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Atlanta United FC, surely to be a dynasty like Major League Soccer has never seen, enters the league in 2017, that much is certain. But who might join United as an expansion club in 18 months? MLS likes to bring in an even number of clubs at a time in order to avoid the scheduling conflicts that come with an odd number, and two candidates have potential, according to Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus.
Minnesota United FC wants to jump from NASL to MLS in 2017. It won't have a stadium ready in time — and where that stadium will be built still remains to be seen — but the University of Minnesota's TD Bank Stadium could serve as a placeholder. Minny U is the favorite to join AUFC, but David Beckham's venture in Miami may be a darkhorse. The expansion club has dealt with stadium issues that have threatened its very existence, but "there has been a lot more progress lately than in the last 12 to 15 months," according to MLS commissioner Don Garber. Frankly, it would be stunning if Miami were ready to go in 2017, but it's a possibility.
Former FIFA VP Jack Warner close to being extradited to U.S. [SI]
Jack Warner is Public Enemy No. 1 when it comes to the U.S. Justice Department's investigation into FIFA's corruption. He's facing 12 charges related to racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering. While Warner is "close to being extradited," there's no word yet on when that might actually happen.
Agudelo, Nguyen play Mario Kart against fans [The Bent Musket]
MLS = good. Mario Kart = good. MLS players competing against fans in Mario Kart = extra good.
The new FIFA 16 advert: proof the game is now 90% hype [Top Drawer Soccer]
TDS says the newest version of the iconic EA Sports franchise is :trash emoji:. Our own Rob Usry disagrees.
No one is better at cheating than Diego Costa [SB Nation]
(We were going to write a blurb for this link, but Diego Costa stomped on our leg and we received a red card for retaliating.)