Backheeled

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The 2030 World Cup cycle starts now. Mauricio Pochettino has four years to help build a better USMNT — and that means giving young talent real opportunities. @sanjaysujan.bsky.social examines the biggest priorities for the start of Pochettino's new cycle ⤵️

Pochettino's biggest USMNT priority? Hand the keys to the next generation

With a new four-year contract signed, Mauricio Pochettino's focus should shift toward building the USMNT's next core rather than relying on its last one.

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Bringing Poch back makes sense since the group stage suggests he can/will do more with the USMNT with more time. But he'd better. Because what he's done w/ the USMNT so far straight-up hasn't been good enough. My column!

Backheeled@backheeled.com · 2d ago

The USMNT was supposed to be lucky to have Mauricio Pochettino. After a World Cup that ended in humiliation, the conversation has changed. Now back with a new contract, Pochettino is the one with something to prove 🇺🇸 @jerryhinnen.bsky.social ⤵️

𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▫️ Neil Pierre is must-watch for USMNT fans ▫️ Robert Lewandowski opens his MLS account ▫️ Time to worry about LAFC? ▫️ ...and much more! @joeclowery.bsky.social, @benwright.bsky.social & @aclausen90.bsky.social dive into the standout players, teams & stories from around MLS 🆓

MLS Winners and Losers: Neil Pierre is must-watch, Robert Lewandowski comes good & more

This week, we marvel at a unicorn prospect. We also do a lot of other stuff.

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𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 ▫️ Antoine Griezmann elevates Orlando City ▫️ Casemiro changes Inter Miami ▫️ Time for the Seattle Sounders to worry? ▫️ ...and much more! @joeclowery.bsky.social, @benwright.bsky.social & @aclausen90.bsky.social dive into the standout players, teams & stories from around MLS ⤵️

MLS Winners and Losers: Antoine Griezmann's Orlando impact, Inter Miami get weirder & more

This week, we assess a pair of new stars. We also do a lot of other stuff.

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The World Cup showed just how much New York loves soccer. The harder question: can New York City FC and Red Bull New York convince those fans to care about MLS now that it's over? @sanjaysujan.bsky.social explored MLS's lack of relevance in the U.S.'s biggest market ⤵️

MLS has a New York problem. Is a solution on the way?

A new stadium, distinct identities, and post-World Cup momentum have given New York's MLS clubs their best chance yet to capture the city's soccer fans.

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MLS lacks mainstream relevance in the Big Apple. Can the World Cup bump help change that? On the stadium situation, star power, and two clubs with different identities looking to capitalize on this unique moment. My latest @backheeled.com www.backheeled.com/mls-new-york...

MLS has a New York problem. Is a solution on the way?

A new stadium, distinct identities, and post-World Cup momentum have given New York's MLS clubs their best chance yet to capture the city's soccer fans.

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"New York is a soccer city." But can MLS finally make it an MLS city? A new stadium, distinct identities, and post-World Cup momentum have given New York City FC and Red Bull New York a chance to capture the city's soccer fans. @sanjaysujan.bsky.social ⤵️

MLS has a New York problem. Is a solution on the way?

A new stadium, distinct identities, and post-World Cup momentum have given New York's MLS clubs their best chance yet to capture the city's soccer fans.

backheeled.com

MLS had eight years to prepare for a home World Cup. The league is improving, but missed out on the World Cup's "rocket fuel" by delaying key calendar and spending decisions. In the end, MLS wasn’t ready to act with the country watching. @joeclowery.bsky.social ⤵️

MLS missed its World Cup moment

Eight years after the U.S. won the right to co-host the World Cup, MLS entered a defining moment without the changes that could have maximized it.

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