The GIST - Special Edition: Kicking things off

Open wide for some soccer ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Special Edition

From The Gist Team

Hello!

Open wide for some men’s soccer, because the MLS season kicks off today! Before Nashville SC hosts New York City FC at 4:30 p.m. ET to kick off the action, we’re popping into your inbox with an all-important refresher on a league that always promises high-scoring matches. Let’s kick it.

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Quote of the Day

Quote

Also can people die of too much soccer if so I am at risk.

Glennon Doyle and Abby Wamback

Glennon Doyle, author and famous fan of ”the soccer,” wondering whether too much footy is a dangerous thing. (We say no.)

The Breakdown

⚙️ How it works

Los Angeles FC celebrates winning the Supporters Shield following Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Houston Dynamo at the Banc of California Stadium on September 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
Source: Shaun Clark/Getty Images

Let’s start with a quick refresher on the league setup: The 29 MLS clubs, including expansion team St. Louis City SC, are split into two conferences — 14 in the Western Conference and 15 in the Eastern conference.

  • Each team will play 34 regular-season games, facing each of their conference opponents at least twice, as well as a handful of games against non-conference foes.
  • Most matches will kick off on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. local time, but it’s best to keep the schedule handy to stay in the know.

While the team with the best regular season record across both conferences will earn the Supporters’ Shield, the main objective of the 34-match schedule is to secure a playoff berth.

🏆 The contenders

Jack Elliott #3 of Philadelphia Union celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during the match between Philadelphia Union and LAFC as part of the MLS Cup Final 2022 at Banc of California Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Source: Omar Vega/Getty Images

Last year’s top teams are prepping to repeat. The Philadelphia Union was last season’s most balanced squad, and may be the case again with the majority of their stars returning. After falling short in the MLS Cup Final, the East’s No. 1 team also added key reinforcements to get the job done this time around.

  • Don’t sleep on the reigning champs, though. LAFC also maintained most of its championship-winning squad and leveled up their defense by acquiring the USMNT’s Aaron Long, making them poised to be the best in the West once again.

Right on their heels? After finishing a dismal seventh in the East in 2022, Orlando City SC is targeting a top spot following an active offseason. The Lions re-signed several important players, and also added new talent, most notably winger Martín Ojeda on a designated player contract.

  • As for the West, don't be surprised if Austin FC competes for top conference billing once again. The attack-minded team will let the goals do the talking, even if the defense has some inconsistent days. Don’t mess with Texas.

You can never rule out surprises in MLS, however. In the East, FC Cincinnati has lofty ambitions after star striker Brenner failed to land his dream move to England’s Premier League, while the New York Red Bulls are hoping to get their wings after picking up forward Dante Vanzeir.

  • And, although they missed the postseason for the first time ever last year, you can’t bet against perennial Western Conference heavyweights, Seattle Sounders.
  • Finally, the LA Galaxy is ready to rise up the ranks after finishing fourth in the West in 2022.

⚽ Players to watch

Hany Mukhtar #10 of Nashville SC dribbles the ball during U.S. Open Cup semifinal game between Nashville SC and Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium on June 29, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.
Source: Jeremy Reper/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Goalscoring is the name of the game in MLS, so expect attackers around the league to shine bright in 2023. Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar will likely be firing on all cylinders after winning the MVP award last year, while the Galaxy’s Riqui Puig and Toronto FC’s Lorenzo Insigne are set to dominate on either side of the border.

  • Playmaking midfielder Luciano Acosta will once again be vital to Cincinnati’s gameplan, while Sporting Kansas City striker William Agada may take the league by storm during his first full MLS season.

The league is also home to impressive defensive players, like Nashville and USMNT World Cup star, Walker Zimmerman. For their part, the Red Bulls have a standout player in USMNT up-and-comer John Tolkin, while Union goalkeeper Andre Blake remains as reliable as ever…and has the silverware to back it up.

🆕 The new club on the block

Tim Parker of St Louis City SC during the MLS Pre-Season 2023 Coachella Valley Invitational match between New York City FC v St. Louis City SC at Empire Polo Club on February 15, 2023 in Indio, California.
Source: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

MLS expands to the Gateway to the West this year with its 29th team, St. Louis City SC. The Missouri city is a historic hotbed for soccer, and is now home to MLS’ first female-majority owned club. What, like it’s hard?

  • St. Louis will make its MLS debut tonight in Austin, but will play in its brand-new soccer-specific stadium, CITYPARK, for the first time next week against Charlotte FC.

While the Western Conference team boasts some impressive talent, including goalkeeper and captain Roman Bürki (who made his name playing for German giants Borussia Dortmund) and MLS defensive vet Tim Parker, a playoff spot seems unlikely.

  • In attack, St. Louis will be counting on striker João Klauss to find the back of the net after showing up as a goalscorer in European leagues.

📺 How to watch

A detailed general view of the MLS logo on the red sleeve of a New York Red Bulls player along with the Apple TV logo - Apple and Major League Soccer present all MLS matches around the world for 10 years, beginning in 2023 - during the MLS Pre-Season 2023
Source: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Starting this season, every match will be available on Apple TV+ through MLS Season Pass. The brand-new offering costs $12.99 for Apple TV+ subscribers and $14.99 for non-subscribers, and is a treasure trove for MLS enthusiasts — Season Pass includes exclusive content, an archive of the league’s best games, drone stadium tours and much more.

  • Some MLS Season Pass content will also be available to Apple TV+ subscribers at no additional cost, so you can learn about FC Dallas midfielder (and Becky G’s fiancé) Sebastian Lletget’s passions while also bingeing Ted Lasso.

No subscription? No problem. Select matches will be available for free on Apple TV+ throughout the season, while Fox will carry 34 games in English and Spanish. T-Mobile is also providing all of its U.S. customers with a free subscription to MLS Season Pass.

  • TSN and RDS will have Canadian fans covered with TV broadcasts in 2023.

The GIST's Picks

🛒 What to buy

Colorado Rapids’ New Day kit. Teaming up with local Colorado visual artist and pro snowboarder Pat Milbery for the design, the club strives to tackle the stigma around mental health through this season’s away jersey.

  • The Rapids partnered with Mental Health Colorado for the kit, and will donate $25K to topical causes in the state as part of the initiative. You love to see it.

🎥 What to watch

This video covering the five things you need to know about the aforementioned John Tolkin. The 20-year-old is a quote machine, expressing appreciation for The Sopranos despite having never watched the show, and discussing the charms of his home state of New Jersey.

📚 What to read

This interview with Rapids head coach (HC) Robin Fraser. He spoke about the hardships he’s faced as one of three Black HCs in MLS, and how he sees a genuine opportunity for change thanks to the league’s new diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

🕊 Who to remember

Anton Walkes. Last month, the Charlotte FC defender died suddenly at age 25 following a boating accident in Miami, where the team was holding a preseason training camp. His club hosted a Celebration of Life to remember Walkes days after his death, where the Charlotte community pledged to continue his legacy.

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One step closer

Friday, February 24, 2023

Kicking the weekend off right ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

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It all comes down to this ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

The sports story no one’s discussing

Friday, January 20, 2023

A true WTF moment ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

No bad luck here

Friday, January 20, 2023

Happy Friday the 13th ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

The NFL playoff field is set

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Are you ready for some postseason football? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

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