We've got an unusual (for us) and fun (for all you MLS fans) Emergency Podcast just up: Joe Lowery, of Backheeled and Total Soccer Show fame, shared his thoughts on the first matchweek of the 2025 MLS season after writing around 50,000 words worth of season previews.
To give you a sense of what he noticed about Verde (currently 15th in Backheeled's power rankings, consistent of other leaguewide pundits), here's a glimpse at what he wrote about the 1-0 win over SKC:
"Estevez mostly used lone-forward fronts during his time in charge of FC Dallas, but opted for a look that very much featured Owen Wolff playing on the same line as Brandon Vazquez for most of Austin's 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City.
"While Wolff performed just fine in a more advanced role, there's little doubt in my mind that Estevez's shift to a front two was in preparation of club-record signing Myrto Uzuni's first start. Uzuni didn't feature over the weekend as he ramps up to match fitness, but the 29-year-old played more forward than winger in Spain and could be a neat fit next to Vazquez up top. Something to watch for."
But the first part of our discussion centered on San Diego FC; that opening 2-0 win over the Galaxy on Sunday night might not be a fluke after all!
Check it out on Apple, Spotify, or via the embedded audio below.
We've got an unusual (for us) and fun (for all you MLS fans) Emergency Podcast just up: Joe Lowery, of Backheeled and Total Soccer Show fame, shared his thoughts on the first matchweek of the 2025 MLS season after writing around 50,000 words worth of season previews.
To give you a sense of what he noticed about Verde (currently 15th in Backheeled's power rankings, consistent of other leaguewide pundits), here's a glimpse at what he wrote about the 1-0 win over SKC:
"Estevez mostly used lone-forward fronts during his time in charge of FC Dallas, but opted for a look that very much featured Owen Wolff playing on the same line as Brandon Vazquez for most of Austin's 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City.
"While Wolff performed just fine in a more advanced role, there's little doubt in my mind that Estevez's shift to a front two was in preparation of club-record signing Myrto Uzuni's first start. Uzuni didn't feature over the weekend as he ramps up to match fitness, but the 29-year-old played more forward than winger in Spain and could be a neat fit next to Vazquez up top. Something to watch for."
But the first part of our discussion centered on San Diego FC; that opening 2-0 win over the Galaxy on Sunday night might not be a fluke after all!
Check it out on Apple, Spotify, or via the embedded audio below.
Read Next
On Facundo Torres' disallowed goal: A response from PRO
Some of you are wondering why Facundo Torres' goal was disallowed on Saturday ... and why it even went to video review. We sought answers from PRO and got them.
'I don't know what happened to clear and obvious': Austin FC rues 'two points dropped' but still sees path to the playoffs
Despite managing just a single point on Saturday, interim head coach Davy Arnaud says there's reason to believe his team can reach the playoffs. But video review had a role in a needed win instead becoming a last-gasp draw.
At the Whistle: Austin FC 1, San Jose Earthquakes 1
Austin FC appeared to get an equalizer just two minutes after going down early. When it was waved away, it took more than 90 minutes to finally salvage the point at home.
Wake me up when September ends: Can Austin FC climb the table (and how do they)?
Austin FC has a long road to making the playoffs, being in 14th place to start September. But the team could be in much better position by the end of the month. Here's how.