Luukas Ojala
@luukasojala.bsky.social
⚽Student of the Beautiful Game | Soccer Ops+ Strategy. | Current: Utah Red Wolves SC, @stumptownfooty.bsky.social | Aspiring Sporting Director | He/Him
luukasojala.substack.com | stumptown-footy.ghost.io
luukasojala.substack.com | stumptown-footy.ghost.io
Reposted by Luukas Ojala
Some consider it 'anti-football' or 'haram ball.'
For Eric Ramsay, Minnesota United's ruthlessly pragmatic style is simply "the obvious antidote to teams that have got a lot of success on the basis of pure possession dominance."
My chat with the Loons' gaffer:
www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/202...
For Eric Ramsay, Minnesota United's ruthlessly pragmatic style is simply "the obvious antidote to teams that have got a lot of success on the basis of pure possession dominance."
My chat with the Loons' gaffer:
www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/202...
Eric Ramsay's unique identity elevates Minnesota United in MLS Cup pursuit | MLSSoccer.com
It might just be the starkest stylistic contrast in Audi MLS Cup Playoffs history.
www.mlssoccer.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Some consider it 'anti-football' or 'haram ball.'
For Eric Ramsay, Minnesota United's ruthlessly pragmatic style is simply "the obvious antidote to teams that have got a lot of success on the basis of pure possession dominance."
My chat with the Loons' gaffer:
www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/202...
For Eric Ramsay, Minnesota United's ruthlessly pragmatic style is simply "the obvious antidote to teams that have got a lot of success on the basis of pure possession dominance."
My chat with the Loons' gaffer:
www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/202...
Thankful to be a part of this team, and thankful to have a boss that allows me to dive into the true nitty gritty of the game, and write about things that interest me. I hope you all learned something!
To my knowledge, Dodd hasn’t said much at all since coming to Portland - except to our Finnish lad @luukasojala.bsky.social, who absolutely nailed this interview.
Awesome stuff here on the academy, a club philosophy, and the vision for a true Timbers pipeline. #RCTID
Awesome stuff here on the academy, a club philosophy, and the vision for a true Timbers pipeline. #RCTID
Over the last several years, the Portland Timbers have seen an importance placed on the developmental pathway. @luukasojala.bsky.social sits down with Technical Director Jack Dodd to discuss player development and organizational alignment. #RCTID
November 22, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Thankful to be a part of this team, and thankful to have a boss that allows me to dive into the true nitty gritty of the game, and write about things that interest me. I hope you all learned something!
Part one is here! Over the last several months, I have been working to put a piece together on the Timbers developmental pathway. I conducted the interviews for the next piece today, and I am collecting additional data as we speak. Can't wait for you all to see what I've been doing. #RCTID
Over the last several years, the Portland Timbers have seen an importance placed on the developmental pathway. @luukasojala.bsky.social sits down with Technical Director Jack Dodd to discuss player development and organizational alignment. #RCTID
Club Roots: Part 1 - Interview with Timbers Technical Director Jack Dodd
A conversation with Timbers Technical Director Jack Dodd on player development and organizational alignment from academy to the first team: "Everybody wants to see their own people in the team".
stumptown-footy.ghost.io
November 22, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Part one is here! Over the last several months, I have been working to put a piece together on the Timbers developmental pathway. I conducted the interviews for the next piece today, and I am collecting additional data as we speak. Can't wait for you all to see what I've been doing. #RCTID
Interesting little #RCTID tidbit.
In the 2024 season, the Timbers played 38 games across all competitions. An Academy Player or Draft Pick made the squad 16 of those times. In total, 4 appearances were made from the developmental pipeline that season.
In the 2024 season, the Timbers played 38 games across all competitions. An Academy Player or Draft Pick made the squad 16 of those times. In total, 4 appearances were made from the developmental pipeline that season.
November 21, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Interesting little #RCTID tidbit.
In the 2024 season, the Timbers played 38 games across all competitions. An Academy Player or Draft Pick made the squad 16 of those times. In total, 4 appearances were made from the developmental pipeline that season.
In the 2024 season, the Timbers played 38 games across all competitions. An Academy Player or Draft Pick made the squad 16 of those times. In total, 4 appearances were made from the developmental pipeline that season.
Just did a very exciting interview for @stumptownfooty.bsky.social. Something I’m very proud of, and a topic I hope a lot of the #RCTID audience will find very interesting.
Time to edit a 3,400 word transcript. 🤪
Time to edit a 3,400 word transcript. 🤪
November 20, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Just did a very exciting interview for @stumptownfooty.bsky.social. Something I’m very proud of, and a topic I hope a lot of the #RCTID audience will find very interesting.
Time to edit a 3,400 word transcript. 🤪
Time to edit a 3,400 word transcript. 🤪
Finnesota!!
a man in a suit and tie is giving a speech in front of a crowd and says minnesota
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is giving a speech in front of a crowd and says minnesota
media.tenor.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Finnesota!!
⚽ Everyone wants instant results, but the best clubs play the long game.
Why strategy beats short-term thinking in soccer operations.⬇️
Why strategy beats short-term thinking in soccer operations.⬇️
Why Strategy Wins
How the Best Clubs Make Long-Term Decisions in a Short-Term Industry.
open.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:55 AM
⚽ Everyone wants instant results, but the best clubs play the long game.
Why strategy beats short-term thinking in soccer operations.⬇️
Why strategy beats short-term thinking in soccer operations.⬇️
A friend at a Premier League club told me: “You guys in America have roles we’ve never heard of in Europe.”
He’s right.
Here’s my latest piece on two uniquely American positions that keep MLS clubs running. ⬇️⚽
He’s right.
Here’s my latest piece on two uniquely American positions that keep MLS clubs running. ⬇️⚽
Uniquely American.
A look into some of the behind the scenes roles that shape the US Soccer industry.
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:53 AM
A friend at a Premier League club told me: “You guys in America have roles we’ve never heard of in Europe.”
He’s right.
Here’s my latest piece on two uniquely American positions that keep MLS clubs running. ⬇️⚽
He’s right.
Here’s my latest piece on two uniquely American positions that keep MLS clubs running. ⬇️⚽
Saw Jurgen Klopp in an ad for Trivago today and it genuinely made my day. That dude is living his best life, I hope to be like him one day
October 15, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Saw Jurgen Klopp in an ad for Trivago today and it genuinely made my day. That dude is living his best life, I hope to be like him one day
Reposted by Luukas Ojala
With decision day looming this weekend for the Portland Timbers, @luukasojala.bsky.social takes a look at potential first round playoff opponents. #RCTID
The 2025 PPOP: Potential Playoff Opponent Preview (Part 1)
The Portland Timbers have clinched a spot in the 2025 Major League Soccer postseason. Who they play is yet to be determined.
With Austin FC's Sunday night victory over a Son and Bouanga-less LAFC, th...
stumptown-footy.ghost.io
October 13, 2025 at 10:11 PM
With decision day looming this weekend for the Portland Timbers, @luukasojala.bsky.social takes a look at potential first round playoff opponents. #RCTID
New on @stumptownfooty.bsky.social, the 2025 edition of the PPOP: The Potential Playoff Opponent Preview. Enjoy! #RCTID
The 2025 PPOP: Potential Playoff Opponent Preview (Part 1)
The Portland Timbers have clinched a spot in the 2025 Major League Soccer postseason. Who they play is yet to be determined.
With Austin FC's Sunday night victory over a Son and Bouanga-less LAFC, th...
stumptown-footy.ghost.io
October 13, 2025 at 10:09 PM
New on @stumptownfooty.bsky.social, the 2025 edition of the PPOP: The Potential Playoff Opponent Preview. Enjoy! #RCTID
Doing some research right now on the potential opponents #RCTID could play in the playoffs for an article coming out soon for @stumptownfooty.bsky.social.
If the Timbers are able to secure the 7th seed, they will play whoever is in second place after decision day this weekend. 🧵⬇️
If the Timbers are able to secure the 7th seed, they will play whoever is in second place after decision day this weekend. 🧵⬇️
October 13, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Doing some research right now on the potential opponents #RCTID could play in the playoffs for an article coming out soon for @stumptownfooty.bsky.social.
If the Timbers are able to secure the 7th seed, they will play whoever is in second place after decision day this weekend. 🧵⬇️
If the Timbers are able to secure the 7th seed, they will play whoever is in second place after decision day this weekend. 🧵⬇️
Always looking to connect with interesting people related to the beautiful game! If you/ or someone you know spends their days thinking about the beautiful game, I would love to follow them!
Give me your best recommendations below!
Give me your best recommendations below!
October 6, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Always looking to connect with interesting people related to the beautiful game! If you/ or someone you know spends their days thinking about the beautiful game, I would love to follow them!
Give me your best recommendations below!
Give me your best recommendations below!
Reposted by Luukas Ojala
Great interview by Phuoc here. Rare that we get the chance to hear from the chief soccer officer about a very recent trade - good stuff in this! #BAONPDX
EXCLUSIVE: I spoke with Portland Thorns President & GM, Jeff Agoos on the Hina Sugita & M.A. Vignola trade #BAONPDX #NWSL
"We made significant efforts to try to work toward an agreement, & at a point where we felt there was an impasse - we couldn't get to an agreement."
Our full conversation here👇
"We made significant efforts to try to work toward an agreement, & at a point where we felt there was an impasse - we couldn't get to an agreement."
Our full conversation here👇
Exclusive: Portland Thorns President & General Manger Jeff Agoos discusses Hina Sugita trade to Angel City FC, acquiring M.A. Vignola, and more
Today, the Portland Thorns announced that they have acquired M.A. Vignola and $600,000 in intraleague transfer funds from Angel City FC for star midfielder Hina Sugita.
I had a chance to speak with T...
stumptown-footy.ghost.io
September 30, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Great interview by Phuoc here. Rare that we get the chance to hear from the chief soccer officer about a very recent trade - good stuff in this! #BAONPDX
Another ambitious CSO hire, this time by SKC. Will be exciting to see how clubs with open CSO roles fill the slots.
🔵 BREAKING: Sporting KC are finalizing a deal to name NYCFC's sporting director David Lee as their new CSO, per sources.
Lee has been with NYCFC since before their inaugural game and club to win MLS Cup in 2021.
NYCFC has most points in MLS since Lee took over as CSO in 2020
ESPN first.
Lee has been with NYCFC since before their inaugural game and club to win MLS Cup in 2021.
NYCFC has most points in MLS since Lee took over as CSO in 2020
ESPN first.
October 1, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Another ambitious CSO hire, this time by SKC. Will be exciting to see how clubs with open CSO roles fill the slots.
Reposted by Luukas Ojala
There’s a segment of Timbers supporters I can’t wrap my head around who make these definitive statements about the current state of the club from a really bad faith position. Very clearly have their minds made up about coaches/players/soccer ops strategy and overlook any semblance of good happening.
September 25, 2025 at 6:25 PM
There’s a segment of Timbers supporters I can’t wrap my head around who make these definitive statements about the current state of the club from a really bad faith position. Very clearly have their minds made up about coaches/players/soccer ops strategy and overlook any semblance of good happening.
First and foremost, I am a Timbers fan. That needs to be made clear. I am someone who pays attention to what goes on in the sporting director world, and my lord, this would be an absolute smash hire for the MLS.
Exclusive: MLS club set sights on appointing Brentford recruitment chief
Brentford technical director Lee Dykes is on the shortlist for the sporting director role at MLS side St. Louis City SC.
www.footballinsider247.com
September 25, 2025 at 7:01 AM
First and foremost, I am a Timbers fan. That needs to be made clear. I am someone who pays attention to what goes on in the sporting director world, and my lord, this would be an absolute smash hire for the MLS.
Choose joy. That’s it.
September 8, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Choose joy. That’s it.
Sam Svilar, managing editor, @stumptownfooty.substack.com AND male relationship consultant
As Taylor Swift announces her engagement to the guy who once tweeted about “squirels eating bread”, never forget dudes: you don’t have to be cool, just be genuine and don’t be afraid to be a little silly
August 26, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Sam Svilar, managing editor, @stumptownfooty.substack.com AND male relationship consultant
Got a lot of good things happening in my life as of late, and the rest of this year is something that I’m looking forward to.
Gonna be a great rest of the year professionally (⚽️) and personally.
Time to blow the doors off
Gonna be a great rest of the year professionally (⚽️) and personally.
Time to blow the doors off
August 18, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Got a lot of good things happening in my life as of late, and the rest of this year is something that I’m looking forward to.
Gonna be a great rest of the year professionally (⚽️) and personally.
Time to blow the doors off
Gonna be a great rest of the year professionally (⚽️) and personally.
Time to blow the doors off
Reposted by Luukas Ojala
Portland found their Designated Player replacement in Norwegian Winger, Kristoffer Velde. @luukasojala.bsky.social takes a look at him and gives his thoughts. #RCTID
Kristoffer Velde: Scouting Report
A look into Portland's new Norwegian winger
substack.com
August 16, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Portland found their Designated Player replacement in Norwegian Winger, Kristoffer Velde. @luukasojala.bsky.social takes a look at him and gives his thoughts. #RCTID
Proud to be part of a group that stands firmly in what we believe in. Unbelievably proud to call this group of people my colleagues and friends
The Future of Stumptown Footy #RCTID #BAONPDX
Don’t worry - it’s good news! (Potentially even great).
stumptownfooty.substack.com/p/the-future...
Don’t worry - it’s good news! (Potentially even great).
stumptownfooty.substack.com/p/the-future...
The Future of Stumptown Footy
Don't worry - it's good news! (Potentially even great).
stumptownfooty.substack.com
August 16, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Proud to be part of a group that stands firmly in what we believe in. Unbelievably proud to call this group of people my colleagues and friends
New on Substack. Enjoy
Unicorn Football
Why being yourself matters.
open.substack.com
August 14, 2025 at 3:37 PM
New on Substack. Enjoy
Reposted by Luukas Ojala
Some thoughts at the end of a long week. #RCTID
There Is No Need To Be Upset
It’s December 11, 2021. A man is inside Providence Park, and he’s in a place where he shouldn’t be: the North End. One week ago, he stood behind the drums in section 106 and boldly made a prediction t...
cascadia-fc.ghost.io
August 9, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Some thoughts at the end of a long week. #RCTID
Reposted by Luukas Ojala
🇨🇴 BREAKING: Fluminense are finalizing a deal to sign Colombian midfielder Santi Moreno from the Portland Timbers, per sources.
Timbers agreed a fee around $6m.
Moreno gets the move he wants to Fluminense. Portland get their valuation met. Fluminense get their guy.
Timbers agreed a fee around $6m.
Moreno gets the move he wants to Fluminense. Portland get their valuation met. Fluminense get their guy.
August 9, 2025 at 2:40 AM
🇨🇴 BREAKING: Fluminense are finalizing a deal to sign Colombian midfielder Santi Moreno from the Portland Timbers, per sources.
Timbers agreed a fee around $6m.
Moreno gets the move he wants to Fluminense. Portland get their valuation met. Fluminense get their guy.
Timbers agreed a fee around $6m.
Moreno gets the move he wants to Fluminense. Portland get their valuation met. Fluminense get their guy.