clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

The Atlanta United Dog Cup

During the Gold Cup break, you — the fans — will decide which Atlanta United player has the best dog.

I love dogs, and I’m sure you do too. And if you don’t like owning your own dog, at least you like to look at pictures of them, right? Well have I got a post for you...

During the Gold Cup break, Dirty South Soccer will be hosting the first-and-possibly-only Atlanta United Dog Cup! The only rule is: there are no rules. Literally vote for any dog using whatever criteria you decide. Do you have the same breed of dog? Do you prefer a more unkempt look? Do you prefer pink noses over black ones? Small dog? Big dog? This vote is your oyster! #Rockthevote, people.

The setup is as follows: The dog-vote committee (of one) at DSS has selected 8 dogs to participate in the competition, seeded by random draw (random.org). The poll will be tallied ~36 hours after posting here on the site, at which point we will group the 4 semifinalists and re-draw. Same voting rules will apply for the semis, which will give us our finalists, at which point we will vote one more time. The winning dog receives 100 points, and hopefully a pat on the head and a milkbone from said owner.

Schedule:

Quarterfinals: Today-Thursday

Semifinals: Friday-Sunday

Finals: Monday-Tuesday

Lastly, please use the comments section to campaign for your favorites. I speak for the entire committee in saying we’d love to hear what you think about these pups.

LET’S GET BARKIN!

GROUP A

Tito Villalba

Coming out of the gates hot (in more ways than one) is Tito with this little guy. One of these three is the third wheel in this group, I’m just not sure which one it is.
www.instagram.com/titovillalba15

Leandro Gonzalez Pirez

What a regal, majestic beast. But let’s talk about the dog too. We know this guy’s name, Looney, which is a great dog name that I might steal in the future. Also, if you or anyone you know dislikes golden retrievers.... probably a serial killer, jus’ sayin’.
www.instagram.com/leanpirez

Poll

Quarterfinal Group A

This poll is closed

  • 15%
    Tito Villalba
    (122 votes)
  • 84%
    Leandro Gonzalez Pirez
    (675 votes)
797 votes total Vote Now

GROUP B

Josef Martinez

Could I have shown a better pic that maybe includes the dog’s face? Sure. But that would mean I have to exclude this, one of the best dog pics I’ve ever seen. Any dog owner, especially of a bigger dog like Josef’s Chocolate Lab, can’t help but smile at this.
www.instagram.com/josefmartinez17

Harrison Heath

This is not technically Harrison Heath’s dog, but we’re including wives and girlfriends’ dogs as owners. This golden looks like it has energy to burn judging by it’s lean frame and crazy eyes.
www.instagram.com/kaylynkyle

Poll

Quarterfinal Group B

This poll is closed

  • 54%
    Josef Martinez
    (420 votes)
  • 45%
    Harrison Heath
    (347 votes)
767 votes total Vote Now

GROUP C

Chris McCann

A British classic, and a tremendous looking dog. This guy has to be one of the favorites. This whole picture looks like it was cut out of an L.L. Bean catalogue.
www.instagram.com/cjmccann7

Julian Gressel

I’m tellin y’all, this is why we needed this contest. This is almost unfair, since the pup is still a matter of weeks old. Almost an unfair advantage, but I’ll allow it.
www.instagram.com/jgressel24

Poll

Quarterfinal Group C

This poll is closed

  • 27%
    Chris McCann
    (209 votes)
  • 72%
    Julian Gressel
    (555 votes)
764 votes total Vote Now

GROUP D

Jacob Peterson

Having a beagle like this has added utility, in that on top of being a good ol’ dog, it can also take care of pesky household rodents. Extra utility, just like his pops. I like it.
www.instagram.com/jacobpeterson37

Tyrone Mears

First of all, how is Mears the elder statesman on this team? He looks at least 5 years younger than his age? Gotta admire that guy as shy and humble as Mears at least wants to get his pup some love on his IG.
www.instagram.com/tyemears3

Poll

Quarterfinal Group D

This poll is closed

  • 25%
    Jacob Peterson
    (186 votes)
  • 74%
    Tyrone Mears
    (557 votes)
743 votes total Vote Now