The Daily Dirt, December 9: People Get Ready

Join my co-host Jarrett Smith and me for this morning’s live edition of the Peachtree Post. We’ll be starting at 10:00 a.m. If you miss the live show, the podcast will be available for you immediately afterwards.

We will also be back on Sunday morning for a three hour live extravaganza covering the MLS trade window. The expectation is that Atlanta United will be fairly active in reinforcing its roster, with multiple players mentioned as possible additions. That show will start at 9:00 a.m.

Commissioner Don Garber will be giving his MLS State of the League address this afternoon from Toronto, be on the lookout for a live stream and all of the news that is likely to emerge from it.

Saturday evening will see a new champion crowned as Toronto FC hosts the Seattle Sounders in MLS Cup. FOX will have the game, with the pregame show starting off at 7:30 p.m.

Get ready for a busy week with us here at Dirty South Soccer.

Domestic

MLS will consider changes to the playoff format for 2017 and beyond (ESPN)

A look at FOX’s coverage plans of Saturday’s MLS Cup (FOX)

Q&A with MLS Commissioner Don Garber (ESPN)

Brian Schmetzer’s character had a huge impact on the Seattle turnaround (Sounder at Heart)

The playoffs have brought out the best in Michael Bradley (Waking the Red)

RSL is in a tough spot heading into the Expansion Draft (RSL Soapbox)

The Orlando vs. Tampa Bay rivalry continues, this time over MLS territorial rights (Tampa Bay Times)

North Carolina FC owner feels that they could join MLS before new stadium is finished (News Observer)

Giovanni Savarese trying to do the right thing for his former Cosmos players (Empire of Soccer)

How will the possible loss of the NASL affect U.S. Soccer referee development? (FiftyFive.One)

Matt Reis and Pat Noonan reportedly joining Bruce Arena’s USMNT coaching staff (The Bent Musket)

International

Sepp Blatter’s phone calls get ignored by FIFA’s new president (BBC)

Borussia Mönchengladbach defender retires, accuses club of mistreatment (SB Nation)

Local