Pablo Maurer

Staff writer, @theathletic. Writing about American soccer and all of its wild, weird history. Can barely read or write yet "award winning," somehow.

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Articles

D.C. United owns Paul Pogba's discovery rights

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Pablo Maurer

D.C. United owns the discovery rights to free agent midfielder Paul Pogba, a team source with knowledge of the arrangement has confirmed to The Athletic.
Mauricio Pochettino hire as USMNT head coach was a mistake

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Pablo Maurer

Former U.S. men's national team head coach Bruce Arena has criticized the appointment of current chief Mauricio Pochettino, saying that the job should've gone to an American. Arena, speaking to USMNT legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, suggested that a foreign-born coach like Pochettino lacks a fundamental understanding of the culture and structure of the American game. "If you look at every national team in the world, the coach is usually a domestic coach," said Arena.
The best, worst of all the hosts

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Pablo Maurer

Lance Wyman is an icon of graphic design. The 88-year old's work has been part of the American collective consciousness for decades, whether it's known or not. Maps, signs and cityscapes across the country bear his work. His style - bold, beautiful and simple - has been emulated by younger designers for a half-century. Wyman, who started his career in the early 60s, produced his most noteworthy work early on.
life at the top of US minor league soccer

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Pablo Maurer

Professional soccer in the United States is a hot commodity these days, with some MLS teams valued at over $1 billion and the country preparing to co-host the 2026 men's World Cup. Even the public's perception of the USL, which accounts for much of the country's lower-division soccer, has shifted in recent years. Gone, for the most part, are matches played at high school stadiums in front of a handful of friends and family.
Inter Miami, Chicago, NYCFC, DC interested in Manchester City midfielder

4 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Paul Tenorio |Pablo Maurer

Four MLS teams - Inter Miami, the Chicago Fire, NYCFC and D.C. United - have expressed interest in signing Kevin De Bruyne. According to multiple club sources familiar with the discussions, speaking on the condition of anonymity, the four sides have begun exploratory talks aimed at bringing the Manchester City midfielder to the United States.
Former FC Cincinnati striker Aaron Boupendza dies aged 28

4 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Pablo Maurer

Former FC Cincinnati player Aaron Boupendza has died at the age of 28 after reportedly falling from his 11th-floor residence in China. The Gabonese striker was living in China and playing for Chinese Super League club Zhejiang FC. "We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China," FC Cincinnati said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates.
USMNT gets guest Saudi Arabia in favorable group

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Pablo Maurer

The U.S. men's national team will face Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago and Saudi Arabia in this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup, a crucial final competitive test for the Americans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico, the defending Gold Cup champions, were drawn into Group A along with Costa Rica, Suriname and the Dominican Republic. Continental rivals Canada will face Honduras, El Salvador and Curacao in Group B, while recent rivals Panama were drawn into Group C alongside Jamaica, Guatemala and Guadeloupe.
Inside MLS youth league's experiment of replacing results with 'quality of play'

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Pablo Maurer

Globally, competitive youth soccer leagues have become fertile ground for experimentation. Leagues have implemented rules aimed at making games safer, more competitive and more entertaining. In Germany, for example, certain age groups play without a goalkeeper, or take shots at a pair of goals along each endline. Other age groups take kick-ins instead of throw-ins, play shorter games on shorter fields and play matches without referees.
Long before USL's vote, U.S. Soccer had visions of promotion and relegation

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Pablo Maurer

The National Soccer Hall of Fame's storage warehouse in North Carolina is like something out of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," a veritable treasure trove of American soccer gems. Anything and everything that's not on display at the Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas, lives in this dusty old room. The shelves at the place contain thousands of relics from American soccer's lengthy history.
The mystery of Messi's bodyguard and his dwindling presence at Inter Miami games

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Pablo Maurer |Felipe Cardenas

Ever since Lionel Messi touched down in Miami in 2023, he has brought along a collection of former teammates, like Barcelona legends Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. He also brought along another associate, one whose presence in the international media may have actually surpassed them all: Yassine Cheuko. Cheuko, who serves as Messi's personal bodyguard, became a fixture at Miami games and also became the subject of widespread speculation.