The Daily Dirt: Was Tim Howard considering Atlanta United?

It looks like American goalkeeper Tim Howard is closing in on a move from Everton to MLS's Colorado Rapids. Reports say the Rapids are going to pay Howard a huge contract, somewhere in the neighborhood of $2-3 million per year. But, what if the club hadn't made such a generous offer? What would Howard's future hold? Well, per Ives Galarcep at Goal.com, the keeper was considering a move to Atlanta United in 2017.

Sources tell Goal USA that Howard had at least contemplated joining Atlanta United FC in 2017, when the expansion MLS team is set to begin playing. The move would have partnered him with close friend and Atlanta United sporting director Carlos Bocanegra, and would have also left him playing relatively close to where his children live, in Memphis.

Howard was going to wait until his three-year contract with Everton expired, then come home to MLS on a, presumably, much cheaper deal. Alas, Colorado had to go out and open up the checkbook.

Manchester City 3-1 (4-3) Everton: Quick Thoughts [Bitter & Blue]

City climed out of a 2-1 first-leg hole to get past Everton and advance to the Raheem Sterling Capital One Cup final. The Citizens will face Liverpool for the trophy on February 28. Unfortunately for the club, Kevin De Bruyne may be out for a while with a knee injury.

Caleb Porter 'hungry' to build on Timbers success for years to come [SBI]

Porter signed a new long-term contract with Portland Timbers on Wednesday, a few months after winning the MLS Cup. "There's a lot of hunger to do it again, because once you've tasted that feeling, you want to taste it again," the manager told SBI. "There's no better feeling to have in an offseason than when you win MLS Cup."

Mexico coach Osorio: Major League Soccer not for players at their peak [ESPN FC]

Them's fightin' words.

Renderings vs. Reality: Why do stadium designs frequently change? [SI]

A look at the world of stadium architecture and what goes into building a colossal sporting venue.

Source: Chelsea will not loan Matt Miazga upon transfer from Red Bulls [SI]

The American forward may be on his way to one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he might get an immediate chance to show the Blues what he's worth.

What's happening in The A?

Turnovers usually prove costly, and the Hawks gave the ball away 23 times in a 85-83 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday. Atlanta will try to get back on track Thursday at the Indiana Pacers.

Braves general manager John Coppolella shares his free agency philosophy. It doesn't sound like Atlanta will make a splashy signing anytime soon.

The huge, interstate-crossing pedestrian bridge at the Braves' new SunTrust Stadium has been approved by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. The bridge will connect the ballpark to Cobb Galleria on the other side of I-85.