met – never happened, but now there's no chance of Apple sharing #mls Season Pass revenue, so it clearly won't happen soon.
@hornekerjustin.bsky.social 🤝 everyone at @meninred97.com (well, more, just, continue the derby annually, at least)
I'm a single issue MLS voter, and that issue is a road trip to Chicago every year
November 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
@hornekerjustin.bsky.social 🤝 everyone at @meninred97.com (well, more, just, continue the derby annually, at least)
I know, we all think the content would've been better if @lesleyryder.bsky.social just stuck around after talking about the Stars but it was still great talking to Joe and @acampbellsports.bsky.social about the #cf97's 2025 #mls campaign.
NEW POD
Alex was joined by @joechatz.bsky.social and @thotze.bsky.social to reflect on the Fire's 2025 and Gregg Berhalter's first year in charge. Plus: one midfielder staying, one arriving... and maybe one leaving?
#cf97 #vamosfire #mls
Alex was joined by @joechatz.bsky.social and @thotze.bsky.social to reflect on the Fire's 2025 and Gregg Berhalter's first year in charge. Plus: one midfielder staying, one arriving... and maybe one leaving?
#cf97 #vamosfire #mls
CHGO Fire Podcast: Burning Brighter: Recapping the Chicago Fire’s 2025 season - CHGO Sports
From Wooden Spoon ‘winners’ to returning to the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, 2025 was a year of substantial improvement for the Chicago Fire.
allchgo.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
I know, we all think the content would've been better if @lesleyryder.bsky.social just stuck around after talking about the Stars but it was still great talking to Joe and @acampbellsports.bsky.social about the #cf97's 2025 #mls campaign.
I'm all for finding ways to support local retail, but man, what a terrible idea. A flat tax on all "tangible property" regardless of size/weight?
To say nothing of the fact that this will disproportionately affect disabled ppl & ones who live in retail deserts.
To say nothing of the fact that this will disproportionately affect disabled ppl & ones who live in retail deserts.
A package delivery tax is being proposed to help float the city's budget woes — but the mayor says it would need state approval. blockclubchi.co/4qUblCq
November 11, 2025 at 3:52 PM
I'm all for finding ways to support local retail, but man, what a terrible idea. A flat tax on all "tangible property" regardless of size/weight?
To say nothing of the fact that this will disproportionately affect disabled ppl & ones who live in retail deserts.
To say nothing of the fact that this will disproportionately affect disabled ppl & ones who live in retail deserts.
Vamos!
It's CHGO soccer podcasts season finale day!
3:30: @chgo-stars.bsky.social w/ @joechatz.bsky.social + @lesleyryder.bsky.social
4:15: @chgo-fire.bsky.social w/ @thotze.bsky.social + more Joe
#cf97 #mls #withthestars #nwsl
Live on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CHGOSports/...
3:30: @chgo-stars.bsky.social w/ @joechatz.bsky.social + @lesleyryder.bsky.social
4:15: @chgo-fire.bsky.social w/ @thotze.bsky.social + more Joe
#cf97 #mls #withthestars #nwsl
Live on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CHGOSports/...
CHGO Sports
The fastest-growing digital outlet in Chicago Sports! We cover all of the Chicago sports teams and offer daily shows and podcasts for the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cub...
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Vamos!
If MLS does switch schedules and some teams don't want to play when it's cold, well, do I have an expansion market for you...
November 10, 2025 at 3:36 AM
If MLS does switch schedules and some teams don't want to play when it's cold, well, do I have an expansion market for you...
Reposted by Tim Hotze
CONCACAF heritage alert in the CPL final.
November 9, 2025 at 10:54 PM
CONCACAF heritage alert in the CPL final.
$165m expansion fees shouldn't be compatible with teams in the league playing out of high school and college stadiums, but, well, here we are.
BREAKING: The NWSL is awarding its 17th franchise to Atlanta and will join the league for a record expansion fee of $165 million, sources tell The Athletic.
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 10, 2025 at 12:56 AM
$165m expansion fees shouldn't be compatible with teams in the league playing out of high school and college stadiums, but, well, here we are.
Absolute. Legend.
Columbus Crew’s elimination means Darlington Nagbe has played his final game.
Salute to a certified legend.
Salute to a certified legend.
November 9, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Absolute. Legend.
Well that's certainly a series of words assembled into grammatically-correct English sentences.
Have we looked into the possibility that Berman is AI?
Have we looked into the possibility that Berman is AI?
#NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman spoke at halftime. She declined to explicitly confirm her widely reported contract extension ("I'm gonna still say that I intend to be here.") and was asked (Q: @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social) about the league's gender policy. Berman's full answer.
![Q: [With the previous gender policy no longer in place], what work is being done to replace it, and who are you working with on that?
Jessica Berman:
“Imagining that this would be a question for some of you, I have four things to share and hopefully that answers everyone’s questions and hopefully we can keep most of this focused on the game and the incredible athleticism on the field
“So, No. 1, we support and stand by every single player that plays in our league. They deserve our collective kindness, professionalism, and respect, and we celebrate them now and every day and through the championship.
“No. 2, when we think about our policy [air quotes with hands], what I can say is that every single player who plays in this league is eligible to play in this league, otherwise they would not be playing, and we are proud of every single player who plays in our league.
“The third point, I would say, is as it relates to this topic, generally, it is quite controversial and there are many different perspectives and we are doing everything we can to educate ourselves, to listen, to learn, to speak with subject matter experts to make sure that we have an informed and educated perspective. Our sport deserves that, and any changes that we make will be done in communication and collaboration with our players and our player association.
“And until then, our policy is our current practice, which is that every single player who plays in our league is eligible to play, and we should collectively rally around them, protect them, and ensure that they are treated with kindness and professionalism.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nslcuo75yabmubphoumrlfwc/bafkreicrrafatw66aj4wkormhaf367ghxvvwyxedwkp2s5v2l2qgpjcdzi@jpeg)
November 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Well that's certainly a series of words assembled into grammatically-correct English sentences.
Have we looked into the possibility that Berman is AI?
Have we looked into the possibility that Berman is AI?
Was not public but it's one of several parties that had expressed strong interest in Brian Gutiérrez.
I don't think I've reported this publicly or not but: The Colorado Rapids pushed hard for Brian Gutierrez this summer. Was one of their top options after selling Djordje Mihailovic.
Colorado landed on a club-record deal for Paxten Aaronson, of course.
Colorado landed on a club-record deal for Paxten Aaronson, of course.
November 7, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Was not public but it's one of several parties that had expressed strong interest in Brian Gutiérrez.
Huge news – new central/defensive mid Anton Salétros official per Bogert, and André Franco now a permanent member of #cf97
Franco's the no. 10 role is what made the 5-3-2 work offensively for the Fire in big wins over Minnesota, Columbus and Miami, sending the Chicago Fire back into the playoffs
Franco's the no. 10 role is what made the 5-3-2 work offensively for the Fire in big wins over Minnesota, Columbus and Miami, sending the Chicago Fire back into the playoffs
New: The Chicago Fire has signed midfielder André Franco on a permanent deal from Porto. Club agreed new transfer fee after ACL injury.
Club also complete deal to sign Sweden int'l midfielder Anton Salétros.
Gregg Berhalter on those deals + offseason plans: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Club also complete deal to sign Sweden int'l midfielder Anton Salétros.
Gregg Berhalter on those deals + offseason plans: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Sources: Fire reach permanent deal for Franco as part of club's plan to build on 2025
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Huge news – new central/defensive mid Anton Salétros official per Bogert, and André Franco now a permanent member of #cf97
Franco's the no. 10 role is what made the 5-3-2 work offensively for the Fire in big wins over Minnesota, Columbus and Miami, sending the Chicago Fire back into the playoffs
Franco's the no. 10 role is what made the 5-3-2 work offensively for the Fire in big wins over Minnesota, Columbus and Miami, sending the Chicago Fire back into the playoffs