Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

LightNews

Paul Tenorio

@paultenorio.bsky.social

7.4K followers 180 following 200 posts

Senior writer covering soccer for The Athletic.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 16h

Mauricio Pochettino says the change in climate between Austin (85-95 degrees) to Denver (altitude, much cooler) was a "massive risk" to the players in a night where Tillman couldn't play and Pulisic was withdrawn

w/ @paultenorio.bsky.social @henrybushnell.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...

Pulisic hurts hamstring; Pochettino questions climate change between games

www.nytimes.com

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 17h

A win and a draw in the October window for the #USMNT...

Henry Bushnell @henrybushnell.bsky.social · 17h

Story + analysis w/ @paultenorio.bsky.social on the USMNT's 2-1 win over Australia, overshadowed by Christian Pulisic's early exit.

For now, it's an undisclosed leg injury (not necessarily ankle). Team spokesman said he's being assessed.

More to come.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...

USMNT 2, Australia 1: Wright scores twice but Pulisic hurt in friendly win

www.nytimes.com

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 19h

Malik Tillman is on the bench, but dressed in sweats. He is not available for selection tonight for the #USMNT, as confirmed by @henrybushnell.bsky.social here in Commerce City.

Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Henry Bushnell @henrybushnell.bsky.social · 1d

Mauricio Pochettino first heard the quote from Chick-fil-A's chairman, over breakfast in Georgia earlier this year.

Last week, it was posted in the USMNT's meeting room, handwritten by Poch himself.

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."

Poch tells @theathletic.com the story behind his message:

How Chick-fil-A’s chairman inspired Mauricio Pochettino’s ‘culture’ message to USMNT

"The team culture, the team togetherness, is stronger than any individual," USMNT midfielder Brenden Aaronson said.

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 1d

OFFICIAL STATEMENT:

I'm back. www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...

Tom Bogert: Why I returned to The Athletic

America's greatest soccer newsbreaker documents why he's back where he belongs — here

www.nytimes.com

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 2d

Christian Pulisic trained Monday, expected to play a role Tuesday vs. Australia.

That and more from Mauricio Pochettino's press conference:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...

USMNT star Christian Pulisic expected to play vs. Australia in key friendly

The AC Milan winger came on as a second-half sub against Ecuador last Friday.

www.nytimes.com

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 2d

A moment in which the Austin crowd spurred the #USMNT to a deserved goal could end up being a turning point.

Or it could just be overblowing a tie (not even a win!) in an October friendly. It's part of why Tuesday's friendly matters a bit more...

www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...

USMNT fans are finding their voice. Can Mauricio Pochettino keep them roaring?

Tuesday’s friendly against Australia now feels a bit bigger than it should. The U.S. needs to carry forward this momentum.

www.nytimes.com

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 3d

The U.S. under-20 team will look to be the first American group to advance to the semifinals since 1989.

I spoke with U.S. U-20 coach Marko Mitrovic to preview the game here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...

And an oral history of that 1989 team is here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/991...

U.S. national team looks to ride consistency to FIFA Under-20 World Cup semifinal berth

On Sunday, the U.S. team will look to down Morocco and become the first to advance to the semifinals since 1989.

www.nytimes.com

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 4d

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

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 4d

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

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 5d

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 · 5d

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!

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 5d

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

Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Felipe Cardenas @felipecardenas.bsky.social · 8d

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

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 8d

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

Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Henry Bushnell @henrybushnell.bsky.social · 9d

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

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 9d

#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

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 13d

FIFA chasing those famously passionate Super Bowl crowds...

Henry Bushnell @henrybushnell.bsky.social · 13d

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

Reposted by Paul Tenorio

Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 13d

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

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 13d

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

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 26d

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

Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 27d

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

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

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

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

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