RORY MCILROY WINS THE 2026 MASTERS.

"Transmitting Value, On and Off the Pitch" FC Midtjylland's 200 million euro development model, and why what happens off the pitch matters just as much as what happens on it.

In an industry that reduces players to mere financial assets, FC Midtjylland is doing something different. Invest in the person, and the footballer follows. Over €200 million in transfers proves the new model works. New piece, out below. Enjoy.

Join me on @stumptownfooty.bsky.social for tonight’s cascadia clash! #RCTID

The Thorns divided spoils and now they can rest a little.

However, STF crew won't rest for long tonight because the Timbers are playing in less than 2 hours. The great @luukasojala.bsky.social will cover the rivalry game against Vancouver for you.

Stay tuned and onward, Rose City. #BAONPDX #RCTID

What’s up party people.
Join me on @stumptownfooty.bsky.social for tonight’s cascadia clash between the Timbers and our northern neighbors, the whitecaps. Looking forward to seeing you tonight! #RCTID

Phuoc yeah!!!

Seeing friends do cool things has quickly become a highlight of my life. Super excited for @phuocerman.bsky.social and this opportunity he will have.

The Frozen Pathway A study into the Veikkausliiga as a talent development pathway

I wrote about the role the Veikkausliiga plays as a developmental and gateway league for players entering the European market.
Enjoy, and please subscribe!

Gonna name my second born child after Mikko Rantanen

Gonna name my first kid after Juuse Saros btw

You’re about to see, but one of the few things that makes me insufferable are Finland sports

If you like thinking about the game of football, I encourage you to check my writing out. I post about my thoughts on various sporting organizations across the game of football.

www.luukasojala.substack.com

Proud to have achieved this milestone, and to have created a small community of like minded football thinkers.

This group has become one of my favorite parts of the internet.

Here’s to the next 💯!

Next Man Up Why The Next Hire Might Come From Within.

Brentford’s move from Thomas Frank to Keith Andrews felt like strategic planning gone right.

In a sport addicted to managerial turnover, they’ve built a system strong enough to survive, and evolve, beyond one personality.

Continuity is strategic.
Enjoy. ⬇️

I miss Jukka Jalonen. Finnish hockey might be the death of me 😭

Key numbers:

2026 Senior Roster Salary Budget of $6,9425,000 (MLS typo that I assume is $6,942,500) from 5,950,000 last season.

Max budget charge is increased to $803,125.

Clubs must declare roster construction by February 20th, can update starting July 1st.

Jack Cassidy Named Timbers2 Head Coach; T2 signs Trio of Players Timbers2 has a new boss

T2 has a new man in charge, 35 year old Englishman Jack Cassidy. I write about his hiring, and some signings that T2 has made. For @stumptownfooty.bsky.social #RCTID

Will stay a U22 through this season. He turns 26 in 2027-28, meaning he’ll have to be off the program by then.

I’m going to wait on the details of the transaction because if he’s on his current deal I’m pretty sure he’s going to have to be a DP in 27/28.

From a sporting strategy perspective, this makes a TON of sense.
1) Bassett is a known performer who has room to grow.
2) Portland gets their replacement in the midfield for David Ayala.
3) from a business perspective, this is a move that will hopefully bring ROI and then some.
#RCTID

Craziest thing I’ve ever watched.

No human is limited 💪

Preseason back in full sprint. 2026 campaign 🔜

The Pressure to Win Winning is the currency of professional sport.

Development is preached widely in soccer.
It gets practiced far less when pressure shows up.

A piece on winning, time, and what gets lost when everything is judged immediately.

Enjoy.

a man with a mustache is wearing a blue jacket that says onward forward Alt: Ted Lasso saying “Onward. Forward.”

Happy new year #RCTID and #BAONPDX fam! May 2026 be full of sawdust, roses, and a whole lot of celebratory smoke bombs. Onward.

2025 ✅
Here’s to more in 2026 🔜

you'll never sing that

Official: Sophia Wilson is returning to the Portland Thorns, exercises 2026 player option She's back. Sophia Wilson has exercised her 2026 player contract option to stay in the Rose City.

Official: Sophia Wilson returning to Portland Thorns for 2026 #BAONPDX

"Bringing this new version of myself back to Portland is so special to me."

"I'm excited to get back with everyone & play in Providence Park, in front of the Riveters. There's no place like it."

Interesting move imo, à la Eric Ramsay. Now the second coach from a top tier English club making the move to MLS. Will be interesting to see if this becomes more of a trend

🟢 Sources: The Portland Timbers are finalizing a deal to sign free agent right back Brandon Bye.

Bye, 30, made 214 appearances with New England since being selected in the 2018 SuperDraft.

Believe this is first free agent deal (for player changing clubs) this winter to be set

Thanks for your support on the piece! I have a feeling you’ll enjoy part 3