The Daily Dirt, June 15: Atlanta United rumors, McInerney scores, and Open Cup results

The rumor mill is churning hard these days with Atlanta United being linked to multiple players at the moment. Last night, ESPN’s John Sutcliffe reported that Andres Guardado was “close” to joining MLS and Atlanta. With Mexico advancing to the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals, coverage of El Tri will only intensify so stay tuned for more news.

Dirty South Soccer is on this story, keep checking with us as we report on what could be Atlanta’s first major signing. If you are not already, follow us on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news.

Hector “Tito” Villalba, a promising 21 year old Argentine winger, was linked to Atlanta United yesterday by his agent on the Fox Sports show 90 Minutos in Buenos Aires. Villalba has six months left on his contract at San Lorenzo. Atlanta does have some competition for Villalba’s services, with Boca Juniors and unnamed Mexican and European clubs interested.

Kids in America

Atlanta United has consistently cited FC Dallas’ Academy as a model, learn how they created their high standard (Top Drawer Soccer)

DC United signs Andrew Carleton’s teammate with the US U17's, captain Chris Durkin (Black & Red United)

The Fourth Round of the US Open Cup kicked off last night. No upsets in the three games featuring MLS teams against lower division opposition, but there were two close calls.

Wilmington Hammerheads took a 2-0 lead at Rio Tinto, but Real Salt Lake battled back to win in PK’s. (Salt Lake Tribune)

The StubHub Center saw the night’s wildest match as the LA Galaxy needed extra time to defeat local amateur side La Maquina of the UPSL. The go ahead goal was quite controversial, check out more at the link. (LAG Confidential)

Portland defeated San Jose in the only Fourth Round match involved two MLS teams. Jack McInerney scored on a free kick for the Timbers. (Stumptown Footy)

Look ahead to tonight’s Chicago Fire vs. Indy Eleven match (US Soccer)

Half a World Away

Dunga fired after Brazil’s calamitous Copa (Sports Illustrated)

Gareth Bale continues to provide bulletin board material to England ahead of Thursday’s match (The Guardian)

A new must follow during Iceland games...

Chile clinched the final spot in the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals with a 4-2 win over Panama. (Philly.com)

Goal of the night was Alexis Sanchez’s first:

In the A

Check out this month’s Terminus Legion podcast for an interview with Atlanta United’s Director of Digital and Social Media Matt Moore (Terminus Legion)

Kudos for the Braves’ front office from the pundits (Talking Chop)

Would Georgia AD Greg McGarity leave for Florida? (Dawg Sports)

News & Notes from the first day of the Falcons’ minicamp (The Falcoholic)

Help new Falcon Mohamed Sanu fight childhood cancer (The Falcoholic)