The Daily Dirt, June 25: If I’m Still Dreaming (Don’t Wake Me Up)

The silly season is gearing up for a wild summer window starting July 4. For MLS, the summer window is an interesting time as it falls in the beginning of the second half of the season. For international clubs, the summer window falls in their preseason and teams are looking to make deals.

This has been a challenge for MLS teams to navigate. Some clubs have been reluctant to sell players while they are still in the playoff race. New England denied Taylor Twellman a chance to go to England when offers were made. Many have made the suggestion that MLS change its calendar to match the rest of the world to increase its transfer business.

So far in 2016, there’s a good bit of interest in MLS players and we will have to wait and see how much business materializes. Dallas has already reached an agreement on US youth international Alex Zendejas going to Chivas, and might have a deal in place to sell Colombian striker Fabian Castillo to Turkey. DC United and Portland have important players being lined up by foreign clubs as well.

As we know here in Atlanta, United will be be active this summer as well in a buying capacity. Rumors are already starting to fly, and this will only intensify as the window opens on July 4.

We always warn you, take the rumors with a grain of salt and try to look at where they’re coming from before you make your Zlatlanta sign. Have fun though as Atlanta enters the world market this summer, keep dreaming about your favorites in an Atlanta jersey. The sky’s the limit right now...

America

Looks like a busy upcoming transfer window for FC Dallas, rumors have Fabian Castillo heading to Turkey (Big D Soccer)

DC United and USMNT defender Steve Birnbaum likely headed to Israel (Raphael Gellar)

Great read about the power of the sport from the Sounders’ Adrian Hanauer (Seattle Times)

Action from the US Soccer Development Academy playoffs:

FC Cincinnati’s success in the stands has US Soccer considering Nippert Stadium as a future venue (Cincinnati Soccer Talk)

Tab Ramos names his roster for the US U20 national team for the NTC Invitational where they’ll face Costa Rica, Panama, and Japan (US Soccer)

Training compensation is still a hot topic in the American soccer world, Dallas Texans watching Emerson Hyndman’s move closely (Top Drawer Soccer)

The World Is Not Enough

Wales faces Northern Ireland today in the Round of 16 at Euro 2016, how did they get here? (SB Nation)

Power rankings for the remaining Euro 2016 teams (SB Nation)

Mathieu Valbuena to Tigres in Mexico? (francetvsport)

28 years ago today, Marco Van Basten scored this goal against USSR in the European Championships’ final:

Georgia

Charlotte Eagles traveled to Peachtree City last night and defeated MOBA 1-0 in PDL league action.

ESPN’s John Sutcliffe is still driving the Andres Guardado to Atlanta United train:

Golden State looking at Al Horford in free agency, can the Hawks keep him? (Peachtree Hoops)

Braves lose 8-6 to the New York Mets (Talking Chop)