I wish every team would clarify whether or not their transaction utilized this “strategy” component. Would make my job a lot easier.

“Strategic trades” implies the existence of trades devoid of any strategy. That’s a new one!

This is a really good analytical look at the MLS field thus far

Stuff like this is worth an Athletic membership on its own. So good.

The 2024 #MLS season is now roughly a quarter complete.

How has the style of play changed since last season?

Jeff Rueter dives into the numbers on how teams have improved and regressed ⤵️
theathletic.com/5428421/2024/0…

Really good to see the STrib is letting Jon Marthaler cook up stories like these. Good read for #MNUFC fans.

NEW: No team’s fate is sealed after 25% of its season. Still, the first 6-8 games have started to see MLS teams establish habits. Time to study up!

Dive into the numbers of how each team is trending compared to last season, in attack and defense. ⚽️📊👇

theathletic.com/5428421/2024/0…

NEW: Today saw the last batch of teams enter the #USOC24 in its fourth round draw. Of the 32 teams left in contention, one ( #NYCFC II) comes from MLS Next Pro.

Some reflection on MLS's Open Cup shakeup, plus a quick look at every fourth round matchup: theathletic.com/5426899/2024/0…

It's pretty wild to me that MLS's official account still hasn't acknowledged today's fourth round #USOC24 draw, which took place over two hours ago and involved 8 MLS teams (including the defending Open Cup champion) and an MLS Next Pro affiliate.

Round of 32 (thru Round of 16) DRAW Groups | #USOC2024

Alonso Division
Atlanta United FC (MLS)
Charleston Battery (USLC)
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USLL1)
Charlotte Independence (USLL1)

Gonsalves Division
FC Dallas (MLS)
Tampa Bay Rowdies (USLC)
Birmingham Legion FC (USLC)
Memphis 901 FC (USLC)

Hakala-Nolan Division

Round of 32 (thru Round of 16) Draw TODAY | #USOC2024

WATCH » ussoc.cr/80d (U.S. Soccer YT)

WATCH » ussoc.cr/41h (usopencup.com)

BREAKING: Columbus Crew and head coach Wilfried Nancy have reached a contract extension, per sources.

Nancy led the Crew to win MLS Cup in 2023, his first year at the club.

Over the next two days, we'll be covering Round 3 of #USOC2024 . As we celebrate 21 years at TheCup we ask that if you appreciate the countless hours we put in covering & researching the US Open Cup, consider joining our Patreon team so we grow and improve!
patreon.com/usopencup

BREAKING: Portland Thorns FC are restructuring their technical staff, moving head coach Mike Norris to a new role as technical director. Rob Gale will be interim head coach, team will conduct a global search for new HC. #nwsl

The Athletic theathletic.com/5420434/2024/0…

I have no clue where Tom finds the time or energy, but his YouTube commentary has been fantastic. Worth a watch if you haven't tuned in yet!

NEW: Back on MLS Takeaways with Tom Bogert and Paul Tenorio:

📖 How teams will navigate midseason rule changes
👴 Reaction to the 'icon rule'
♨️ Coaches on the hot seat
👟 Sizing up a strong Golden Boot race
🌳 Austin FC continues to struggle

theathletic.com/5415655/2024/0…

📭 mailbag call!!!

gonna do a mailbag on The Athletic Soccer this week. end of the primary transfer window (next week), lookahead to the summer, two months of MLS action, whatever you got.

hit me with your best questions 🫡

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Christian Benteke are among the early leaders for the #MLS Golden Boot.

Which one stands the best chance of winning it?

Jeff Rueter dives into the numbers ⤵️

theathletic.com/5415655/2024/0…

◽️Five coaches on the hot seat
◽️Seven early Golden Boot candidates
◽️The 'icon rule' that was never brought to a vote

#MLS takeaways from the weekend, via Paul Tenorio , Jeff Rueter , & @TomBogert ⤵️

theathletic.com/5415655/2024/0…