The Daily Dirt: Carli Lloyd is a finalist for FIFA Player of the Year

It shouldn't be much of a surprise, but USWNT midfielder and World Cup hero Carli Lloyd is one of three finalists for the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Award. And, manager Jill Ellis is in the final running for FIFA Coach of the Year. These are the types of accolades that come with winning the World Cup. Lloyd and Ellis have come a long way since they weren't exactly celebrated going into Canada 2015.

15 members of Venezuelan national soccer team threaten to quit [SI]

The players want their coaching staff and the directors of the country's football federation fired. Venezuela has lost all four of its World Cup qualifying matches so far in this cycle.

Nominees for the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2015 awards revealed [FIFA]

Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Neymar and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo made the cut for the top honor in the men's game. Not a bad group of players right there.

Napoli vs. Inter Milan: Final score 2-1, Napoli hold on to take first place in Serie A [The Siren's Song]

Serie A is actually shaping up to be fairly exciting this season. Napoli sits on 31 points from 14 games, followed by Inter Milan on 30 points and Fiorentina on 29.

What's happening in The A?

In one of the most exciting games of the young NBA season, the Hawks outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder, 106-100, Monday night at Philips Arena. OKC's Russell Westbrook hardly missed in the fourth quarter, but Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague was able to answer with 10 points in the final 12 minutes.

After sending Jim Johnson packing at the 2015 trade deadline, the Braves have reunited with the relief pitcher. Johnson has signed a one-year contract with Atlanta.