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Author Tom Hindle

Tom Hindle

US Staff WriterI'm an American soccer features writer who focuses on the weird stuff in the United States. I was born in central England, and haven't quite managed to let go of the fundamental Euro-snobbery that is entrenched in my footballing DNA. But since getting into the game in the States, I've delved into the unique oddities of American soccer, the beautiful game on the "wrong" side of the pond in all of its brilliant imperfections. I also write The Rondo, GOAL USA's weekly newsletter.My football story: I was taught to say "Steven Gerrard" and "Michael Owen" before "hello" and "how are you?" I was raised a proper Red by my Dad, and spent hours on muddy pitches in the English countryside with my parents. Moving Stateside sent me down other avenues of MLS and the USMNT, but I remain painfully connected to my roots (if I had supported any team other than Liverpool, I suspect I may have been disowned.) Areas of expertise:
  • American soccer stories that are a little off the beaten path 
  • USL, MLS and USMNT features 
  • The occasional European tactical insight 

Favorite footballing memory: Running downstairs to watch the second half of the 2005 Champions League final after being sent to bed at half time. I vividly recall sneaking a radio under my pillow, hearing one goal go in, and sprinting into my living room in a Steven Gerrard kit that didn't fit. Not a bad comeback from 3-0 down. Remains one of the best days of my life.

My All-Time XI: In a 4-3-3 (because I'm boring): Buffon; Cafu, Baresi, Van Dijk, Maldini; Zidane, Gerrard, Busquets; Messi, Pele, Maradona (with a little tactical liberty)

My favorite stories 

  • ‘It is the land of opportunities’ - Greenland’s national soccer team pursuing CONCACAF legitimacy as it fights for recognition and representation

  • How iShowSpeed stole the show, turning MLS All-Star week into his own livestream and upstaging the league's big-name ballers

  • 'Supreme underdog' - Why Auckland City supporters are enthusiastically spending big traversing the U.S. to watch their 5,074th-ranked team lose at the Club World Cup

Articles by Tom Hindle
  1. IFAB: Players who cover mouths to hide abuse face red cards

    Players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be shown red cards starting at the World Cup, the International Football Association Board confirmed Tuesday. The decision comes in the wake of a high-profile incident between Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, after the latter was handed a six-game ban for anti-gay conduct directed towards the Brazilian.

  2. Robert Lewandowski

    Fire reportedly cool interest in signing Barca's Lewandowski

    The Chicago Fire are reportedly unlikely to sign Robert Lewandowski upon the expiration of his contract at Barcelona this summer, according to The Athletic. The Polish striker's deal is up in June, and he has been heavily linked with a move to MLS in the past. However, Chicago's interest lies elsewhere, especially with current striker Hugo Cuypers in fine form.

  1. LEGACY: How Beckham legitimised MLS & U.S. soccer

    This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down until the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we dive into the moment MLS stopped thinking small - because one global icon decided to go first...

  2. Marco Rose to replace Iraola as Bournemouth boss

    Former RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund head coach Marco Rose will take over as Bournemouth manager at the end of the season, the Premier League club confirmed on Monday. The German will step into the role soon to be vacated by Andoni Iraola, who announced earlier this year that he will leave in May. Iraola is expected to be a hot commodity this summer, with multiple clubs having already been linked with appointing him.