The Daily Dirt, January 21: Competition for spots

Depth at outside back has been a concern of those who follow Atlanta United for quite a while. With the likely addition of Tyrone Mears, the club will now have four dedicated outside backs along with others who can cover when needed.

Mears' arrival will mean a rethink of the depth chart Rob and I posted yesterday. Right back could now be the most interesting position battle of the preseason. Mark Bloom is capable of being a starter in MLS, but injuries slowed his career in Toronto. Mears has been a strong performer in Seattle, but he is now getting older. Who will be in the lineup on opening day?

We'll have to wait to see if Atlanta United has any other surprises ahead of Tuesday's first day of training.

Domestic

Nick Rimando hopes to be the USMNT #1 (MLS)

Sean Davis could be Dax McCarty’s replacement with the Red Bulls (CBS New York)

David Horst to RSL? (RSL Soapbox)

Minnesota’s Francisco Calvo scored a great goal for Costa Rica at the Copa Centroamericano:

Atlanta not listed as one of the prime targets for NASL expansion in 2018 (FiftyFive.One)

International

Steven Gerrard returns to Liverpool as an academy coach (Liverpool Offside)

Canada’s U20’s defeated Panama (Canada Soccer)