The Daily Dirt, August 27: Another Saturday Night

Salt Lake’s win last night over Colorado adds to the wild finish that is coming down the road in the Western Conference. As it stands this morning, FC Dallas has the edge on points per game over Colorado, but the Rapids have a game in hand. Dallas needs to win tonight in Houston to stretch their lead.

RSL had edged into third place on PPG, just ahead of the LA Galaxy. The Galaxy have two games in hand on RSL. They start making up that ground tonight as they host a Vancouver team that has been slumping lately, but just knocked out a big result in CONCACAF Champions League over Kansas City. Speaking of Sporting, they are solidly in fifth place in the conference and look to be secure in that spot.

There is a four team battle for the sixth and final spot, with two of the teams playing on Sunday in Portland and Seattle. San Jose actually has the edge on PPG, they travel to Columbus tonight to face the mystifying Crew. The issues in Columbus are worthy of another column altogether.

I’ll likely be giving my attention tonight to the battle in Canada between Toronto and Montreal. I feel like the Impact are not getting the most out of the talent they have, especially lately, and they need a win badly to start climbing the standings. On the other hand, Toronto has been rolling lately with the addition of Toissant Ricketts and the return of Jozy Altidore. A win tonight in their rivalry with Montreal will be a big statement for the Reds.

What will you be watching tonight? Let us know in the comments.

---

Domestic

Yura Movsisyan leads RSL to a huge 2-1 win over Colorado (RSL Soapbox)

Clint Dempsey to miss Seattle’s game with Portland on Sunday, and the upcoming USMNT World Cup qualifiers, due to an irregular heartbeat (Stars and Stripes FC)

A look at the Portland vs. Seattle match on Sunday (ESPN)

Brian Rowe ready to return in goal for the Galaxy (LA Daily News)

Steven Gerrard recommends MLS to young English players stuck without playing time (Eurosport)

It’s never too early for MLS SuperDraft prospects and Homegrown Player signing possibilities (SBI Soccer)

Seven stories to watch as the NWSL heads into the homestretch of its season (FourFourTwo)

Sky Blue FC gets Maya Hayes back (Once a Metro)

---

International

Alan Pulido joining Chivas de Guadalajara (Univision)

Chivas takes on their eternal rivals America this weekend, get ready for the Mexican Super Clasico (FMF State of Mind)

North Atlantic League being discussed between clubs from Scotland, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, and Denmark (Daily Mail)

Klopp sends selfies (Telegraph)

Maybe he’ll send one to Christian Pulisic, Liverpool is reportedly chasing after the young American (Stars and Stripes FC)

Mu Kanazaki left out of Japan’s national team after this tantrum:

---

Local

Charlotte defeated the Georgia State women’s team 4-1 at Panthersville.

Falcons rookie safety Keanu Neal injured and will miss 3-4 weeks (The Falcoholic)

Braves shutout in San Fran (Talking Chop)

Dream lose late (Peachtree Hoops)

A discussion of Georgia Tech’s strength of schedule in 2016 (From the Rumble Seat)