Jonathan Tannenwald
@jtannenwald.bsky.social
Chief soccer correspondent for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
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inquirer.com
A shout at the ether:
If you care about what I do, or about what any of my colleagues do, there's a Philadelphia Inquirer subscription discount going right now.
Maybe think about it. Or don't, whatever. But if you like my soccer coverage maybe think about it.
inquirer.com/tannenwald
If you care about what I do, or about what any of my colleagues do, there's a Philadelphia Inquirer subscription discount going right now.
Maybe think about it. Or don't, whatever. But if you like my soccer coverage maybe think about it.
inquirer.com/tannenwald
Reposted by Jonathan Tannenwald
Peyton has overcome so much to be a regular presence at multiple NWSL venues on the east coast. Without a service dog, she won't be able to continue that work.
The cost of finding and training a service dog is very high, so if you can help at all, you'd be helping one of the good ones in woso.
The cost of finding and training a service dog is very high, so if you can help at all, you'd be helping one of the good ones in woso.
I’m not sure I’ll ever find the right words for this.
In October, my service dog died suddenly. If you’ve seen me, in a stadium, on a sideline, in a press box, you’ve seen her.
While I mourn her, I must look forward to find her successor. Please share & consider donating if able
gofund.me/599149570
In October, my service dog died suddenly. If you’ve seen me, in a stadium, on a sideline, in a press box, you’ve seen her.
While I mourn her, I must look forward to find her successor. Please share & consider donating if able
gofund.me/599149570
Donate to Help Peyton Regain Independence After Loss of Service Dog, organized by Peyton Skeels
My name is Peyton, and I am fundraising to bring home and trai… Peyton Skeels needs your support for Help Peyton Regain Independence After Loss of Service Dog
gofund.me
December 15, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Peyton has overcome so much to be a regular presence at multiple NWSL venues on the east coast. Without a service dog, she won't be able to continue that work.
The cost of finding and training a service dog is very high, so if you can help at all, you'd be helping one of the good ones in woso.
The cost of finding and training a service dog is very high, so if you can help at all, you'd be helping one of the good ones in woso.
My last piece of the year is a feature interview with U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker.
He has big plans for a “U.S. Way” player development strategy. But he also doesn’t mind saying that the #USMNT, #USWNT, and your kid’s youth team are different:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/usmnt...
He has big plans for a “U.S. Way” player development strategy. But he also doesn’t mind saying that the #USMNT, #USWNT, and your kid’s youth team are different:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/usmnt...
The USMNT, USWNT, and your kid’s youth team are all different. U.S. Soccer is fine with that.
U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker's grand plan for a "U.S. Way" sounds at first like talking down from the top. In fact, there's a lot less of it than there used to be.
www.inquirer.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
My last piece of the year is a feature interview with U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker.
He has big plans for a “U.S. Way” player development strategy. But he also doesn’t mind saying that the #USMNT, #USWNT, and your kid’s youth team are different:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/usmnt...
He has big plans for a “U.S. Way” player development strategy. But he also doesn’t mind saying that the #USMNT, #USWNT, and your kid’s youth team are different:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/usmnt...
When was the last time a NFL game finished in under three hours, and/or will the Eagles and Raiders be forced to use all their timeouts?
December 14, 2025 at 8:34 PM
When was the last time a NFL game finished in under three hours, and/or will the Eagles and Raiders be forced to use all their timeouts?
Many time zones away (not disclosing how may), I get on a streetcar and there’s a fully-decked-out Eagles fan.
Sorry, Philadelphia, but you’re a global city.
Sorry, Philadelphia, but you’re a global city.
December 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Many time zones away (not disclosing how may), I get on a streetcar and there’s a fully-decked-out Eagles fan.
Sorry, Philadelphia, but you’re a global city.
Sorry, Philadelphia, but you’re a global city.
Not quite objecting to this either, beyond it meaning the Union have more shopping to do.
It might also further speculation of a sporting director change, but I genuinely don’t know where that stands.
It might also further speculation of a sporting director change, but I genuinely don’t know where that stands.
🚨🇳🇴 BREAKING: The LA Galaxy are closing in on a blockbuster deal to acquire former MLS Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes from the Philadelphia Union, per sources.
Not done, but final details now.
Agreement between clubs is north of $1m GAM + add-ons
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Not done, but final details now.
Agreement between clubs is north of $1m GAM + add-ons
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
LA Galaxy close in on Jakob Glesnes deal, terms with Philadelphia Union complete
The 31-year-old center-back was named in the MLS' Best XI in 2025 after winning the Supporters' Shield with the Union.
www.nytimes.com
December 13, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Not quite objecting to this either, beyond it meaning the Union have more shopping to do.
It might also further speculation of a sporting director change, but I genuinely don’t know where that stands.
It might also further speculation of a sporting director change, but I genuinely don’t know where that stands.
Reposted by Jonathan Tannenwald
The old saying is if you can’t beat them, join them.
For #DCU, it looks like if you can’t beat them, offer $4 million for a striker who scores a lot but doesn’t create his own shot off the dribble.
It’s far too much money for the Union to turn down:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/tai-b...
For #DCU, it looks like if you can’t beat them, offer $4 million for a striker who scores a lot but doesn’t create his own shot off the dribble.
It’s far too much money for the Union to turn down:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/tai-b...
Report: The Union received a mammoth offer for striker Tai Baribo from D.C. United
D.C. United has reportedly offered the Union a $4 million transfer fee to sign Baribo and give him a Designated Player contract.
www.inquirer.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The old saying is if you can’t beat them, join them.
For #DCU, it looks like if you can’t beat them, offer $4 million for a striker who scores a lot but doesn’t create his own shot off the dribble.
It’s far too much money for the Union to turn down:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/tai-b...
For #DCU, it looks like if you can’t beat them, offer $4 million for a striker who scores a lot but doesn’t create his own shot off the dribble.
It’s far too much money for the Union to turn down:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/tai-b...
Reposted by Jonathan Tannenwald
Chicago Fire announces the transfer of homegrown midfielder Brian Gutiérrez (two U.S. caps) to Chivas Guadalajara for a “multi-million-dollar transfer fee.”
December 13, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Chicago Fire announces the transfer of homegrown midfielder Brian Gutiérrez (two U.S. caps) to Chivas Guadalajara for a “multi-million-dollar transfer fee.”
Condolences to anyone on my flight playing Whamageddon. Loud and clear on the PA.
December 12, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Condolences to anyone on my flight playing Whamageddon. Loud and clear on the PA.
Reposted by Jonathan Tannenwald
FIFA claims 5 million World Cup ticket requests in first 24 hours of third phase, led by three host nations.
Others, in order: Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France and Panama.
Others, in order: Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France and Panama.
December 12, 2025 at 9:13 PM
FIFA claims 5 million World Cup ticket requests in first 24 hours of third phase, led by three host nations.
Others, in order: Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France and Panama.
Others, in order: Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France and Panama.
Just filed my last piece of the year. It will go up next week.
Otherwise, I'm on vacation until January. The last chance I have to take some real time off before the World Cup.
Thanks as always to all of you for reading. Rest up and get ready for a wild 2026.
Otherwise, I'm on vacation until January. The last chance I have to take some real time off before the World Cup.
Thanks as always to all of you for reading. Rest up and get ready for a wild 2026.
December 12, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Just filed my last piece of the year. It will go up next week.
Otherwise, I'm on vacation until January. The last chance I have to take some real time off before the World Cup.
Thanks as always to all of you for reading. Rest up and get ready for a wild 2026.
Otherwise, I'm on vacation until January. The last chance I have to take some real time off before the World Cup.
Thanks as always to all of you for reading. Rest up and get ready for a wild 2026.
The Union's Concacaf Champions Cup schedule vs. Defence Force is set:
Wednesday, Feb. 18 in Trinidad, 6 p.m. ET
Thursday, Feb. 26 in Chester, 7 p.m.
The Union's MLS opener is Feb. 21 at D.C., and the home league opener is March 1 vs. NYCFC.
Wednesday, Feb. 18 in Trinidad, 6 p.m. ET
Thursday, Feb. 26 in Chester, 7 p.m.
The Union's MLS opener is Feb. 21 at D.C., and the home league opener is March 1 vs. NYCFC.
December 12, 2025 at 8:10 PM
The Union's Concacaf Champions Cup schedule vs. Defence Force is set:
Wednesday, Feb. 18 in Trinidad, 6 p.m. ET
Thursday, Feb. 26 in Chester, 7 p.m.
The Union's MLS opener is Feb. 21 at D.C., and the home league opener is March 1 vs. NYCFC.
Wednesday, Feb. 18 in Trinidad, 6 p.m. ET
Thursday, Feb. 26 in Chester, 7 p.m.
The Union's MLS opener is Feb. 21 at D.C., and the home league opener is March 1 vs. NYCFC.
Reposted by Jonathan Tannenwald
Oh snap. Forgot to mention I did a newsletter. It's about the Rodman stuff. jason-davis-soccer-eagle.ghost.io/the-holy-tri...
The Holy Trinity
Here are things we know.
Trinity Rodman wants to continuing playing for the Washington Spirit.
The Washington Spirit would happily pay Trinity Rodman an amount commensurate with her talent to cont...
jason-davis-soccer-eagle.ghost.io
December 12, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Oh snap. Forgot to mention I did a newsletter. It's about the Rodman stuff. jason-davis-soccer-eagle.ghost.io/the-holy-tri...
That Nielsen problem explains why Fox didn't say anything this week.
MLS says record audience tunes in to see Lionel Messi lift MLS Cup.
About 1.277 million in linear across U.S. and Canada, though Nielsen is reviewing its larger data set before releasing a final number.
MLS says 4.6+ million total including Apple:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
About 1.277 million in linear across U.S. and Canada, though Nielsen is reviewing its larger data set before releasing a final number.
MLS says 4.6+ million total including Apple:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Lionel Messi’s MLS triumph watched by 4.6M says league but questions remain
The advertised numbers represent a significant jump in viewership for the championship game
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:33 PM
That Nielsen problem explains why Fox didn't say anything this week.
This by @adamcrafton.bsky.social is one of the best deep pieces on World Cup ticket prices I've read so far. www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Exorbitant World Cup ticket prices could ruin hopes of growing soccer in the U.S.
Even the least expensive tickets for next summer's World Cup will be unaffordable for the majority of Americans
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:32 PM
This by @adamcrafton.bsky.social is one of the best deep pieces on World Cup ticket prices I've read so far. www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The old saying is if you can’t beat them, join them.
For #DCU, it looks like if you can’t beat them, offer $4 million for a striker who scores a lot but doesn’t create his own shot off the dribble.
It’s far too much money for the Union to turn down:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/tai-b...
For #DCU, it looks like if you can’t beat them, offer $4 million for a striker who scores a lot but doesn’t create his own shot off the dribble.
It’s far too much money for the Union to turn down:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/tai-b...
Report: The Union received a mammoth offer for striker Tai Baribo from D.C. United
D.C. United has reportedly offered the Union a $4 million transfer fee to sign Baribo and give him a Designated Player contract.
www.inquirer.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The old saying is if you can’t beat them, join them.
For #DCU, it looks like if you can’t beat them, offer $4 million for a striker who scores a lot but doesn’t create his own shot off the dribble.
It’s far too much money for the Union to turn down:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/tai-b...
For #DCU, it looks like if you can’t beat them, offer $4 million for a striker who scores a lot but doesn’t create his own shot off the dribble.
It’s far too much money for the Union to turn down:
www.inquirer.com/soccer/tai-b...
Beyond the grass not always being greener on the other side, if a team as bad as DCU have been for so many years offered me $4 million and a DP contract for Tai Baribo, as much as I like him personally, that’s far too much money to turn down.
December 12, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Beyond the grass not always being greener on the other side, if a team as bad as DCU have been for so many years offered me $4 million and a DP contract for Tai Baribo, as much as I like him personally, that’s far too much money to turn down.
Welp.
⚫️🔴 BREAKING: D.C. United is in advanced talks to sign Israel int'l forward Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union, per sources.
Would be a cash transfer worth around $4m. Baribo would be a designated player in D.C.
Almost done.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Would be a cash transfer worth around $4m. Baribo would be a designated player in D.C.
Almost done.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
D.C. United in advanced talks to sign Tai Baribo from Philadelphia: Sources
D.C. finished last in MLS in 2025 and is seeking a replacement for star forward Christian Benteke
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Welp.
Reposted by Jonathan Tannenwald
From @sprtswtr.bsky.social: Here’s what ticket prices are looking like for World Cup games in Philly amid FIFA’s latest lottery round.
www.inquirer.com/soccer/world... via @phillysport.bsky.social @inquirer.com
www.inquirer.com/soccer/world... via @phillysport.bsky.social @inquirer.com
Here’s what ticket prices are looking like for World Cup games in Philly following FIFA’s latest presale
FIFA opened the lottery for its latest ticket presale on Thursday. It showed tickets, priced in the hundreds, for all 72 group-stage matches, including the 10 headed to Philly.
www.inquirer.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:49 PM
From @sprtswtr.bsky.social: Here’s what ticket prices are looking like for World Cup games in Philly amid FIFA’s latest lottery round.
www.inquirer.com/soccer/world... via @phillysport.bsky.social @inquirer.com
www.inquirer.com/soccer/world... via @phillysport.bsky.social @inquirer.com
Reposted by Jonathan Tannenwald
Column:
FIFA’s pricing strategy for World Cup is not only terrible for foreigners who want to travel, it also treats U.S. sports fans as FIFA’s personal ATM and excludes many domestically from a sport which is still in a growth phrase in the U.S.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
FIFA’s pricing strategy for World Cup is not only terrible for foreigners who want to travel, it also treats U.S. sports fans as FIFA’s personal ATM and excludes many domestically from a sport which is still in a growth phrase in the U.S.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Exorbitant World Cup ticket prices could ruin hopes of growing soccer in the U.S.
Even the least expensive tickets for next summer's World Cup will be unaffordable for the majority of Americans
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Column:
FIFA’s pricing strategy for World Cup is not only terrible for foreigners who want to travel, it also treats U.S. sports fans as FIFA’s personal ATM and excludes many domestically from a sport which is still in a growth phrase in the U.S.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
FIFA’s pricing strategy for World Cup is not only terrible for foreigners who want to travel, it also treats U.S. sports fans as FIFA’s personal ATM and excludes many domestically from a sport which is still in a growth phrase in the U.S.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Midge Purce signs another one-year deal with Gotham.
“Let’s run it back,” she says.
“Her commitment to our club and ability on the field make her an invaluable part of what we’re building, and we’re thrilled to have her continue with us,” Yael Averbuch West says.
“Let’s run it back,” she says.
“Her commitment to our club and ability on the field make her an invaluable part of what we’re building, and we’re thrilled to have her continue with us,” Yael Averbuch West says.
December 12, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Midge Purce signs another one-year deal with Gotham.
“Let’s run it back,” she says.
“Her commitment to our club and ability on the field make her an invaluable part of what we’re building, and we’re thrilled to have her continue with us,” Yael Averbuch West says.
“Let’s run it back,” she says.
“Her commitment to our club and ability on the field make her an invaluable part of what we’re building, and we’re thrilled to have her continue with us,” Yael Averbuch West says.
Reposted by Jonathan Tannenwald
Brentford's stadium will host both semi-finals of the new Fifa Women's Champions Cup, before Arsenal hosts the final and the 3rd-place game.
Wed 28 Jan:
Corinthians v Gotham FC, 12:30
Arsenal v ASFAR or Wuhan Jiangda WFC, 6pm
Sun 1 Feb:
Third-place play-off, 2:45pm
Final, 6pm
#WomensChampionsCup
Wed 28 Jan:
Corinthians v Gotham FC, 12:30
Arsenal v ASFAR or Wuhan Jiangda WFC, 6pm
Sun 1 Feb:
Third-place play-off, 2:45pm
Final, 6pm
#WomensChampionsCup
December 12, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Brentford's stadium will host both semi-finals of the new Fifa Women's Champions Cup, before Arsenal hosts the final and the 3rd-place game.
Wed 28 Jan:
Corinthians v Gotham FC, 12:30
Arsenal v ASFAR or Wuhan Jiangda WFC, 6pm
Sun 1 Feb:
Third-place play-off, 2:45pm
Final, 6pm
#WomensChampionsCup
Wed 28 Jan:
Corinthians v Gotham FC, 12:30
Arsenal v ASFAR or Wuhan Jiangda WFC, 6pm
Sun 1 Feb:
Third-place play-off, 2:45pm
Final, 6pm
#WomensChampionsCup
Reposted by Jonathan Tannenwald
Lindsey Vonn’s comeback gets even more remarkable with her first World Cup win in almost eight years.
Lindsey Vonn's remarkable comeback continues with first World Cup win
Lindsey Vonn wins downhill in St. Moritz for her 83rd World Cup win and first since March 2018.
www.usatoday.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Lindsey Vonn’s comeback gets even more remarkable with her first World Cup win in almost eight years.
That's Sophia Wilson's phone ringing, not just Trinity Rodman's...
SOURCES: The #NWSL board has voted to approve a new star player fund—internally called "High Impact Player"—to allow teams to spend up to $1M over the cap with a much smaller cap hit for players who meet criteria.
Crucially: A change affecting the cap requires NWSLPA consultation. On @espn.com:
Crucially: A change affecting the cap requires NWSLPA consultation. On @espn.com:
Sources: NWSL 'star' salaries tied to player profile
The NWSL's Board of Governors has approved a new roster mechanism to pay select star players above and beyond the current salary cap, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.
www.espn.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:49 AM
That's Sophia Wilson's phone ringing, not just Trinity Rodman's...
That's all well and good, but the "matchday costs" are offset by a far greater amount of revenue. And BC Place isn't going to have grass full-time any time soon...
December 12, 2025 at 12:17 AM
That's all well and good, but the "matchday costs" are offset by a far greater amount of revenue. And BC Place isn't going to have grass full-time any time soon...
From @sprtswtr.bsky.social: Here’s what ticket prices are looking like for World Cup games in Philly amid FIFA’s latest lottery round.
www.inquirer.com/soccer/world... via @phillysport.bsky.social @inquirer.com
www.inquirer.com/soccer/world... via @phillysport.bsky.social @inquirer.com
Here’s what ticket prices are looking like for World Cup games in Philly following FIFA’s latest presale
FIFA opened the lottery for its latest ticket presale on Thursday. It showed tickets, priced in the hundreds, for all 72 group-stage matches, including the 10 headed to Philly.
www.inquirer.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:49 PM
From @sprtswtr.bsky.social: Here’s what ticket prices are looking like for World Cup games in Philly amid FIFA’s latest lottery round.
www.inquirer.com/soccer/world... via @phillysport.bsky.social @inquirer.com
www.inquirer.com/soccer/world... via @phillysport.bsky.social @inquirer.com