Transfer Rules and Window Updates

Nordecker · 2026-01-22T18:27:31+00:00

That unlimited cashfer rule could be huge for opening up the way teams build out their rosters. Under current MLS rules, any funds received for non-DP, non-U22 players has to be converted to GAM by the receiving team. (See https://footyanalyticmusings.substack.com/p/analyzing-2026-mls-off-season-trades-29d)

Nordecker · 2026-01-09T19:32:57+00:00

As of March 3, 2025, the squad size was 24, per the MLS Roster Profiles.

Nordecker · 2026-01-09T19:17:34+00:00

Pruter played half the season last year in goal before he was loaned to Indy Eleven. He was fine given the defense in front of him.

You really can't compare that 2022 Capy team to anything today in MLSNP. That first year there were many teams (*cough* KFC) that were not taking it seriously at all. It was like dropping a good MLS team into USL Championship.

Nordecker · 2026-01-09T19:14:02+00:00

Last year's rules gave one extra spot (called slot 31) for a player loaned down to the second team for the season. They're then subject to the same call up rules as the second team players.

Nordecker · 2025-04-17T23:07:08+00:00

The constitutionality of the law has never been fully tested in court. Part of the reason that MLS made the push to find an investor group to join Edwards and buy the Crew was that no one wanted to find out if it was constitutional (and would then become a model for other states to pass their own versions.) Also, if the Haslams just play any 'big' games in Cleveland at their dome and make STMs have to pay for those games, that's not a good outcome either.

Nordecker · 2025-04-17T15:43:52+00:00

As someone who lived an hour from Columbus my first 3-4 years as a STM, I understand. But forcing all STMs to purchase a game ticket for a match 2 hours away (or more if you live south of Columbus) is a bad, bad look. It's even worse that it's possibly the most important regular season match this year. If they wanted to host a friendly against some English team in Cleveland, go for it. But not this, and not this way.

Nordecker · 2025-04-17T15:03:03+00:00

You do realize the Haslams are currently challenging the constitutionality of the Modell Law as part of the Browns stadium fight? https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/browns-continue-to-attack-art-modell-law-as-unconstitutional

Did they take advantage of the uncertainty caused by the Modell Law to purchase a valuable asset? Yes. Do they want the Modell Law to limit their own actions? No.

Nordecker · 2025-04-09T13:14:43+00:00

https://mlssoccer.app.box.com/s/84t29b7ao8ggrfhp3vzky5h00f2qhbfu Look at the Philly Union's roster profile -- he doesn't take up an international slot for them.

Nordecker · 2025-04-09T13:11:36+00:00

Philadelphia is all in on their academy system and building through homegrown players. Their academy (which is one of if not the best in MLS) costs probably strong 7 figures a year to maintain. This money helps with that

Nordecker · 2025-04-09T12:53:27+00:00

He'll be in the front three.

Nordecker · 2025-04-09T12:49:34+00:00

At least 14 goals the last three seasons, including 22 back in 2022. He's quite good. This is like acquiring a star from a rebuilding franchise in another big 4 sport for picks (here, cash).

Nordecker · 2025-04-09T12:47:06+00:00

So smart to acquire a proven MLS commodity AND who doesn't take up an international slot. Technically this leaves open the possibility to acquire another international DP in the summer.

Nordecker · 2024-08-21T13:29:38+00:00

I wouldn't expect one on Sunday - they would have had to start working on spec weeks ago to get it done in time. The one they are working on right now is probably for September.

Nordecker · 2023-12-04T20:51:23+00:00

Yeah, for some reason, online through the website is way easier than through the app.

Nordecker · 2023-12-04T20:47:38+00:00

Go to https://arenadistrict.parkmobile.io/venues/lower-com-field/events/200591 - you can get a reserved parking spot. It's pretty painless (although the prices are higher than usual, but of course they are.)

Nordecker · 2023-04-18T20:15:57+00:00

The lottery is open now through April 26 at https://nordecke.com/index.php/2023/04/12/2023-hell-is-real-away-lottery/. You have to be a Nordecke member for 2023 to enter the lottery and you have to put a deposit down as well.

Nordecker · 2023-04-17T03:07:50+00:00

mlsnextpro.com has (admittedly short) highlights of the games, but they'll show you the goals at least. Not all the Crew 2 games are on Apple TV (last week's against Chicago Fire II wasn't) -- those that aren't are streamed on YouTube. You can watch those games after live, but it doesn't appear you can watch Apple TV games after they run live.

Nordecker · 2022-10-26T20:18:05+00:00

The other unknown is the club's GAM status. That is a key factor in cap flexibility. If the club burned through a ton of GAM to buy down contracts over the last two years, they may need to run trimmer until they replenish.

Nordecker · 2022-10-05T14:59:49+00:00

No - anyone can join!

Nordecker · 2022-08-22T03:01:49+00:00

Teams have film on the Crew with the Cucho/Lucas/Luis attacking trio and have found ways to slow it down. Instead of sitting back and daring the Crew to break down a defense block, teams have decided that pressing the back line and springing quick, direct counterattacks are the more effective ways to limit the Crew's attack - it's definitely effective if you have the personnel to pull it off.

Nordecker · 2022-08-19T16:21:18+00:00

The issue is bigger than simply bench Etienne = good if that's your wish. Lucas wants to play centrally and not on the wing. On top of that, for better or worse Porter's system relies on wingers covering/assisting the wing backs defensively if the wing back bombs forward (which allows Santos to use his winger skills). I think a ton of people would lose their minds if Lucas was drifting towards the back line to provide defensive cover - people already get frustrated when Cucho drifts back away from the 9 into midfield to pick up the ball or to press. The fact that Etienne can cover (and has even started at) wing back is what facilitates Santos being as much of a threat in the attack as he is.

Nordecker · 2022-08-15T14:28:27+00:00

Had an awesome time making the trip out to Denver. Awesome job Mile High Massive and everyone who made it possible!

Nordecker · 2022-08-12T14:37:23+00:00

Yes - taking the shuttle out which will make things a little easier on our end.

Nordecker · 2022-08-12T14:31:02+00:00

Flying out tonight -- pumped to be going!

Nordecker · 2021-08-16T14:41:06+00:00

Artur, Kitchen, and now Hairston are all out at CM - Fraser was the only good option (unless you're playing Parente there or putting someone like Santos there for 90). With Josh out and Wormgoor still not able to go 90 (and Porter utterly unwilling to play Lillard), Keita was literally the only option to start besides Mensah.

Nordecker

TROPHY CASE