What’s up! I’m an MLS and USMNT insider with The Athletic as well as Apple TV. I’ve previously written for MLSSoccer.com as well as The Guardian. I’m here to answer some questions starting at 11am ET.
Let’s get after whatever you want. Messi in Miami, Phil Neville in Portland, USMNT stuff, who’s next to come to MLS, mustache questions, all good.
Which city did you not expect to announce an MLS side?
Any idea when the Revs will announce a new sporting director and head coach?
Any hints to who they are looking at?
Best way to start a career in soccer in the US?
Give us the Tommy Scoops on the NYCFC.SOURCE Twitter account, what’s been going on with you two?
And what are your thoughts on other similar accounts like MLSTransfers, MLSMoves, etc?
Do you expect significant changes to the roster rules this offseason, or is MLS limited in what they can actually do (CBA, low-spending owners on committees, etc)?
Any stadium rumors out there? All eyes seem to be on the Revs now that NYCFC have their situation squared away. Any other “surprises” floating around?
I’m so lost as to why Phil Neville keeps getting high profile jobs in football. Can you shed any light?
good character, really good interview. i genuinely believe he’ll be successful in portland but, if he’s not, might be tough to find a 3rd job here. but i will say portland absolutely were not the only MLS team who wanted him.
Hi Tom, I have a question regarding the Revs DP situation. Have you heard anything about Bou and Vrioni departing the team this offseason or are both expected to come back? If not any potential replacements or does chancalays purchase option make him a DP and he takes a spot? Thanks!
bou is out of contract. seems like he’s gone but man if he would accept a max-TAM deal, i think honestly like every team should be offering him that.
vrioni has been a disaster. gotta transfer him out.
chancalay would be a DP if they pick up his option. id be shocked if they don’t, he’s so good. an attack with borrero-gil-chancalay and a new DP forward could be AWESOME
Hey Tom, what’s a realistic expectation and ceiling for the USMNT through the rest of the decade? Follow up: talk about the state of the CB position and do you think that’s the weakest link to/for our success?
realistic is quarterfinals at least in 2026. disappointment if not. why can’t they make semis? but anything less than quarterfinals is a disappointment.
if richards progresses, that position will be fine. i see your point where there’s not an elite talent to look at for that position unlike several others (LW with pulisic, ST balogun, CAM reyna, DM adams, etc)
How good will the Crew be in year 2 under Nancy?
Do you believe there are any roster rule changes coming this off-season to MLS?
tom, first time long time
would you ever consider living somewhere other than new jersey for an extended period of time
hahaha i absolutely love london but that’s not very compatible with being an MLS insider.
my lovely fiance is a small business owner near where we live so i’ll be in NJ for the long-term!
Thoughts on Ben Olsen and Dynamo this season. HH played well this year and they look great (fingers crossed for tomorrow). I personally see them as a threat for West final and could make surprise run to the final if they finish their chances as they create so much from open play.
Are there any specific topics or aspects of the MLS that you feel are not getting enough attention in the broader sports media?
the actual play on the field!!! i don’t care a ton about the traditional media coverage – i do not blame shows like PTI or around the horn for not covering it. you can’t cover anything. what do we gain by people who don’t watch talking about the game for 2 mins cus they feel like they have to?
but a lot of the convo is dominated by messi, or who’s next, or what’s next, or how to fix this, or how to change rules. i’m super excited for the next rounds of the playoffs here. a lot of fun teams and great storylines (cincy v philly, maybe lafc v seattle, etc). this is what we’ve been grinding for eight months or whatever for. this is what all the time spent in may watching a random, bad wednesday night game is for!
Hi Tom, do you have any insight on USMNT Dual National battles? Luca Koleosho’s name has been thrown about a ton, wondering if you have any info that Gregg hasn’t said out loud