One of the things many don’t realize about Brazil over last 5-10 years is just how powerful the top teams have become financially. Ten or twenty years ago the assumption was that they were good because they stood atop the biggest domestic talent pool, but were financially shaky and constantly...

Always a pleasure LFC : ) Next batch of games has some interesting ones: Flemengo-Chelsea and Bayern-Boca Juniors.

I couldn't help but pull for Botafogo - they wanted that so bad. Fingers crossed for some good South America - Europe duels in the knockouts. A rematch of this game would be fun.

Botafogo currently getting after it against PSG. Leading 1-0 against the Parisians.

U18s vs France

Yazbek goal

Its a very good point - there is going to have to be an allowance (or change to criteria) there in case all time-zone teams get relegated. Another geographic consideration is that travel costs could change significantly. If all Division 3 Pacific time zone teams get promoted except one - travel...

In US the requirements for divisions are set by the federation. As long as you meet the criteria you should get approved. The federation has been fairly lenient with bending these as well for certain leagues - at least temporarily. USL might need leniency on the 15k stadium D1 requirement - but...

FWIW Colorado Rapids have same owner as Arsenal - so maybe thats part of the pitch

Piol goal for RSL

Noted! This will be a comprehensive education for me : )

Not too much. I am interested in the academies being stood up in USL which is starting - but if MLS has taught me anything its that it just takes time (10+ years) - so may be awhile before any impact is had. There is a new USL League 1 team starting in a nearby state (the only professional club...

A few clubs have developed a bit of an early reputation (FC Dallas and Philadelphia for homegrown academy exports, Atlanta/Miami for high end South American prospects) but really its too early to tell - most teams are testing the waters. With academies producing most teams are far more...

I watch every once is a blue moon - but its mostly reading/highlights for me. I'd enjoy watching more - I'm kinda hoping Apple snaps up the A-League (there is no way Apple got into soccer streaming to just show MLS - lol) as it would make watching easier - but we'll see.

I am! I appreciate the opportunity to read/learn a bit about Australian soccer as it is ever improving