Author | Lightnews

Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 4d

The chaos of the U.S. Open Cup: Why Sharktopus FC gets a rematch www.espn.com/soccer/story... [via @espnfc]

www.espn.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 5d

Brooklyn FC tabs USMNT great Brian McBride as first GM www.nytimes.com/athletic/673... [via @nytimes.com]

Brooklyn FC tabs USMNT great Brian McBride as first GM

McBride is heading back into management in USL after his role as U.S. men's national team general manager

www.nytimes.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 8d

Vintage store almost got my money today.

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 16d

How do US soccer fans feel about the men's team 8 months before the World Cup? www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/dynam... [via @houstonchronicle.com]

How do US soccer fans feel about the men's team 8 months before the World Cup?

The World Cup is eight months away. We asked USMNT fans in Austin how they feel about the team as the tournament approaches.

www.houstonchronicle.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 17d

After years of winning back his Juventus place, Weston McKennie aims to do same for USMNT www.nytimes.com/athletic/670... [via @nytimes.com]

After years of winning back his Juventus place, Weston McKennie aims to do same for USMNT

McKennie has endured an annual grind to prove his worth for his club. After much time away, he must replicate that for his country

www.nytimes.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 17d

Local leaders team up, call for ‘greater collaboration’ over planned NE Revolution stadium in Everett. www.masslive.com/politics/202... [via @masslive.bsky.social]

Local leaders team up, call for ‘greater collaboration’ over planned Revs stadium in Everett

"A transparent, inclusive dialogue will ensure that a new stadium for the Revolution will strengthen the entire region," Malden Mayor Gary Christenson said.

www.masslive.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 17d

Why Jordi Alba’s retirement shuts off one of Lionel Messi’s most telepathic supply lines www.nytimes.com/athletic/670... [via @nytimes.com]

Why Jordi Alba’s retirement shuts off one of Lionel Messi’s most telepathic supply lines

Across more than 400 games together, the two players have combined to bypass opponents with predictable ease

www.nytimes.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 17d

‘Its mediocrity has grown on me’: time almost up for intimate stopgap stadium Messi calls home. www.theguardian.com/football/202... [via @theguardian.com]

‘Its mediocrity has grown on me’: time almost up for intimate stopgap stadium Messi calls home

The club will finally begin playing in Miami next season. For local fans near Chase Stadium there are mixed emotions

www.theguardian.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 18d

Orlando City eyed Tottenham's Richarlison in summer - sources
www.espn.com.au/football/sto... [via @espnfc1.bsky.social]

Sources: Orlando eyed summer Richarlison deal

The MLS club wanted to sign the Brazil international to a long-term contract ahead of the 2026 World Cup

www.espn.com.au

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 26d

LAFC’s Denis Bouanga is thriving with his new strike partner: ‘I feel so good with Sonny on the pitch’ www.theguardian.com/football/202... [via @theguardian.com]

LAFC’s Denis Bouanga is thriving with his new strike partner: ‘I feel so good with Sonny on the pitch’

Any questions about how the Gabon international would gel with Son Heung-min have been put to rest after a historic scoring run

www.theguardian.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · 26d

Thomas Muller Digs Out Vancouver Mentality, Strives for Culture Change www.si.com/soccer/thoma... [via @sisoccer.bsky.social]

Thomas Muller Digs Out Vancouver Mentality, Strives for Culture Change

The six-time DFB Pokal winner could make history for Vancouver in the first-ever “604 Derby.”

www.si.com

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Reposted by Shawn Francis

▲▼▲▼▲▼ @arajay.com · Sep 25

what if we kissed on the pretty freight machine

a boxcar with graffiti parody of the nine inch nails album cover art for "pretty hate machine" but it says "nine inch rails pretty freight machine"

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 26

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 26

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 26

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 26

In San Diego for the opening of @sandiegofc2025.bsky.social’s Right to Dream Academy and it’s beyond impressive. Residential dorms, training facilities and fields for youth (from both sides of the border) and 1st team on one mega-campus. I’m in love.

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 25

This gas station in Highlands, NJ has very clearly not been visited by their Red Bull rep in a looooong minute.

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 19

New Miami FC stadium will be part of $337M hub www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202... [via @sportsbizjournal.bsky.social]

New Miami FC stadium will be part of $337M hub

New Miami FC stadium will be part of $337M Sports Performance Hub in Homestead, Fla. Investors in the project include former NBA star Manu Ginobili, retired international soccer star Juan Sebastian Ve...

www.sportsbusinessjournal.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 19

Woof

Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 19

As Atlanta United flounders, would a Tata Martino reunion be the right play? www.nytimes.com/athletic/663... [via @nytimes.com]

As Atlanta United flounders, would a Tata Martino reunion be the right play?

Despite heightened expectations, Atlanta will miss the MLS playoffs, and if a coaching change is in the offing, a familiar face is available

www.nytimes.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 19

Son Heung-Min delivering MLS, LAFC a star on and off field www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202... [via @sportsbizjournal.bsky.social]

Son Heung-Min delivering MLS, LAFC a star on and off field

So much of the conversation around LAFC F Son Heung-Min’s signing was about how important he would be for the Korean community, or how much he would raise the profile of MLS -- but what is perhaps mis...

www.sportsbusinessjournal.com

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Shawn Francis @theoffsiderules.bsky.social · Sep 11

Brazil is a serious country.

The New York Times @nytimes.com · Sep 11

Breaking News: Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. He could face decades in prison. nyti.ms/4pyzL3Q