The Daily Dirt, August 21: Gold

Brazil finally got their gold medal, the one major accomplishment that has eluded them in their soccer history. It wasn’t an easy route, but they were also able to get a measure of revenge on Germany in the process, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Watching the match, you had to feel happiness for Neymar when he burst into tears immediately after making the winning penalty. The reactions in the stands at the Maracana will maybe go towards pushing the infamous Maracanazo of 1950, and the recent 7-1 World Cup semifinal debacle to Germany, into the past.

I hate to see a major final end up in penalties, but it was almost perfect in this situation for Brazil.

Domestic

NYCFC shuts out the Galaxy 1-0 at Yankee Stadium (Hudson River Blue)

Toronto dominates the Union in Philadelphia 3-1 (Waking the Red)

Chicago wins their first game away from home since 2014 with a 3-0 victory in Montreal (Mount Royal Soccer)

Columbus breaks their slump, winning in New England 2-0 (Massive Report)

Orlando gets a point on the road in Colorado (The Mane Land)

A late goal gives RSL a home win over FC Dallas (RSL Soapbox)

Vancouver continues to stumble, losing 2-0 to Kansas City (The Blue Testament)

Amauri’s winner for Ft. Lauderdale against Ottawa:

FC Cincinnati meets with MLS officials (Cincinnati.com)

International

Our almost hometown team Nigeria wins the bronze medal in the Olympics (SB Nation)

Liverpool owners squash rumors about Chinese investment (Liverpool Offside)

Barcelona start the season in fine form (Barca Blaugranes)

Domestic

Q&A on the Falcons with the Football Outsiders (The Falcoholic)

Does Matt Ryan target Julio Jones too much? (The Falcoholic)