Thank you for 2025, subscribers! We can't wait for what's next.

Hey, you. Yeah, you.

Thank you for being a paid Backheeled subscriber. 

Without you, the site wouldn’t exist and neither would the insightful coverage we try to produce at every turn. Thanks to you — and, of course, thanks to our fantastic team of writers — we covered a whole bunch of ground in 2025. Even Tyler Adams would be impressed. And, perhaps, a bit out of breath.

We previewed every single MLS and USL Championship team heading into the season, something no other outlet on the planet did in any level of detail. We wrote about each of those teams every week during the season. We dove into the major developments driving the two leagues, introducing you to emerging characters and breaking down the structural changes many hope will alter American soccer forever. We covered the U.S. men’s national team on the ground, too, examining the big changes surrounding Mauricio Pochettino’s team. 

We wrote a lot. We covered a lot. And we produced a whole slew of stories that I’m truly proud of. Here's are a few of Backheeled’s best stories of 2025, with more favorites down at the bottom of this post:

Messi hasn’t brought sweeping change to MLS – but the league has entered a new era of growth

Some have accused MLS of wasting Messi’s time in Miami. But after taking a step back, it’s hard to ignore the league’s recent progress.

BackheeledBrian McKay

The making of Diego Luna, as seen through the eyes of his coaches

Here are the on-field qualities and off-field personality traits that have made Luna a rising star.

BackheeledJoseph Lowery

USL’s central ownership structure creates challenges for clubs – here’s how they’re trying to make money anyway

Even as the USL adds investment and looks to evolve on the field, a privately held LLC soaks up the earnings.

BackheeledJohn Morrissey

If you’re a fan of insightful American soccer coverage done by folks that are truly passionate about the game but you’re not a paid Backheeled subscriber, I’d ask that you consider becoming one today.

I know there are thousands of you subscribed for free who haven’t taken the plunge to become a paid subscriber. The simple truth is that we can afford to grow the scope and quality of our coverage — two things I’d very much like to keep doing! — as the size of our paid subscriber base grows. Of course, money is tight for many right now. And for others, we may not cover soccer in the U.S. quite how you’d prefer it to be covered. While we do some things better than other outlets, I’ll be the first to admit that other outlets do a brilliant job at things we’re not as well equipped to do in our current form.

But if you like what we’re building here at Backheeled and can spare a few bucks a month, we’d love to have you.

If you haven’t heard, 2026 is supposed to be a big year for soccer in the United States. It’ll be a big year for Backheeled, too. In the meantime, thanks for spending time with us this year.

More great stories from 2025:

Has MLS’s U22 Initiative been a success? Examining the league’s $300 million endeavor

MLS teams have spent big money on U22 Initiative players over the last few years. Is that spending paying off?

BackheeledBen Wright

How San Diego FC is dominating MLS — and making a case as the best expansion team in history

With a crystal-clear vision, the new kids on the block are pushing for trophies.

BackheeledJoseph Lowery

How Alex Freeman – son of a star NFL receiver – is blazing his own path for Orlando City, U.S.

Always drawn to soccer over football, the 20-year-old is shining in MLS as he moves towards a U.S. men’s national team call-up.

BackheeledBrian Sciaretta

What it costs to run a USL team: Expansion fees, player wages & more

From expansion fees to player salaries, we’re diving into the financial state of the USL.

BackheeledColton Coreschi

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.

BackheeledJohn Morrissey

USL owners with pro-rel experience peel back the curtain on the league’s new model

A pair of USL Championship owners have first-hand experience with promotion and relegation from their stakes in English clubs. Here’s what they think about the USL’s new model.

BackheeledJohn Morrissey

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT has a pressing problem

A worrying theme has developed for the United States: they can’t seem to press.

BackheeledJoseph Lowery

The biggest win of Pochettino’s tenure? The USMNT has depth now

The U.S. appears to be deeper than ever heading into a World Cup year. Could that depth lead to a lengthy tournament run?

BackheeledJerry Hinnen