The Daily Dirt, October 15: Friday I’m in Love

This is a big weekend for Atlanta United on two fronts.

On Saturday, the academy will have the opportunity to measure itself against long-time Atlanta youth soccer power Concorde Fire. All age groups will play against each other, you can check out the schedule on the individual team pages at Atlanta United’s U.S. Soccer Development Academy page.

On Sunday, the Expansion Priority Draft will take place. Be on the lookout later today for our roundtable discussion of what Atlanta United should do in the draft. If you need a primer on what is at stake, check out Haris Kruskic’s post.

There are also some new rumors coming from Argentina about potential players Tata Martino is interested in bringing to Atlanta.

Federico Carrizo is a 25-year-old winger from Boca Juniors and Fernando Belluschi is a 33-year-old attacking midfielder from San Lorenzo. We discussed what we knew about them on the latest installment of the Peachtree Post that dropped this morning.

Stay tuned and we will keep you posted if more news becomes available.

Domestic

Columbus’ slim playoff hopes are no more after a 2-2 draw in Chicago (Massive Report)

The Rapids move into the top spot in the Supporters’ Shield standings with a 2-1 over San Jose (Burgundy Wave)

What is going on with Matt Besler in Kansas City? (Stars and Stripes FC)

Who should be starting for the USMNT vs. Mexico in November? (MLS)

International

Next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup will run from July 7-26 (FIFA)

FIFA keen to expand World Cup to 40 or 48 teams (FIFA)

Local

Georgia loses to Alabama in SEC play 3-1 (Red & Black)