The Daily Dirt, March 12: Tough trip to Minnesota for the Red & Black

The last time Atlanta and Minnesota played at the top flight level in American soccer was 1981 when the Atlanta Chiefs visited the old Metropolitan Stadium to face the Minnesota Kicks. In front of 15,225 on June 20, the Kicks defeated the eventual division champion Chiefs 3-2. Brian Kidd scored two goals for Atlanta in a losing effort.

The Chiefs lost by the same scoreline in 1980’s trip to the Metropolitan Stadium in front of 19,425 on August 10. In the Chiefs’ first trip to face the Kicks in 1979, 24,131 saw Minnesota legend Alan Willey scored twice in a 4-1 win for the home team.

Atlanta United will be trying to reverse history in today’s battle. No Atlanta team has ever earned a result in first division soccer in Minnesota. The results are not good when you drop down to the second division and the Silverbacks’ recent history against Minnesota United. The Loons won twice in 2015 over Atlanta.

Domestic

Tough opening day in Minnesota (Pioneer Press)

Chicago Fire win their home opener 2-0 over Real Salt Lake (Hot Time in Old Town)

New York Red Bulls nearing history as they beat the Colorado Rapids (NY Post)

Philadelphia Union plays well, but has to settle for 2-2 draw with Toronto FC (Brotherly Game)

Alejandro Bedoya and Jozy Altidore are not seeing eye to eye (Stars and Stripes FC)

Seattle rescues a draw late on the road against the Montreal Impact (Sounder at Heart)

Seattle equalized on the last kick of the game:

Houston Dynamo move to 2-0-0 with a 3-1 win over the visiting Columbus Crew (Dynamo Theory)

Cubo Torres continues his 2017 revival in Houston:

Sporting Kansas City still has not scored in 2017, settle for their second scoreless draw against FC Dallas (The Blue Testament)

San Jose Earthquakes keep their perfect record in 2017 with a 3-2 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)

Anibal Godoy drops another Goal of the Week submission:

International

Napoli’s dream target is Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Daily Mail)

But the LA Galaxy have reportedly offered him $15M (Express)

Jose Mourinho takes shots at Chelsea’s style of play (ESPN)