The Daily Dirt, February 17: Leadership

If you missed it, Jon Nelson and I previewed the Carolina Challenge Cup last night in a Soccer Down Here special edition. You can listen to it at the link below:

In talking about the Columbus Crew, Columbus Dispatch writer Andrew Erickson talked about how the team comes into tomorrow’s game with quite a few question marks. They have spent their preseason thus far in Brazil, building up fitness and playing some behind-closed-doors scrimmages. With questions at goalkeeper and on the backline, Columbus will have quite a few things to figure out in Charleston.

Erickson also talked about the void that Michael Parkhurst leaves in Columbus and some of the qualities he will bring to Atlanta United. His leadership will likely be very important for United’s young players and in the defense. Columbus really still has not figured out how to replace him.

Hear from Seattle soccer writer Matt Pentz and Charleston Battery manager Mike Anhaeuser as well in the preview. I hope you enjoy it!

Domestic

How the Vancouver Whitecaps landed Fredy Montero (MLS)

The amazing soccer story of Steven Beitashour (Flamborough Review)

Did the New York Red Bulls make a huge offer to John Terry? (Once a Metro)

NWSL clubs investing in their academies (Soccer Nation)

Jonathan Klinsmann will be the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. U20’s in the CONCACAF Championship (ESPN)

International

Meet David Wagner, one of the best managers you might not have heard of (Goal)

Local

A new home for urban soccer in Atlanta (Beyond Sport)