Joseph Lowery
@joeclowery.bsky.social
⚽️ @backheeled.com
🖊️ ESPN, The Guardian, The Athletic
🎙️ TV analyst for Phoenix Rising FC
🗣️ Total Soccer Show
🖊️ ESPN, The Guardian, The Athletic
🎙️ TV analyst for Phoenix Rising FC
🗣️ Total Soccer Show
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
They’re having a dive-off
November 9, 2025 at 2:34 AM
They’re having a dive-off
It would be interesting for Poch to call up his best, healthiest players to play soccer for the USMNT in their second-to-last window before the 2026 World Cup roster is named.
Poch re leaving out Wes McKennie so he can keep his place at Juventus under Spalletti:
"It's important for Weston to be there and try to convince the [new] coaches, 'keep me playing.' I think it's more important than maybe being with us, no? Because we already know what he can provide the team"
"It's important for Weston to be there and try to convince the [new] coaches, 'keep me playing.' I think it's more important than maybe being with us, no? Because we already know what he can provide the team"
November 6, 2025 at 5:02 PM
It would be interesting for Poch to call up his best, healthiest players to play soccer for the USMNT in their second-to-last window before the 2026 World Cup roster is named.
Gio Reyna is back 👀
Our final roster of the year is here! 🇺🇸⚽️
25 players have been called up for matches against Paraguay on Nov. 15 and Uruguay on Nov. 18! 👇
25 players have been called up for matches against Paraguay on Nov. 15 and Uruguay on Nov. 18! 👇
November 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Gio Reyna is back 👀
can't wait until poch discovers telephones!
“In a national team you are desperate to coach the players. You feel empty because after the second game you cannot have communication and you cannot keep working on improving things.” www.theguardian.com/football/202...
USMNT’s Pochettino admits he misses Premier League and would like to return in future
United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted he misses the Premier League and would like to return there in the future
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:26 PM
can't wait until poch discovers telephones!
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
▪️ Tata Martino is back at Atlanta United
▪️ New England Revolution hire Marko Mitrovic
▪️ St. Louis City land Corey Wray to lead their front office
Listen to The Backheeled Show for analysis on the latest news from around MLS 🎧
▪️ New England Revolution hire Marko Mitrovic
▪️ St. Louis City land Corey Wray to lead their front office
Listen to The Backheeled Show for analysis on the latest news from around MLS 🎧
Tata back to Atlanta United?! Revs land a coach, St. Louis' front office hire & more MLS news
open.spotify.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:05 PM
▪️ Tata Martino is back at Atlanta United
▪️ New England Revolution hire Marko Mitrovic
▪️ St. Louis City land Corey Wray to lead their front office
Listen to The Backheeled Show for analysis on the latest news from around MLS 🎧
▪️ New England Revolution hire Marko Mitrovic
▪️ St. Louis City land Corey Wray to lead their front office
Listen to The Backheeled Show for analysis on the latest news from around MLS 🎧
do tito villalba next you cowards
🇻🇪 Sources: Josef Martinez is departing the San Jose Earthquakes.
Mutual decision, we're told. SJ will decline option and he hits free agency. Was team's leading scorer.
Martinez always interested in Atlanta reunion. TBD.
w/ @felipecardenas.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Mutual decision, we're told. SJ will decline option and he hits free agency. Was team's leading scorer.
Martinez always interested in Atlanta reunion. TBD.
w/ @felipecardenas.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Josef Martinez to leave San Jose Earthquakes, eligible for MLS free agency
The 32-year-old Venezuela international forward was San Jose’s leading goal scorer this season with 14 goals in league play.
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:13 AM
do tito villalba next you cowards
Only one MLS team improved more than Gregg Berhalter's Chicago Fire this year — and it's the team that bounced them from the playoffs.
Back on an upward trajectory on and off the field, the Fire are en route to becoming a model MLS club once again.
For @backheeled.com ⤵️
Back on an upward trajectory on and off the field, the Fire are en route to becoming a model MLS club once again.
For @backheeled.com ⤵️
Chicago Fire’s painful playoff exit shouldn’t overshadow a year of real progress
Under Gregg Berhalter, the Fire may become a model MLS club once again.
www.backheeled.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Only one MLS team improved more than Gregg Berhalter's Chicago Fire this year — and it's the team that bounced them from the playoffs.
Back on an upward trajectory on and off the field, the Fire are en route to becoming a model MLS club once again.
For @backheeled.com ⤵️
Back on an upward trajectory on and off the field, the Fire are en route to becoming a model MLS club once again.
For @backheeled.com ⤵️
I think Guti is really good and should be getting USMNT call-ups at present.
Good for him for seeing what’s out there.
Good for him for seeing what’s out there.
🇲🇽 Sources: Chicago Fire & U.S. midfielder Brian Gutierrez is in process of securing a Mexican passport, & with it, eligibility to represent Mexico in the future.
Gutierrez keeping options open. Has 2 senior USMNT caps, both in Jan. camp this year www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Gutierrez keeping options open. Has 2 senior USMNT caps, both in Jan. camp this year www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Brian Gutiérrez in process of getting Mexican passport, national team eligibility: Sources
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:23 AM
I think Guti is really good and should be getting USMNT call-ups at present.
Good for him for seeing what’s out there.
Good for him for seeing what’s out there.
The Revs’ youth pipeline is their best attribute right now, so hiring a coach in Marko Mitrovic who has experience working with young players makes sense.
Solid hire. Some real work still needed on the roster.
Solid hire. Some real work still needed on the roster.
BREAKING: The New England Revolution will name Marko Mitrovic their next head coach.
Mitrovic is the United States U-20 head coach. Also led the USMNT at the Olympics last year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Mitrovic is the United States U-20 head coach. Also led the USMNT at the Olympics last year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Sources: Revolution to name U.S. U-20 coach Marko Mitrovic next manager
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:48 PM
The Revs’ youth pipeline is their best attribute right now, so hiring a coach in Marko Mitrovic who has experience working with young players makes sense.
Solid hire. Some real work still needed on the roster.
Solid hire. Some real work still needed on the roster.
Marc Dos Santos isn’t a flashy hire, if he is indeed named Cherundolo’s successor, but he’s a reasonable appointment.
LAFC are a front office-driven club. They’re elite at player recruitment.
In that case, all you need is a replacement-level coach to continue to thrive.
LAFC are a front office-driven club. They’re elite at player recruitment.
In that case, all you need is a replacement-level coach to continue to thrive.
Sources: LAFC assistant Marc Dos Santos is the frontrunner to be named LAFC's next head coach when Steve Cherundolo leaves this winter.
LAFC fully focused on playoff run now, nothing will be done until winter, but Dos Santos frontrunner.
w/ @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
LAFC fully focused on playoff run now, nothing will be done until winter, but Dos Santos frontrunner.
w/ @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Sources: LAFC assistant Dos Santos frontrunner to replace coach Cherundolo
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Marc Dos Santos isn’t a flashy hire, if he is indeed named Cherundolo’s successor, but he’s a reasonable appointment.
LAFC are a front office-driven club. They’re elite at player recruitment.
In that case, all you need is a replacement-level coach to continue to thrive.
LAFC are a front office-driven club. They’re elite at player recruitment.
In that case, all you need is a replacement-level coach to continue to thrive.
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...
Perhaps my biggest takeaway from the North Carolina FC hiatus news? The USL needs a number of more committed owners with deeper pockets.
If some owners are viewing D1 as their financial savior, they're asking for trouble.
More: www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
If some owners are viewing D1 as their financial savior, they're asking for trouble.
More: www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
November 4, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Perhaps my biggest takeaway from the North Carolina FC hiatus news? The USL needs a number of more committed owners with deeper pockets.
If some owners are viewing D1 as their financial savior, they're asking for trouble.
More: www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
If some owners are viewing D1 as their financial savior, they're asking for trouble.
More: www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
November 4, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
The USL's publicly stated ambition is clear: to implement pro-rel and launch a first-division men's league.
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
North Carolina FC’s hiatus exposes the cracks beneath the USL’s expressed ambition
While USL arms itself for a push towards creating a top men’s league and adding promotion and relegation, it’s clear more work is needed.
www.backheeled.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The USL's publicly stated ambition is clear: to implement pro-rel and launch a first-division men's league.
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
this is really, really good from jon!
can't wait for more
can't wait for more
Introducing: Football Cities
Starting with Mexico's World Cup host cities & hopefully continuing throughout the Americas & the world, I'm launching a video series offering soccer fans a practical guide to making the most of their travels in 2026 and beyond.
youtu.be/5eEZvee5v8U?...
Starting with Mexico's World Cup host cities & hopefully continuing throughout the Americas & the world, I'm launching a video series offering soccer fans a practical guide to making the most of their travels in 2026 and beyond.
youtu.be/5eEZvee5v8U?...
2026 World Cup travel guide: Guadalajara | The stadiums, sights, food & culture of La Perla Tapatia
YouTube video by JonArnoldFC
youtu.be
November 3, 2025 at 8:42 PM
this is really, really good from jon!
can't wait for more
can't wait for more
Plenty of red flags around St. Louis (see: club president Diego Gigliani pushing ahead on making end-of-year roster decisions before naming a new CSO).
That said, Wray is well-regarded around MLS. I’d be happy about him if I was a St. Louis fan.
Will he be given room to work?
That said, Wray is well-regarded around MLS. I’d be happy about him if I was a St. Louis fan.
Will he be given room to work?
Welcome to CITY, Corey!
St. Louis CITY SC name Corey Wray as the Club's second-ever Sporting Director.
🗞️ www.stlcitysc.com/news/st-loui...
St. Louis CITY SC name Corey Wray as the Club's second-ever Sporting Director.
🗞️ www.stlcitysc.com/news/st-loui...
November 3, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Plenty of red flags around St. Louis (see: club president Diego Gigliani pushing ahead on making end-of-year roster decisions before naming a new CSO).
That said, Wray is well-regarded around MLS. I’d be happy about him if I was a St. Louis fan.
Will he be given room to work?
That said, Wray is well-regarded around MLS. I’d be happy about him if I was a St. Louis fan.
Will he be given room to work?
Wray is well-regarded by everyone I talk to around MLS. I’d be happy if I was a St. Louis fan.
Sources: St. Louis City SC has agreed terms with former Montreal executive Corey Wray to be its next sporting director. Contract could be signed as soon as late Friday. A Canadian citizen, Wray will need to acquire a work visa as well. #AllForCITY
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Sources: St. Louis to hire ex-Montréal exec Wray
St. Louis City SC has agreed personal terms with former CF Montreal executive Corey Wray to be the team's next sporting director, sources told ESPN.
www.espn.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Wray is well-regarded by everyone I talk to around MLS. I’d be happy if I was a St. Louis fan.
“You're trying to give your team as much information, without too much information."
“I would say the [Crew’s] one constant is typically the wingback positioning. But outside of that..."
Loved reading Noonan's thoughts on Nancy's tactics from the great @cboehm.bsky.social for @backheeled.com 🆓
“I would say the [Crew’s] one constant is typically the wingback positioning. But outside of that..."
Loved reading Noonan's thoughts on Nancy's tactics from the great @cboehm.bsky.social for @backheeled.com 🆓
Hell Is Real: Wilfried Nancy, Pat Noonan's "love" for the rivalry and the tactics within it
Both the Columbus Crew manager and the FC Cincinnati head coach adore the matchup between their teams. How will the latest playoff chapter of a headlining rivalry unfold?
www.backheeled.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:15 PM
“You're trying to give your team as much information, without too much information."
“I would say the [Crew’s] one constant is typically the wingback positioning. But outside of that..."
Loved reading Noonan's thoughts on Nancy's tactics from the great @cboehm.bsky.social for @backheeled.com 🆓
“I would say the [Crew’s] one constant is typically the wingback positioning. But outside of that..."
Loved reading Noonan's thoughts on Nancy's tactics from the great @cboehm.bsky.social for @backheeled.com 🆓
this is an absolutely wild thing to admit to the public, i'm weak 😂
October 30, 2025 at 5:12 PM
this is an absolutely wild thing to admit to the public, i'm weak 😂
MLS's playoff schedule is truly idiotic.
It makes no sense that Charlotte/NYCFC played on Tuesday as the second-to-last game to open Round One and now those teams have to turn around and play Game 2 before anybody else.
3 days between games for those teams. 7 days for others.
Utter nonsense.
It makes no sense that Charlotte/NYCFC played on Tuesday as the second-to-last game to open Round One and now those teams have to turn around and play Game 2 before anybody else.
3 days between games for those teams. 7 days for others.
Utter nonsense.
October 30, 2025 at 5:04 PM
MLS's playoff schedule is truly idiotic.
It makes no sense that Charlotte/NYCFC played on Tuesday as the second-to-last game to open Round One and now those teams have to turn around and play Game 2 before anybody else.
3 days between games for those teams. 7 days for others.
Utter nonsense.
It makes no sense that Charlotte/NYCFC played on Tuesday as the second-to-last game to open Round One and now those teams have to turn around and play Game 2 before anybody else.
3 days between games for those teams. 7 days for others.
Utter nonsense.
Few things about Minnesota United's new era have been normal — from outlier tactics to striking a deal with a group of soccer data hobbyists turned practitioners.
For @backheeled.com, I spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most modern outfits ⤵️
For @backheeled.com, I spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most modern outfits ⤵️
Inside Minnesota United’s rebirth: Playing “like Stoke City on a rainy Tuesday” & buying into data
The Loons’ unorthodox rebuild has seen them develop into one of MLS’s most modern and competitive outfits.
www.backheeled.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Few things about Minnesota United's new era have been normal — from outlier tactics to striking a deal with a group of soccer data hobbyists turned practitioners.
For @backheeled.com, I spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most modern outfits ⤵️
For @backheeled.com, I spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most modern outfits ⤵️
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
Few things about Minnesota United's new era have been normal — from outlier tactics to striking a data deal with @americansocceranalysis.com.
@joeclowery.bsky.social spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most competitive outfits.
Read ⤵️
@joeclowery.bsky.social spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most competitive outfits.
Read ⤵️
Inside Minnesota United’s rebirth: Playing “like Stoke City on a rainy Tuesday” & buying into data
The Loons’ unorthodox rebuild has seen them develop into one of MLS’s most modern and competitive outfits.
www.backheeled.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Few things about Minnesota United's new era have been normal — from outlier tactics to striking a data deal with @americansocceranalysis.com.
@joeclowery.bsky.social spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most competitive outfits.
Read ⤵️
@joeclowery.bsky.social spoke with key figures at the club to go inside the Loons' rebirth as one of MLS's most competitive outfits.
Read ⤵️
Reposted by Joseph Lowery
We know you have thoughts on MLS. Why not make them heard?
We're partnering with @sixonefivesoccer.com and 20 other independent outlets to produce the 2025 end-of-season MLS fan survey.
More ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/introducing-...
We're partnering with @sixonefivesoccer.com and 20 other independent outlets to produce the 2025 end-of-season MLS fan survey.
More ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/introducing-...
Introducing the MLS 2025 end-of-season fan survey
We know you have thoughts on MLS. Why not make them heard?
www.backheeled.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:51 PM
We know you have thoughts on MLS. Why not make them heard?
We're partnering with @sixonefivesoccer.com and 20 other independent outlets to produce the 2025 end-of-season MLS fan survey.
More ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/introducing-...
We're partnering with @sixonefivesoccer.com and 20 other independent outlets to produce the 2025 end-of-season MLS fan survey.
More ⤵️
www.backheeled.com/introducing-...
An hour of MLS playoff talk with me and @jeffrueter.bsky.social has just blessed your podcast feeds 🎧
🏆 MLS playoff roundup!
🇲🇽 Chucky Lozano drama for San Diego FC
🔙 Tata Martino to Atlanta United?
Listen to @jeffrueter.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social on MLS Update 👇
🇲🇽 Chucky Lozano drama for San Diego FC
🔙 Tata Martino to Atlanta United?
Listen to @jeffrueter.bsky.social and @joeclowery.bsky.social on MLS Update 👇
Playoff roundup! Chuky Lozano drama! Tata Martino back to Atlanta United? | MLS Update
open.spotify.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:38 PM
An hour of MLS playoff talk with me and @jeffrueter.bsky.social has just blessed your podcast feeds 🎧