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Marc Machado

@marcmachado.bsky.social
456 followers 147 following 202 posts

Analytics & Recruitment @chicagofire.bsky.social mbmachado.substack.com

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Reposted by Marc Machado
Chicago Fire FC @chicagofire.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Welcome to Chicago, Anzor 🔥 We have signed Georgian midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili from Romanian Liga 1 side Universitatea Craiova via transfer. #cf97
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Timi Falusi @behindthefal.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Houston has one of the best defenses in MLS post World Cup, without pressing much or winning the ball back high. Went and figured out how.
substack.com
Houston's No-Press Defense
A good defense doesn't have to mean winning the ball back early. Houston is proof.
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Chicago Fire FC @chicagofire.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI IS COMING TO CHICAGO 🇵🇱 We have signed global soccer icon and Poland’s all-time leading goal scorer Robert Lewandowski as a Designated Player 🔥 #cf97
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Arman Kafai @armankafai.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
I feel like some of you wouldn’t believe what I’m about to say. It’s time for GAM to go. For good. My latest for FAM:
open.substack.com
It's Time for GAM To Go
Why MLS's most famous roster mechanism needs to go to the wayside for the future of the league
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Marc Machado @marcmachado.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
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Arman Kafai @armankafai.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
This week’s blog post isn’t really a post. It’s a tool that everyone can use to analyze their team’s current GAM situation based on the trades teams have made. All in one place. Introducing…. GAM Is Fun
open.substack.com
GAM Is Fun
A new way to look at all the GAM trades that have happened in MLS
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Timi Falusi @behindthefal.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
I wrote on the start of the Michael Bradley era in New York; tactical ideas, youth trust, and pressing. Read here
timfal.substack.com
The Michael Bradley Era in New York Has a Clear Identity
Structure, youth trust, and pressing identity in the early blueprint of Michael Bradley’s New York
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Jason Anderson @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Do you want my thoughts on the Washington Spirit and D.C. United? This is where they're going to be. Introducing Green Line Soccer:
green-line-soccer.ghost.io
Welcome to Green Line Soccer
Introducing my new outlet covering the Washington Spirit and D.C. United.
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John Muller @johnspacemuller.com · 19/02/2026
Following MLS is harder than it should be, so I made an automated daily newsletter that rounds up high-quality coverage from around the league. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow but you can sign up in advance here: tally.so/r/eq6DQx
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Joseph Lowery @joeclowery.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
If you're an MLS fan — or if you're trying to become one! — @backheeled.com's team-by-team previews are a great resource. Context. Transfers. Expectations. Tactics. Stars. Young talents. Depth charts. Predictions. And more...for all 30 teams! Read ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-2026-sea...
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Marc Machado @marcmachado.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
@behindthefal.bsky.social has done some interesting work covering all levels of the American game, from college to MLS. Would recommend checking out his stuff on the other site. Give him a follow & subscribe to @backheeled.com.
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Timi Falusi @behindthefal.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Proud to make my writing debut with @backheeled.com Huge thanks to @joeclowery.bsky.social for the opportunity and @marcmachado.bsky.social for helping make it happen.
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Arman Kafai @armankafai.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
One thing that Matt does that I'm trying to do as I get more years in this space is elevate people to a bigger audience. He's done it with me and many others. To have your name on the MLS homepage as someone who watched the league growing up... it's pretty fuckin' cool. Cheers to your new project
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Matthew Doyle @mattdoyle.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Fifteen years ago, I got my dream job writing for MLSsoccer. Last week, that came to an end. I'm off on my own, and it's time to build something new – with a little help from all of you. tacticsfreezone.ghost.io/an-end-to-my...
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John Muller @johnspacemuller.com · 27/01/2026
We're so back
johnspacemuller.substack.com
Get ready to meet futi
Sorry for the wait. Would some free advanced data make it up to you?
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American Soccer Analysis @americansocceranalysis.com · 26/01/2026
There's a new tool from @ussoccer.com and @akeaswaran.me is here to tell you about it. Introducing Glass Onion, an Identifier Synchronization Tool www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2026/1/...
americansocceranalysis.com
Introducing Glass Onion by US Soccer, An Identifier Synchronization Tool — American Soccer Analysis
By Akshay Easwaran Every soccer data analysis group has had the same jump-scare: they sign data provider contract #2, and suddenly, they need a solution to link teams, matches, and players across th...
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Jason Anderson @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
It's Personal News Notes App post time. (ok actually it was time weeks ago, but it is still also time now)
A screenshot of text that reads as follows:

Some weeks ago (this announcement is seriously overdue), I stepped down from my roles at USA Today Sports and Pro Soccer Wire. I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to join Variance Incorporated in a role that will involve research for Transfer Flow and scouting for Crux Football, and it was one I couldn't turn down. They're paying me to watch and research soccer! In my opinion, that's pretty good.

My 3.5 years with PSW/USA Today were challenging and rewarding. I am fiercely proud of what we grew Pro Soccer Wire into: the kind of place that soccer fans of all sorts could find something that spoke to them. Whether it was explainers, deep dives, or celebrations of animals who ran on a field, we made a good website.

Most of the credit for that goes to Seth Vertelney, whose work rate should be the stuff of legend. If you enjoy PSW, Seth's work as managing editor is why. I'm better at what I do for having worked with him, and it was no small thing for Seth, Nate Scott, and Randy Kim to hand one of the only new soccer writing jobs available in 2022 to a team site blogger gone half-mad during the pandemic. I don't know anywhere else I could have gotten the runway that every NWSL Take-Off required (Seth, I'm sorry they never really got any shorter), or where I could use valuable Deadline Day time to write about King Kazu. I'm thrilled to hear that he's now the soccer editor at USA Today Sports. They couldn't have picked a better person.A screenshot of text that reads as follows:

From summer 2024 onward, my role shifted into a hybrid, covering trending sports topics for USA Today Sports and PSW. My thanks to Gabe Zaldivar, Casey Moore, Ellen Horrow, Jesse Yomtov, Alicia Del Gallo, and the entire Trending team for helping a Soccer Person adapt to the non-stop rush of U.S. sports news with kindness and patience.

This new job leaves the window open for me to keep covering soccer, and in the near future I will be launching my own independent site covering the Washington Spirit and D.C. United. I would probably shrivel up and die without 30+ trips to the Audi Field press box per year, but more importantly I believe I still have something useful to contribute to soccer in the DMV. Hopefully you agree enough to click some links and follow some accounts. I apologize in advance for the self-promotion to come, which is already causing me some mild agony.

In the meantime (and once that new thing gets going, whatever shape it takes), I am open to provide freelance coverage of DC's soccer teams, the NWSL, or the senior national teams. If you're an editor who needs such a thing, send me a DM/text/email/whatever means of contact you have.
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Chicago Fire FC @chicagofire.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
🗣️ Because maybeeeeeee Robin is in Chicago babyyyyyyy And after alllllll We signed Robin Lodddddddd 🗣️ We have acquired Finland National Team midfielder Robin Lod as a free agent. #cf97
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Marc Machado @marcmachado.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
I don't post personal updates often, but for those who follow my Substack/have noticed my inactivity there, I wanted to share that I've joined the Chicago Fire as a data analyst/scout. Grateful for everyone who read/supported my work, dating back to my time with B&RU. Excited for what's ahead! 🔥🆙
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Chicago Fire FC @chicagofire.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Thank you for everything, Guti 👏 We have transferred Chicago native and Homegrown midfielder Brian Gutiérrez to LigaMX side Club Deportivo Guadalajara for a multi-million-dollar transfer fee. #cf97
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John Muller @johnspacemuller.com · 04/12/2025
Just give Doyle and Wiebe a small budget and complete editorial freedom to make 10 hours of stuff worth watching on Apple TV every week, it would transform MLS overnight
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
MLS plans to extend transfer windows a bit beyond when major European windows close after the schedule flips in summer of 2027. MLS also has gotten green light from FIFA and Concacaf to include the three Canadian MLS teams as domestic, so all 30 MLS clubs will be aligned.
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Joseph Lowery @joeclowery.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Without spending big, the Seattle Sounders have assembled an all-time MLS roster to withstand one of the busiest seasons ever. “Our fourth DP is our development system,” general manager Craig Waibel told me. “That’s where we choose to spend the money because it’s working.” For @backheeled.com ⤵️
backheeled.com
How the Seattle Sounders turned smart spending into an all-time great MLS roster
MLS is keeping its teams busier than ever, so the Sounders are looking inward to create an elite squad.
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Matthew Doyle @mattdoyle.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Free Newsletter: Best XI, Awards Ballot & final Power Rankings vote of the year! This is the longest newsletter I will ever write (b/c I should've put out the awards ballot as a separate post last week... oh well!) open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
open.substack.com
Best XI, Awards Ballot & final Power Rankings vote of the year!
This is the longest newsletter I'll ever write. I am sorry.
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Alexander Abnos @anabnos.com · 15/10/2025
Pochettino: "Cristian Roldan is maybe an example of if you want to build your perfect player...he has a little bit of everything."
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
BREAKING: Columbus Crew midfielder and MLS legend Darlington Nagbe is retiring after the 2025 MLS season, per sources. Nagbe, 35, is a four-time MLS Cup winner (2015, 2018, 2020, 2023) with three clubs (Portland, Atlanta, Columbus). One of MLS's best-ever midfielders 👏
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MLS Communications @mls-pr.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
With three goals in the first half tonight, Chicago Fire FC have now scored 39 road goals this regular season, which is the second most in a single season in MLS history (44, LA Galaxy in 1998).
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The District Press @districtpressdc.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
It's been a disappointing DC United season, and the owners are finally speaking up about the club's struggles. @blazindw.bsky.social sits down with #DCU owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan for an in depth interview on what the club's path forward will be to rebuild the trust of the fans.
thedistrictpress.com
DC United owners Jason Levien, Steve Kaplan speak candidly on team struggles, need to rebuild support
DC United is entering the final few weeks of what has been a very disappointing 2025 season. They were the first team to be eliminated from contention for the MLS Cup playoffs, marking the sixth straight season that they will miss out on the postseason. In July, they fired head coach Troy Lesesne, bringing in René Weiler after a month of having academy director Kevin Flanagan serve as the interim coach until the visa process could be finalized.
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Joseph Lowery @joeclowery.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
At first glance, Charlotte FC look unremarkable. A longer look, however, paints them as a legit trophy threat. I dive into Sir Minty's boys + soccer injustice that was done in San Diego, LAFC's new look, DC United's latest low & more. For Backheeled ⤵️ www.backheeled.com/mls-winners-...
backheeled.com
MLS Winners and Losers: LAFC's "no-brainer", Charlotte FC's hot streak & more
LAFC tried a new look, Charlotte FC wrote their name in the record books, the Vancouver Whitecaps didn't play with their food, and more.
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Jamon M - MLS and footy analysis @jamonm.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
Friday Stat Dump: This week we are looking at "Positive Possessions". Positive Possessions are those which end at a point further up the pitch than they started. Seems simple enough? Let's get into it. Possessions by themselves are neither good nor bad. It matters more what you do with them. 1/
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Jason Anderson @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Mateusz Klich signed with KS Cracovia today, but per D.C. United this *does not* open up a Designated Player slot for them.
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Marc Machado @marcmachado.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
As of May 1, TFC had no GAM remaining (and one of the ugliest cap situations in the league). They’ve since accumulated $900k in 2025 GAM through trades, while generating an additional $200k in guaranteed 2026 GAM. Factor in the DP moves, and it feels like a page is being turned in Toronto.
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Fluminense have officially signed Colombian attacker Santi Moreno from the Portland Timbers. Transfer fee around $6m. Timbers will net north of $5m. Fluminense and America de Cali found solution to lower Cali’s sell-on % from initial deal.
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Gregory Roche @gregoryroche.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Here's a fun fact: DCU's Academy GK coach left the club over the winter and they didn't hire a replacement until the summer. The interim GK coach for the Academy? Jordan Farr.
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
🚨🇰🇷 BREAKING: LAFC & Tottenham in advanced talks over potential fee in ballpark of $20m (£15m) for Son Heung-Min, per sources - Personal terms close to being finalized - Spurs asked for £30m when Saudi asked - Deal could conclude quickly w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social www.givemesport.com/lafc-son-heu...
givemesport.com
Exclusive: LAFC, Tottenham in advanced talks over $20m fee for Son
LAFC and Tottenham are in advanced talks over a deal worth around $20 million to sign Son Heung-Min, per sources.
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Donald Wine II @blazindw.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Eyob Joe Mamo, part owner of #DCU, says at the press conference for the friendly against the Ethiopian national team that he hopes the club pursues “older Premier League players” and has spoken with Jason Levine about pursuing those kind of players.
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Seth @sethman31.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Matt Turner will be loaned to the New England Revolution with an option to buy, according to L’Equipe #NERevs
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
🇩🇪🇨🇦 Sources: The Vancouver Whitecaps are closing in on total agreement on personal terms with legend Thomas Müller. Only final details remain. TAM in 2025, DP in 2026 ➕ Vancouver still in negotiations w/ Cincinnati for discovery rights w/ @jacobsben.bsky.social www.givemesport.com/thomas-mulle...
givemesport.com
Vancouver Whitecaps nearing total agreement on personal terms with Thomas Müller: Sources
The Vancouver Whitecaps are nearing a total agreement on personal terms with free agent forward Thomas Müller, sources tell GIVEMESPORT.
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
🚨 BREAKING: Vancouver Whitecaps in talks with Müller, per sources. Whitecaps in talks with FC Cincinnati over discovery rights too. Nothing agreed yet, but update follows Müller confirming his next club is "across the pond". With @jacobsben.bsky.social ✍️
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Marc Machado @marcmachado.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
🇺🇸 Sources: The Colorado Rapids have acquired USYNT center back Noah Cobb from Atlanta United. Deal is a loan thru the season with a purchase option. Cobb, who just turned 20, had made 40 first team apps for Atlanta.
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Michele Giannone @mgiannone.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
After my postgame interview with Club América HC André Jardine @mls.bsky.social I kinda jokingly said “We are waiting for you here in MLS”… he replied: “I think it’s going to happen” I don’t know but I think there’s a certain team in SoCal looking for a new HC.
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Paul Tenorio @paultenorio.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
LAFC is pushing hard to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min in this summer window, according to multiple sources briefed on talks. No major progress as yet, but LAFC trying hard to get the South Korean superstar for 2025 and beyond. www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
nytimes.com
Sources: LAFC eyeing Son Heung-min for summer transfer splash
LAFC has two open designated player spots and is eyeing the Tottenham and South Korea star for one of them
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HAR JOURNALIST @harjournalist.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
#VWFC's Ranko Veselinović has suffered a season-ending injury. An ACL tear in his left knee during the first half of last Saturday's match at San Diego. The club’s medical team, along with Veselinović, will determine next steps in the coming days. #MLS
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American Soccer Analysis @americansocceranalysis.com · 22/07/2025
We had our say on the state of analytics in MLS. Now the staffers get theirs'. Here's the 2025 MLS analytics survey: www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2025/7/21/2025-mls-analytics-survey
americansocceranalysis.com
2025 MLS Analytics Survey — American Soccer Analysis
Every year, we update the State of MLS Analytics by putting teams into tiers based upon how many analytics staff they have. However, the number of analytics staff members doesn’t necessarily say a...
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Minnesota United FC @mnufc.com · 21/07/2025
The club has acquired $1.6 million from St. Louis CITY SC in a Cash for Player trade for forward Sang Bin Jeong. The club may receive an additional $400,000 if certain performance metrics are met, and retains a sell-on percentage on any future transfer of Sang Bin.
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Sources: Atlanta United will receive $450k GAM + $350k add ons from Montréal for Efrain Morales. Atlanta retain sell on clause as well
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Tom Bogert @tombogert.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
Sources: CF Montréal have reached an agreement to acquire center back Efrain Morales from Atlanta United. Morales, 21, has made 12 first team apps for Atlanta. Deal set as George Campbell leaves MTL for West Brom
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Burgundy Wave @burgundywave.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
BREAKING: Kévin Cabral waived by Colorado Rapids. Wow. Immediately frees up a DP slot/U22 slot. Working to get more details on what this means given LA Galaxy were paying roughly half of his salary. A show of intent financially by the club to cut bait now.
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