MLS Players Union issues statement on Travel Ban

The White House ordered a controversial Travel Ban on Friday and after protests around the country the MLS Players Union issued a statement of it's own and good for them. 

MLS Players Union Statement on Travel Ban The MLS Players 

Union today released the following statement by its Executive Director, Bob Foose, regarding the travel ban ordered by the White House on Friday: 

We are deeply concerned, both specifically for our players who may be impacted, and more broadly for all people who will suffer as a result of the travel ban implemented on Friday. Details on the practical impact of the ban are still emerging, and we are still sorting through the potential impact on our players and their families. We are extremely disappointed by the ban and feel strongly that it runs counter to the values of inclusiveness that define us as a nation. We are very proud of the constructive and measured manner in which Michael Bradley expressed his feelings on the ban. It is our deepest hope that this type of strong and steady leadership will help to guide us through these difficult times.

Here is the Michael Bradley statement mentioned:

A photo posted by Michael Bradley (@michaelbr4dley) on Jan 28, 2017 at 11:02pm PST

From Zlatan to Adu: Alvas Powell - P

This is the eleventh installment of a 26-part series of players we'd like to see at Atlanta United FC as either a Designated Player or general roster spot. They will not all make sense but we will try to convince you anyway. #HailUnited #KingsOfTheSouth

Alvas Powell - Defender - Portland Timbers - DOB: 7/18/1994

So what's the deal with this guy?

The 22-year-old began his senior career at 17 in his native Jamaica before quickly being loaned to, and eventually bought by, the Portland Timbers. He's been a notable presence in MLS since 2013.

Is he any good?

As a young defender, he can be a bit unpredictable at times, and has a penchant for becoming a bit too involved in the attack, but yeah, he's an exciting player who has proven himself on an MLS Cup winning team and on the international level for a Jamaican team that continues to improve.

Oh, he's already playing with the Reggae Boyz?

Yep. Made his first appearance in 2012 and has racked up 16 total. Of course that means he may miss time for call-ups. Still great experience though.

Does this make sense for Atlanta United?

Sure does. Powell is currently cheap (approx $100K) and his youth and attacking style would fit what Tata Martino seems to be compiling roster-wise. Plus, Atlanta United basically has zero defenders on its roster. 

How likely is this to happen?

You want to say it could easily via the MLS Expansion Draft, as Powell and Timbers head coach Caleb Porter didn't always see eye to eye last season. But the Timbers would more likely trade or sell Powell than they would let such a prospect just go with no return. Most likely, not going to happen, unless Darren Eales has some tricks up his sleeve.

Atlanta United Traffic Report #004

Atlanta United closed the deal in signing Miguel Almiron and Brandon Vazquez over the last couple days, and is rumored to be bringing in Sean Johnson once the MLS Cup finishes up.

But what does that mean for the rest of the roster? The expansion draft is coming soon. What's Atlanta United FC need to stock up on and how much money is left to spend on the Tata Martino's squad?

From Zlatan to Adu: Alberto Quintero - Q

This is the tenth installment of a 26-part series of players we'd like to see at Atlanta United FC as either a Designated Player or general roster spot. They will not all make sense but we will try to convince you anyway. #HailUnited #KingsOfTheSouth

Alberto Quintero Medina - Midfielder - San Jose Earthquakes - DOB: 12/18/1987

So what's the deal with this guy?

Quintero is a recent MLS guy, having joined the San Jose Earthquakes on loan from Lobos BUAP of Mexico for 2016. He appeared in 30 games for the Earthquakes this past season.

Was he any good?

Yeah, he was a solid contributor. Quintero finished the season  with 4 goals and 3 assists including this screamer.

Cool. What else?

The 28-year-old has been a constant presence on the Panamanian national team since 2007, so that's pretty good.

You said he was on loan?

For 2016, he was. Set San Jose back about $190,000, or well worth the price of his role/minutes/output.

Does this make sense for Atlanta United?

Atlanta United has a lot of midfielders on its small roster, so picking up a Quintero (and using an international roster spot in the process) is highly unlikely. Plus, if his move away from his Mexican club were to be made permanent it would seem like he's staying put in San Jose.

Is this the Atlanta United away jersey?

The good folks on the MLS subreddit noticed this on Lids.com. About what you'd expect from Atlanta United and MLS as a secondary kit seeing as it's white and it seems like every team has to have a white jersey. The single color badge is interesting though.

We'll see if it holds up. Don't see why they would have this design in women's cut if it wasn't legit though.

UPDATE: Footy Headlines just posted a pic of the men's cut and it appears to be grey, not white like originally thought.

Atlanta United Traffic Report #003

Atlanta United will reveal the team's first home kit tomorrow at the Tabernacle in downtown Atlanta and Coke So White has some thoughts.

What are the worst things that could happen to the first home jersey?

Atlanta United Traffic Report #002

Doug Roberson's article today about the rent Atlanta United will be paying for use of Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech drummed up some complaints about the arrangement.

That only made us mad at the people that were mad online. 

Atlanta United Traffic Report #001

This is a thing that will happen when I get stuck driving to work.

First episode dives into the cavalcade of Spanish-language rumors that descended on unverified twitter last week.

Atlanta United is a legit team in the rumor mill now.

Benz Friendz Podcast s03e01

A lot has happened in three months but the podcast is back.

Only recapping the last couple weeks, but that includes a new manager in Gerardo "Tata" Martino, a new home field and a slick team store.

LISTEN

Tito & Tata

Spring 2017's newest sitcom starring Hector "Tito" Villalba and Gerardo "Tata" Martino. Coming to a Mercedes-Benz Stadium near you. 

How US soccer wars are basically the 2016 election

The 2016 Presidential election is shaping up to be a mess. Know what else is a mess? #soccertwitter

It's a constant battle about what's best for the sport from the internet's least knowledgable, most vocal advocates. Much like politics. And the two main parties in each category have many similarities.

Let's break it down.

PRO/REL, NASL as the Republican Party 

A proud group of people that claim everything can be made great (again) if we just replace the current people in power. Wait, were things ever great?

Not getting into a broader argument, but how can we do this? How can we make American soccer great? As a Pro/Rel'er and it's simple, just create a real pyramid with tiered divisions and promotion and relegation.

Cool. How? And then this is the part where you get a lot of, not even misinformation, but non-information.

"Nobody knows the system better than me," said Donald Trump, and probably a lot of Detroit City FC diehards.

"It's a rigged system," said Donald Trump, and probably a lot of Minnesota United fans, before being accepted into the league/as a party nominee.

Really, both Donald Trump and Pro/Rel crowds have made people question everything. The system is broken! Look how bad things are! We can make this better with generic response 1, generic response 2 and another couple generic responses that you can't help but agree with because we're already on the same side.

Add in some kinda shady characters who only care about their own interests (that's really any political donor/sports owner to be fair) throwing money around and it makes the situation even murkier.

Mix a bit of infighting in so that no one can't get their collective shit together and it leads to the rise of...

MLS as the Democratic Party

MLS and the Dems have been in power for the majority of the time since the mid-90s (excluding some down years in the early '00s) and have been generally pretty good but no one is quite happy.

Despite being the most qualified league/candidate in history they are each also the most distrusted. How do you have both? Well some decisions get made for the greater good that rub some people on the fringe the wrong way, even if the general population understands why things are done.

LET'S BRING UP MINNESOTA AGAIN! People in the party cry foul - see Minnesota United fans (Bernie supporters) mad that Atlanta United (Hillary) get what they believe they deserve in the United name (party nomination) and the brass of the wronged group goes along with it because they know it is best to keep unity for the sake of the party as a whole (Democrats/US Soccer).

Eventually though this party is basically able to meet compromises because they realize that this group needs to come together to overcome the opposition.

And why not, the easiest argument to make is, "Why make America/US soccer great again when it's already maybe the best is ever been?"

Are there fixes to be made? Sure. We in a pretty good place? Yes. Will the other side do anything to help make things better? At this juncture, definitely not.

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s02e06

It's only been 3 months so I updated the podcast cover art for a more Atlanta United theme.

Speaking of, Atlanta United made some signings and is rumored for more..

Freddy Adu is finally playing.

And some Drew Carey because why not.

Atlanta United signs Chris McCann #workhorse

Ripping this straight from the press release and adding that Atlanta United did not use a Designated Player spot or Targeted Allocation Money for the signing. McCann should wear no 16 with the club.

Atlanta United today announced the signing of 28-year-old midfielder Chris McCann, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. McCann joins Atlanta from English Championship club Wigan Athletic.

 “We are thrilled Chris has chosen to sign for Atlanta United, he is a player we feel will be very important as we build our roster,” said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra. “With over 350 first team appearances and premiership experience, he will bring a valuable veteran presence onto the field and into our locker room.” 

 McCann, a native of Dublin, Ireland came up through the Home Farm F.C. youth system and represented Ireland as a youth international at the U-17, U-18 and U-19 levels. 

 McCann moved to England and joined Burnley F.C. in 2005 where he made over 200 appearances and scored 27 goals. Playing under manager Owen Coyle, McCann was a standout performer making 58 appearances with eight goals during the 2008-09 season, helping the Clarets secure a promotion to the Premier League with a victory in the Football League Championship Play-off final. 

 McCann joined Wigan Athletic on a free transfer in 2013. Playing once again under Coyle, McCann had 38 appearances and three goals for Wigan in his first year. He added 18 appearances in the 2014-15 season. 

 “We see Chris coming in to play a midfield role, but having the capacity to play in defense as well,” said Bocanegra. “He has good versatility, technical ability and can contribute with goals and assists from various positions on the field.” 

 McCann will go out on loan until he arrives in Atlanta in January.

Atlanta United Book Club

Book clubs are a fun way to drink alcohol and not read books  connect with people and share ideas. Book clubs are becoming more popular in the sports world, so why shouldn't Atlanta United fans have one.

Here are a couple suggestions that should last you until 2017.

Built from Scratch: How a Couple of Regular Guys Grew The Home Depot from Nothing to $30 Billion

Uncle Arthur built Atlanta United and the Merc Dome so learn how he got all that gwop. 

The Biography of Tottenham Hotspur: the incredible story of the world famous Spurs

While we're on the front office, learn a little about the club president Darren Eales (and Amy Rodriguez) came from.

Ghana: The Rediscovered Soccer Might: WatchOut World!

Because some news came out today that may or may not include a Ghanian signed to Atlanta United, read up on how the soccer culture has developed over there.

Soccerwarz: Inside America's Soccer Feud Between MLS, NASL and USL

If you're going to be the fan of an MLS team you need to know what beef is because someone on twitter will inevitably invade the TL.

Married to the Mouse: Walt Disney World and Orlando

So you don't forget the presumptive rivals are really just in the pocket of Big Entertainment.

Guerrilla Soccer: The Story of Atlanta Silverbacks FC

If you want to learn how to move a team down the American soccer pyramid.

From Zlatan to Adu: Maximiliano Urruti - U

This is the sixth installment of a 26-part series of players we'd like to see at Atlanta United FC as either a Designated Player or general roster spot. They will not all make sense but we will try to convince you anyway. #HailUnited #KingsOfTheSouth

Maximiliano Urruti - Forward - FC Dallas - DOB 2/22/1991

So what's the deal with this guy?

Maxi has been around MLS for a couple seasons, spending the majority of that time in Portland with the Timbers, after leaving his native Argentina.

Why's he wearing an FC Dallas jersey in that pic then?

Because Urruti's contract wasn't picked up by Portland after the 2015 MLS Cup winning campaign. He was placed in the MLS Re-Entry Draft where he was scooped with the no. 1 pick by Dallas.

And?

And what? 

Why want someone who was thrown on the scrap heap?

Urruti has skills, just maybe not enough for Portland to justify his $200,000 2015 salary after they got better production out of other players.

Still not selling me on Urruti

Ok, his 15 goals in 65 appearances for Portland isn't great, but he's found life in 2016 with Dallas. Especially at the start of the season.

That was pretty slick

I know. Maxi has 3 goals in 11 matches so far this season. He's also got the most shots and shots on goal for Dallas proving his work rate is A+.

Why would Atlanta United want Maxi Urruti?

Just a guess, but considering Maxi was a Re-Entry player, I wouldn't be surprised if his salary was dropped from $200K for 2016. Even there, that's not a bad price for a guy who's going to be a pest and score some goals up top.

Does this make sense?

Just as much as any other nonsense I'm throwing out here. Probably won't be able to get him away from Dallas for 2017 though. 

Bring back the Olympics mascot Izzy for Atlanta United

Someone has to champion our fallen heroes. And after seeing the current state of MLS mascots it seems only right that Atlanta United should take this time to restore glory to an icon that never once got its fair shake.

Izzy, the mascot of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, never had a chance. Derided from the outset, the most innocuous, inoffensive choice imaginable is about to be back in fashion. 

Who loves needlessly nostalgic and kitschy shit? Flippin' millennials, that's who. 

Stir up some, "I totally had like six of those plastic guys" talk.

Get a couple, "Remember how awful that video game was?"

Embrace the hate, Atlanta United. There's even an opportunity to out-cartoon your should-be rivals in Disney SC. 

If nothing else we should take on the mantle from this guy. He's been propping the Izzy game up for too long. 

Please make a change.org petition please and thank you kind reader. 

Freddy Adu & Drew Carey 2 Podcast s02e05

Atlanta United has some thoughts on when to make a "big signing."

MLS Fantasy should be all about the cheap keeper. And Atlanta United may have one next year in Alex Tambakis. 

Freddy Adu is out here hitting ish.

Drew Carey gives Oswald a second story line and throws a parade with a bunch of guest stars.

Ways to get banned and kicked out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United games

The Other United (DC) did a thing and their Twitter was up in arms today.  Here's the best recap of what the club did to a member of the District Ultras supporters group. 

If the Other United is now so decidedly protective of crap RFK Stadium, what's the Atlanta United brass going to crack down on Terminus Legion, Footie Mob and Resurgence over and ban fans from entering the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium? Will it be over crazy tailgates or in-game antics?

Maybe these things:

Drinking a Pepsi

Driving a Beamer

Arguing the "South does not have somethin' to say"

Calling fellow fans "plastic"

Smoke emitting from receptacle not containing meat

Bringing up Pro/Rel at the urinals

Foot races through the 100 Yard Bar

Not understanding a Freaknik reference

Debating any positive merits of referee Baldomero Toledo

No, you can't wear a Drew Brees jersey

Saying Atlanta United should have moved to Cobb County with the Braves

MLS PRO Referees to Hate

Too much gets made of referee assignments. There shouldn't be an issue of who the officials are going into the game. That being said, US soccer referees could probably be better. But that could be said of most things.

In MLS, PRO - Professional Referee Organization - oversees the crews. PRO also is in charge of NASL, USL, NWSL, USSF, Canadian soccer federations and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. So it is kinda a big deal. 

Above is the 2016 PRO roster for head referees. Are some worse than others? Do Atlanta United fans need to take notice of and get familiar with some of these names?

Fotis Bazakos

The Bent Musket says all you need to know about Bazakos. When you got a # you made it. #WTFotis

Allen Chapman

Apparently Chapmen's got a history of controversy with Real Salt Lake. Back when Jason Kreis was still coach, "Kreis has actually changed where he sits on a bench and refused to shake hands with Chapman before the game."

Ismail Elfath

He even did enough to once be called out directly by Omar Gonzalez.  Elfath was rewarded with refereeing the MLS All-Star Game in 2015 though.

Drew Fischer

Apparently Fischer's online presence is mostly positive reinforcement from the refereeing community. Has been said he doesn't have any control.

Geoff Gamble

Gamble is basically the opposite of Fischer, being called out by the refereeing community. The Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution also had a tough go with him a while back.  Has maybe gotten better?

Dave Gantar

Toronto FC and Michael Bradley have the most beef with Gantar, possibly ruining their chances at a playoff appearance in 2014. He even followed it up with a poor performance at the beginning of 2015. Gantar is even Canadian. For shame. Only TFC seems to care.

Mark Geiger

"Generally regarded as one of the top referees in MLS," yet Geiger finds himself in hot water a lot. Such as the Jermaine Jones incident. And even outside MLS as when he officiated Mexico-Panama in the 2015 Gold Cup.

Jorge Gonzalez

While Gonzalez has been critiqued for some missed calls, he also gets commended by the referees out there. Whose side do you take?

Hilario Grajeda

How the mighty have fallen? Grajeda was pegged to call the MLS Cup Final in 2013 and was voted ref of the year. But he didn't do so hot. Same happened during an NCAA Final that year. Since then? So-so.

Juan Guzman

Guzman seems to consistently miss calls. Or just make bad calls. Or even lose control of games completely. So, hate, hate, hate.

Edvin Jurisevic

Jurisevic flys more under the radar. Some older posts suggest he can be a bit inconsistent. Doesn't seem like anyone minds him as an assignment though. 

Alan Kelly

A relative newcomer in MLS and PRO. Kelly is from Ireland and in his second season in America/Canada (2015) won referee of the year. Seems like a coup to have gotten him stateside. A+.

Jair Marrufo

People like Marrufo. Was lead official for the 2015 MLS Cup Final, which some Columbus Crew fans may not like him for (that one goal was more of a linesman issue though). Referee of Year back in '08. 

Chris Penso

Going to use this Massive Report power ranks again that points to Penso wanting to be  the center of attention. Gross. Refs like some of his decisions though. Meh.

Silviu Petrescu

Basically only negative reviews of Petrescu's games. People didn't like him at MLS Cup. He was suspended in 2015 for missed calls. But he was MLS Referee of the Year in 2012? Maybe that's not a good barometer. 

Juan Carlos Rivero

Getting arrested for fraud won't endear Rivero to many people. But when he isn't ripping off the government then he doesn't do half bad.

Ricardo Salazar

Salazar may be the true Heel of MLS PRO referees. This poll voted him the worst ref in MLS in 2013. There was a Change.org petition. Fans call him "Red Card Ricardo."

Robert Sibiga

A newer referee. Small sample size going for Sibiga. This Ottawa Fury fan probably very much dislikes him though.

Sorin Stoica

Stoica is not well-regarded. Either by fans who call him "Village Idiot," or refs that say he needs a backbone.

Kevin Stott

Stott has been around since 1996. He's had some moments of controversy, humor and praise. Going with my gut, I'd be happy to see him as an assignment. 

Baldomero Toledo

Holy shit that's a great name. Nobody likes Toledo though. Not one person says anything good about him. Guess there must really be a lack of quality refs for him to still be out here.

Ted Unkel

Unkel was tabbed for the USOC Final last season and has not been reffing MLS games long. People seem to spout off about him a lot though. 

Armando Villarreal

Refs like Villarreal's calls in tight positions. Besides the LA Galaxy there doesn't seem to be much complaint about him. Let's end on a high note.

Note: if you were looking for the referee in charge of that US Open fiasco where Clint Dempsey tore up his book, that was Daniel Radford, a 4th Official. I guess they can call US Open games but not head referee MLS.