Jeff Rueter
@jeffrueter.bsky.social
Journalist covering soccer in all its arenas (Substack: Five Asides) || Fmr. senior writer, The Athletic || MLS Weekly - Tuesdays on the Total Soccer Show || Putting the "bi" in byline 🏳️🌈
Pinned
Introducing Five Asides... with a MLS playoff preview!
This will cover far more terrain in time. But until then: I'm back!
jeffrueter.substack.com
NEW(!): Kicking off my new posting space, Five Asides, with an MLS playoff preview.
A personal note before scrutinizing the postseason format in its third season and sizing up each first round matchup. Great to be back! jeffrueter.substack.com/p/introducin...
A personal note before scrutinizing the postseason format in its third season and sizing up each first round matchup. Great to be back! jeffrueter.substack.com/p/introducin...
Imagine hating playoff soccer.
November 9, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Imagine hating playoff soccer.
I'm not a big "goalkeeper has no excuse for conceding at the near post" guy most of the time, but this is a shock for someone of AKB's caliber. Hell of a take from Wheeler to catch her unaware.
November 9, 2025 at 7:44 PM
I'm not a big "goalkeeper has no excuse for conceding at the near post" guy most of the time, but this is a shock for someone of AKB's caliber. Hell of a take from Wheeler to catch her unaware.
You know it's a big game when Ann-Katrin Berger starts crampin'.
November 9, 2025 at 7:34 PM
You know it's a big game when Ann-Katrin Berger starts crampin'.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
The Premier League is now 5 seconds of open play then 30 seconds of prepping for a set piece.
We can fix this with rule changes:
- Teams only get four set pieces per possession
- If the set pieces are bad, the other team gets the ball
- If they're good, they get four more
- Let's call them "downs"
We can fix this with rule changes:
- Teams only get four set pieces per possession
- If the set pieces are bad, the other team gets the ball
- If they're good, they get four more
- Let's call them "downs"
November 9, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The Premier League is now 5 seconds of open play then 30 seconds of prepping for a set piece.
We can fix this with rule changes:
- Teams only get four set pieces per possession
- If the set pieces are bad, the other team gets the ball
- If they're good, they get four more
- Let's call them "downs"
We can fix this with rule changes:
- Teams only get four set pieces per possession
- If the set pieces are bad, the other team gets the ball
- If they're good, they get four more
- Let's call them "downs"
Still bullish on Nashville’s trajectory heading into 2026. Better core than most teams in the playoff bracket, to say nothing about The Rest.
These final 4 performances are no joke, though. Defensive mobility, midfield functionality the offseason priorities imo. And a contender for Willis’ gloves.
These final 4 performances are no joke, though. Defensive mobility, midfield functionality the offseason priorities imo. And a contender for Willis’ gloves.
Brutal for Nashville that such a great season is ending with such a hollow whimper.
They've been absolutely carved apart here. 13 goals conceded in four games against Miami.
They've been absolutely carved apart here. 13 goals conceded in four games against Miami.
November 9, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Still bullish on Nashville’s trajectory heading into 2026. Better core than most teams in the playoff bracket, to say nothing about The Rest.
These final 4 performances are no joke, though. Defensive mobility, midfield functionality the offseason priorities imo. And a contender for Willis’ gloves.
These final 4 performances are no joke, though. Defensive mobility, midfield functionality the offseason priorities imo. And a contender for Willis’ gloves.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
I'm much more of a "team goal" guy than an "individual banger" guy but this shit's stayed with me for 15 years.
Still my favorite thunderbastard in MLS history. Has a level of intentionality to it that few goals have ever matched.
What a player, what a career.
Still my favorite thunderbastard in MLS history. Has a level of intentionality to it that few goals have ever matched.
What a player, what a career.
November 9, 2025 at 1:32 AM
I'm much more of a "team goal" guy than an "individual banger" guy but this shit's stayed with me for 15 years.
Still my favorite thunderbastard in MLS history. Has a level of intentionality to it that few goals have ever matched.
What a player, what a career.
Still my favorite thunderbastard in MLS history. Has a level of intentionality to it that few goals have ever matched.
What a player, what a career.
Would guess that was why MLS’s officials determined not to have Obed Vargas retake his attempt.
November 8, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Would guess that was why MLS’s officials determined not to have Obed Vargas retake his attempt.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
Thats now two times I can think of where an MLS team’s season ends up resting on whether their backup goalkeeper can make a PK: Jon Kempin for Sporting KC v Portland, 2015 (aka the double post game), and Andrew Thomas for Seattle v Minnesota tonight. Both misses, both classic games.
November 8, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Thats now two times I can think of where an MLS team’s season ends up resting on whether their backup goalkeeper can make a PK: Jon Kempin for Sporting KC v Portland, 2015 (aka the double post game), and Andrew Thomas for Seattle v Minnesota tonight. Both misses, both classic games.
Of course this series can’t even end with a normal shootout lmao
November 8, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Of course this series can’t even end with a normal shootout lmao
If you thought the fans' groans were loud at Allianz Field, sympathize with the writers whose ledes have gone to shit three times over.
November 8, 2025 at 11:04 PM
If you thought the fans' groans were loud at Allianz Field, sympathize with the writers whose ledes have gone to shit three times over.
Hey it's like the 2020 Western Conference Final all over again.
November 8, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Hey it's like the 2020 Western Conference Final all over again.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
maybe not the best time but I can't fault them for trying
November 8, 2025 at 10:03 PM
maybe not the best time but I can't fault them for trying
Joseph Rosales was so good last year, but that isn't the first time he's lost his head to his team's detriment. Just a ridiculous headbutt to make off the ball in a situation like this.
Last thing this Minnesota side needed to save its season. Seattle will sigh.
Last thing this Minnesota side needed to save its season. Seattle will sigh.
November 8, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Joseph Rosales was so good last year, but that isn't the first time he's lost his head to his team's detriment. Just a ridiculous headbutt to make off the ball in a situation like this.
Last thing this Minnesota side needed to save its season. Seattle will sigh.
Last thing this Minnesota side needed to save its season. Seattle will sigh.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
scoring a banger away at arsenal, she’s proper chels now
November 8, 2025 at 12:58 PM
scoring a banger away at arsenal, she’s proper chels now
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
So long, sweet RailHawk.
A reflection on the grim annual tradition of USL clubs ceasing operations.
jeffrueter.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
"USL pushing out a new announcement about discussions around a soccer stadium on a near weekly basis is a strategy. ... USL has mostly dispensed with trying to paint itself as a purely soccer-focused benevolent actor."
Banged out a newsletter, hitting your inboxes now. Sign up if you don't get it. This edition addresses North Carolina FC's shutdown and the new USMNT roster. jason-davis-soccer-eagle.ghost.io/ncfc-and-the...
NCFC And The Same Old Song
North Carolina FC is shutting down. Or going on hiatus. Or entering suspended animation ahead of the United Soccer League's planned launch of a first division soccer league in 2028.
Whatever the wor...
jason-davis-soccer-eagle.ghost.io
November 6, 2025 at 5:48 PM
"USL pushing out a new announcement about discussions around a soccer stadium on a near weekly basis is a strategy. ... USL has mostly dispensed with trying to paint itself as a purely soccer-focused benevolent actor."
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
Take the time to read this. Few understand the soccer landscape as well as Jeff. Even fewer are able to articulate with words the ever evolving and at times devolving landscape.
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
So long, sweet RailHawk.
A reflection on the grim annual tradition of USL clubs ceasing operations.
jeffrueter.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Take the time to read this. Few understand the soccer landscape as well as Jeff. Even fewer are able to articulate with words the ever evolving and at times devolving landscape.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
"We must forever capitalize the H out of reverence. We may not know what a RailHawk is, but we respect it all the same."
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
So long, sweet RailHawk.
A reflection on the grim annual tradition of USL clubs ceasing operations.
jeffrueter.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:40 PM
"We must forever capitalize the H out of reverence. We may not know what a RailHawk is, but we respect it all the same."
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
So long, sweet RailHawk.
A reflection on the grim annual tradition of USL clubs ceasing operations.
jeffrueter.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM
NEW: North Carolina FC became a model of mid-market operation in the U.S. lower divisions. On Tuesday, they joined a lengthy list of former clubs.
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
On the former Carolina RailHawks, and questions about the USL's plan to add more jeopardy to its ecosystem. jeffrueter.substack.com/p/so-long-sw...
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
Teamed up with @jeffrueter.bsky.social on the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social to break down all the latest MLS playoff action, from sweeps to tactics to...cashfer candidates?
Had a blast, as always.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVe9...
Had a blast, as always.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVe9...
How Nashville kept Messi quiet(ish)
YouTube video by Total Soccer Show
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Teamed up with @jeffrueter.bsky.social on the @totalsoccershow.bsky.social to break down all the latest MLS playoff action, from sweeps to tactics to...cashfer candidates?
Had a blast, as always.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVe9...
Had a blast, as always.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVe9...
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
NWSL has been standing still and hoping no one notices, and in all likelihood a Black player who stood up for others — in the absence of proper moral leadership from the league — is going to have the right-wing rage machine aimed directly at her.
And everyone saw it coming.
And everyone saw it coming.
It might seem easy to stand still and hope no one notices during these particularly hellish times, but NWSL is not in a position to do that without putting human beings in danger.
Also as several colleagues have noted, the photo choice here is absolutely intentional and points in a grim direction.
Also as several colleagues have noted, the photo choice here is absolutely intentional and points in a grim direction.
Deeply disappointed in Liz Eddy here, who I've always liked and respected. A reminder that we have a lot of work to do when it comes to educating the public about why trans inclusion isn't just morally correct, but competitively sound share.google/Gjf9a1Sl01eL...
November 4, 2025 at 12:02 AM
NWSL has been standing still and hoping no one notices, and in all likelihood a Black player who stood up for others — in the absence of proper moral leadership from the league — is going to have the right-wing rage machine aimed directly at her.
And everyone saw it coming.
And everyone saw it coming.
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
🇦🇷 Nashville SC keep Messi (kinda) quiet
🔥 Chicago Fire's embarrassing playoff exit
🔙 Seattle Sounders, Columbus Crew roar back
Listen to @jeffrueter.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social on 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞👇
🔥 Chicago Fire's embarrassing playoff exit
🔙 Seattle Sounders, Columbus Crew roar back
Listen to @jeffrueter.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social on 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞👇
LAFC advance, Nashville SC keep Messi quiet(ish) & what’s next for Chicago Fire | MLS Update
open.spotify.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:29 PM
🇦🇷 Nashville SC keep Messi (kinda) quiet
🔥 Chicago Fire's embarrassing playoff exit
🔙 Seattle Sounders, Columbus Crew roar back
Listen to @jeffrueter.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social on 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞👇
🔥 Chicago Fire's embarrassing playoff exit
🔙 Seattle Sounders, Columbus Crew roar back
Listen to @jeffrueter.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social on 𝐌𝐋𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞👇
Reposted by Jeff Rueter
"Seattle Sounders just about edging. At one point, they looked beyond comfort."
MLS After Dark inspires some truly poetic commentary.
MLS After Dark inspires some truly poetic commentary.
November 4, 2025 at 4:49 AM
"Seattle Sounders just about edging. At one point, they looked beyond comfort."
MLS After Dark inspires some truly poetic commentary.
MLS After Dark inspires some truly poetic commentary.