Arman Kafai
@armankafai.bsky.social
Current: 🚙 Data Analyst
Prev: ⚽️ Data w/ FC Dallas
☄️UT Dallas ‘19/20 BS/MS Economics
https://footyanalyticmusings.substack.com/
Prev: ⚽️ Data w/ FC Dallas
☄️UT Dallas ‘19/20 BS/MS Economics
https://footyanalyticmusings.substack.com/
Pinned
2026 Off-Season Preview: FC Dallas
A miraculous end to the 2025 season saw FCD make the playoffs, but an uncertain future awaits
footyanalyticmusings.substack.com
A season with some wild ups and downs, the 2025 FC Dallas team made a surprise run into the post-season. Petar Musa emerged as a star in MLS even after the departure of Lucho Acosta. What’s next for Dallas in 2026? For FAM:
Reposted by Arman Kafai
Just bought my tickets for ASI in Houston next month. Reach out or whatever if you plan to be there. I'll probably be awkwardly following @eliotmckinley.com, @armankafai.bsky.social, and whoever else I might know trying not to be too big of a dork.
December 2, 2025 at 4:29 AM
Just bought my tickets for ASI in Houston next month. Reach out or whatever if you plan to be there. I'll probably be awkwardly following @eliotmckinley.com, @armankafai.bsky.social, and whoever else I might know trying not to be too big of a dork.
If Vera is a CB (I know he played LB at times), this has to be a signal that Montreal wants to play with more of a back 3 or a system that acts like one. They have Neal, and traded a load of GAM for Efrain Morales in the summer window. That’s the third CB they’ve acquired with a larger price tag
🚨🇨🇦 Excl: Brayan Vera, set to join Montreal from Real Salt Lake on $1.5m fee plus add-ons.
December 1, 2025 at 6:03 PM
If Vera is a CB (I know he played LB at times), this has to be a signal that Montreal wants to play with more of a back 3 or a system that acts like one. They have Neal, and traded a load of GAM for Efrain Morales in the summer window. That’s the third CB they’ve acquired with a larger price tag
Whatever happens tonight, Tyler Heaps came in with a vision for his club and put it out to virtual perfection in Year 1 of an expansion side.
"We want to avoid duels at all costs...You won't see us play long out of a goal kick."
Tyler Heaps, MLS's youngest sporting director, has shaped the tactical identity of MLS's youngest club: San Diego FC.
Here's what to expect.
From @joeclowery.bsky.social ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/inside-san-d...
Tyler Heaps, MLS's youngest sporting director, has shaped the tactical identity of MLS's youngest club: San Diego FC.
Here's what to expect.
From @joeclowery.bsky.social ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/inside-san-d...
Inside San Diego FC’s tactical identity: "You won't see us play long out of a goal kick"
Inspired by the Columbus Crew, here's how MLS's newest expansion team developed a detailed on-field approach.
www.backheeled.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Whatever happens tonight, Tyler Heaps came in with a vision for his club and put it out to virtual perfection in Year 1 of an expansion side.
Oh wow MLS is actually letting us feel the pre game atmosphere of this game!
November 29, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Oh wow MLS is actually letting us feel the pre game atmosphere of this game!
Reposted by Arman Kafai
A season with some wild ups and downs, the 2025 FC Dallas team made a surprise run into the post-season. Petar Musa emerged as a star in MLS even after the departure of Lucho Acosta. What’s next for Dallas in 2026? For FAM:
2026 Off-Season Preview: FC Dallas
A miraculous end to the 2025 season saw FCD make the playoffs, but an uncertain future awaits
footyanalyticmusings.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:34 PM
A season with some wild ups and downs, the 2025 FC Dallas team made a surprise run into the post-season. Petar Musa emerged as a star in MLS even after the departure of Lucho Acosta. What’s next for Dallas in 2026? For FAM:
A season with some wild ups and downs, the 2025 FC Dallas team made a surprise run into the post-season. Petar Musa emerged as a star in MLS even after the departure of Lucho Acosta. What’s next for Dallas in 2026? For FAM:
2026 Off-Season Preview: FC Dallas
A miraculous end to the 2025 season saw FCD make the playoffs, but an uncertain future awaits
footyanalyticmusings.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:34 PM
A season with some wild ups and downs, the 2025 FC Dallas team made a surprise run into the post-season. Petar Musa emerged as a star in MLS even after the departure of Lucho Acosta. What’s next for Dallas in 2026? For FAM:
If Nancy leaves for Celtic, this is really Issa Tall’s team now. He made the splash for Gazdag and Abou Ali and now will have to appoint a new coach. Going to be a real test for him but it also allows him to build the team he wants. Losing Nancy isn’t easy but at some point it was going to happen
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
If Nancy leaves for Celtic, this is really Issa Tall’s team now. He made the splash for Gazdag and Abou Ali and now will have to appoint a new coach. Going to be a real test for him but it also allows him to build the team he wants. Losing Nancy isn’t easy but at some point it was going to happen
Not to dunk on anyone but a pretty bad week to be Ernst Tanner, mainly for being a horrible human
The Shield-winning Union just lost at home to a team starting a left back and a child in central midfield, and their No. 10 as their No. 9.
The answer re: Philly's game model, once again, is "no."
www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/202...
The answer re: Philly's game model, once again, is "no."
www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/202...
November 24, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Not to dunk on anyone but a pretty bad week to be Ernst Tanner, mainly for being a horrible human
Reposted by Arman Kafai
It's over!
🇵🇦 Panama returns to the World Cup after
🇨🇼 Curacao makes its first-ever World Cup to become the smallest nation ever to make the tournament
🇭🇹 Haiti returns for the first time since 1974 despite not being able to play at home.
🇯🇲🇸🇷 to the playoff!
🇵🇦 Panama returns to the World Cup after
🇨🇼 Curacao makes its first-ever World Cup to become the smallest nation ever to make the tournament
🇭🇹 Haiti returns for the first time since 1974 despite not being able to play at home.
🇯🇲🇸🇷 to the playoff!
November 19, 2025 at 3:06 AM
It's over!
🇵🇦 Panama returns to the World Cup after
🇨🇼 Curacao makes its first-ever World Cup to become the smallest nation ever to make the tournament
🇭🇹 Haiti returns for the first time since 1974 despite not being able to play at home.
🇯🇲🇸🇷 to the playoff!
🇵🇦 Panama returns to the World Cup after
🇨🇼 Curacao makes its first-ever World Cup to become the smallest nation ever to make the tournament
🇭🇹 Haiti returns for the first time since 1974 despite not being able to play at home.
🇯🇲🇸🇷 to the playoff!
Reposted by Arman Kafai
Quick vertical vid live with the news & some snap thoughts. Much more coming.
www.tiktok.com/@jonarnoldfc...
www.tiktok.com/@jonarnoldfc...
Panama, Curacao & Haiti qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while Jamaica & Suriname will play on. Tremendous stories from the Concacaf region with a quick returnee, a debut team & Les Grenadiers do...
TikTok video by Joncacaf ⚽️
www.tiktok.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Quick vertical vid live with the news & some snap thoughts. Much more coming.
www.tiktok.com/@jonarnoldfc...
www.tiktok.com/@jonarnoldfc...
Reposted by Arman Kafai
Many Haiti players currently on IG live, which you'd expect.
But as I wrote last week, comments & messages from fans on social media took on a special role during this campaign, with Les Grenadiers getting almost all their home support through screens.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
But as I wrote last week, comments & messages from fans on social media took on a special role during this campaign, with Les Grenadiers getting almost all their home support through screens.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Haiti's road to the World Cup doesn't include a stop at home
With its capital city 85% controlled by gangs, Haiti hasn't played a home game in four years, leaving its path to the World Cup entirely on the road.
www.espn.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Many Haiti players currently on IG live, which you'd expect.
But as I wrote last week, comments & messages from fans on social media took on a special role during this campaign, with Les Grenadiers getting almost all their home support through screens.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
But as I wrote last week, comments & messages from fans on social media took on a special role during this campaign, with Les Grenadiers getting almost all their home support through screens.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Reposted by Arman Kafai
I went to Curacao in 2019 & wrote a Goal USA story in which the great vibes of the retrofitted school bus the team uses to get around the island was the big star.
Getting to the Gold Cup was the big deal then. Now, Curacao is into the World Cup. Incredible.
www.goal.com/en-us/news/n...
Getting to the Gold Cup was the big deal then. Now, Curacao is into the World Cup. Incredible.
www.goal.com/en-us/news/n...
November 19, 2025 at 3:14 AM
I went to Curacao in 2019 & wrote a Goal USA story in which the great vibes of the retrofitted school bus the team uses to get around the island was the big star.
Getting to the Gold Cup was the big deal then. Now, Curacao is into the World Cup. Incredible.
www.goal.com/en-us/news/n...
Getting to the Gold Cup was the big deal then. Now, Curacao is into the World Cup. Incredible.
www.goal.com/en-us/news/n...
Reposted by Arman Kafai
Current qualifiers:
🇵🇦 🇨🇼 🇭🇹
Current playoff:
🇯🇲 🇸🇷
I've seen enough! 0-0 in San Jose means HAITI is into the World Cup for the first time since 1974, SURINAME is into the playoff and neither Costa Rica nor Honduras will be in North America.
🇵🇦 🇨🇼 🇭🇹
Current playoff:
🇯🇲 🇸🇷
I've seen enough! 0-0 in San Jose means HAITI is into the World Cup for the first time since 1974, SURINAME is into the playoff and neither Costa Rica nor Honduras will be in North America.
November 19, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Current qualifiers:
🇵🇦 🇨🇼 🇭🇹
Current playoff:
🇯🇲 🇸🇷
I've seen enough! 0-0 in San Jose means HAITI is into the World Cup for the first time since 1974, SURINAME is into the playoff and neither Costa Rica nor Honduras will be in North America.
🇵🇦 🇨🇼 🇭🇹
Current playoff:
🇯🇲 🇸🇷
I've seen enough! 0-0 in San Jose means HAITI is into the World Cup for the first time since 1974, SURINAME is into the playoff and neither Costa Rica nor Honduras will be in North America.
HAITI IN THE WORLD CUP AND ITS BEAUTIFUL
November 19, 2025 at 3:02 AM
HAITI IN THE WORLD CUP AND ITS BEAUTIFUL
Alex Freeman’s story I feel like is almost underrated. Became a full time starter this season and not only was MLS Best XI but is also contributing to the national team. His ascendence in 2025 is remarkable
November 19, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Alex Freeman’s story I feel like is almost underrated. Became a full time starter this season and not only was MLS Best XI but is also contributing to the national team. His ascendence in 2025 is remarkable
Reposted by Arman Kafai
I know exactly what's going on in concacaf wcq because I subscribe to getting concacafed and listen to the hex. Invaluable resources for following the region.
November 18, 2025 at 11:13 PM
I know exactly what's going on in concacaf wcq because I subscribe to getting concacafed and listen to the hex. Invaluable resources for following the region.
Every section just keeps getting worse and worse for this guy
NEW: Ernst Tanner has built a powerhouse at the Philadelphia Union.
But my @us.theguardian.com investigation has shown wide-ranging allegations of misbehavior throughout his 7-year tenure.
Tanner denies the allegations, and was investigated by MLS this year.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
But my @us.theguardian.com investigation has shown wide-ranging allegations of misbehavior throughout his 7-year tenure.
Tanner denies the allegations, and was investigated by MLS this year.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
MLS executive who built a powerhouse faced allegations of sexist, racist and homophobic behavior
Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner denies the allegations, which prompted a recently-concluded MLS investigation that could not corroborate them
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Every section just keeps getting worse and worse for this guy
Reposted by Arman Kafai
The LA Galaxy were in cap hell last season with the way their team was structured. They went from MLS Cup champs to bottom of the West. Is their cap healthy? Will they make many changes? For FAM:
2026 Off-Season Preview: LA Galaxy
From MLS Cup to missing the playoffs, the 2025 season was a disaster for the Galaxy
open.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The LA Galaxy were in cap hell last season with the way their team was structured. They went from MLS Cup champs to bottom of the West. Is their cap healthy? Will they make many changes? For FAM:
Reposted by Arman Kafai
Next up in the offseason preview is CF Montreal, who went through another tough season. They actually admitted to starting a rebuild in 2025. Can they continue building off the young players they’ve acquired? What’s their cap situation like?
For FAM:
For FAM:
2026 Off-Season Preview: CF Montreal
Montreal had turmoil once again, but was there a silver lining going into 2026?
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Next up in the offseason preview is CF Montreal, who went through another tough season. They actually admitted to starting a rebuild in 2025. Can they continue building off the young players they’ve acquired? What’s their cap situation like?
For FAM:
For FAM:
The LA Galaxy were in cap hell last season with the way their team was structured. They went from MLS Cup champs to bottom of the West. Is their cap healthy? Will they make many changes? For FAM:
2026 Off-Season Preview: LA Galaxy
From MLS Cup to missing the playoffs, the 2025 season was a disaster for the Galaxy
open.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The LA Galaxy were in cap hell last season with the way their team was structured. They went from MLS Cup champs to bottom of the West. Is their cap healthy? Will they make many changes? For FAM:
Some of these takes about the schedule change are driving me fucking crazy. @drobertson27.bsky.social, @jonarnoldfc.bsky.social I'm saving my takes for the pod this week because I got some stuff to say.
November 14, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Some of these takes about the schedule change are driving me fucking crazy. @drobertson27.bsky.social, @jonarnoldfc.bsky.social I'm saving my takes for the pod this week because I got some stuff to say.
Reposted by Arman Kafai
If I see one more post about games in January in a cold-weather market I'm going to cry.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
November 14, 2025 at 12:53 AM
If I see one more post about games in January in a cold-weather market I'm going to cry.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
Another huge move as well. What a meeting these guys had
MLS plans to extend transfer windows a bit beyond when major European windows close after the schedule flips in summer of 2027.
MLS also has gotten green light from FIFA and Concacaf to include the three Canadian MLS teams as domestic, so all 30 MLS clubs will be aligned.
MLS also has gotten green light from FIFA and Concacaf to include the three Canadian MLS teams as domestic, so all 30 MLS clubs will be aligned.
November 13, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Another huge move as well. What a meeting these guys had
Next up, the league is going to have to renegotiate the CBA. It currently runs through 2027 and would expire during the 2027-28 season. If you’ve been reading FAM, I’ve been noting constantly how this gives an opportunity for teams currently to try and do moves anticipating this. Exciting times
BREAKING: MLS owners have voted and passed a schedule change. The league will run from the late summer months through May.
This is due to start in summer of 2027. MLS will take winter break in Jan/Feb
More from @paultenorio.bsky.social on the ground at BOG meeting: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
This is due to start in summer of 2027. MLS will take winter break in Jan/Feb
More from @paultenorio.bsky.social on the ground at BOG meeting: 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 9:23 PM
Next up, the league is going to have to renegotiate the CBA. It currently runs through 2027 and would expire during the 2027-28 season. If you’ve been reading FAM, I’ve been noting constantly how this gives an opportunity for teams currently to try and do moves anticipating this. Exciting times
Congrats MLS!
BREAKING: MLS owners have voted and passed a schedule change. The league will run from the late summer months through May.
This is due to start in summer of 2027. MLS will take winter break in Jan/Feb
More from @paultenorio.bsky.social on the ground at BOG meeting: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
This is due to start in summer of 2027. MLS will take winter break in Jan/Feb
More from @paultenorio.bsky.social on the ground at BOG meeting: 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 9:10 PM
Congrats MLS!