The Daily Dirt: St. Louis really wants to become an MLS city

MLS is seriously considering St. Louis as a future market, and now "a group of the city's business and sports leaders," have come together to advance their cause. The group has formed MLS2STL, reports MLS's official news outlet, which is meant to "explore and advance the city's candidacy to be awarded an MLS expansion team."

"We know St. Louis is a tremendous soccer market and are pleased to see many prominent business and sports leaders becoming involved in the efforts to bring a Major League Soccer team to the downtown area," MLS commissioner Don Garber said, in a statement released by the MLS2STL group. "We look forward to working with the group to further evaluate St. Louis and see if it is ready for an MLS expansion team."

Atlanta United Wins First MLS War: Minnesota to rebrand [DSS]

For those who missed it yesterday, Minnesota United FC will not be Minnesota United FC when it enters MLS in 2017. As you might imagine, the locals aren't happy, and they've started a petition to either allow Minnesota to keep its name or force Atlanta United FC to change. Perhaps Atlanta soccer fans who aren't thrilled with the "United" moniker should get on board.

3 things we learned from Real Madrid beating Roma 2-0 [SBN]

Zinedine Zidane's Champions League managerial career got off to a fine start. Madrid has a big advantage returning home in its Round of 16 matchup with Roma. The highlight Wednesday was this fantastic goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Obafemi Martins confirms Sounders exit [SBI]

One of MLS's best attacking players is headed to the Chinese Super League.

2016 Copa America Centenario draw details revealed [SSFC]

The USMNT won't be in a group with Argentina, Brazil, or Mexico, so that's good.

What's happening in The A?

NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics unwilling to pay premium price for Al Horford, Dwight Howard, per report [Peachtree Hoops]

It seems, barring a last-minute surprise, trade deadline day will be relatively quiet for the Hawks.

Roddy White plans to retire with the Atlanta Falcons [The Falcoholic]

White has shared some frustrations in recent seasons, but he wants to stay in Atlanta.