Major Link Soccer: Atlanta United reportedly name their first manager

MLS:

Atlanta United have begun laying the ground work to come running into MLS out of the gate, and they appear to have found the manager they believe will take them there: reports out of Argentina link former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino to the job opening.

Don Garber went on the record this week that the New England Revolution will be playing in a soccer-specific stadium in the next five years.

We're getting to that point in the season where the players for a treble become clear- and as it stands, FC Dallas and Toronto FC are the two clubs hoping to earn the leagues first.

As part of Fox Sports continued experimentation with their programming, the MLS will be half of a double header with the NFL this week.

The dialogue around protesting the national anthem continues to grow, and Jozy Altidore hopes that initial message behind the protest doesn't get lost in the shuffle. This comes off of Megan Rapinoe's continuation of the conversation, explaining her decision to kneel during the anthem at USWNT's friendly. This national conversation is not just seen on the professional soccer fields: Garfield High School's football team collectively kneeled during the anthem's performance prior to their game this week.

The Timbers have held serve at home, but haven't won on the road this season. Richard Farley tried to get to the bottom of this disparity. This calls for another Caleb Porter press conference.

United States:

With the U.S. Open Cup wrapping up, the post-tournament awards need to be handed out. First up: the lower division player of the tournament.

The World:

Real Madrid will be without two of their brightest stars when they head to Espanyol, with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo staying in Madrid.

The Ballon d'Or has made some changes, with the French Football Federation retaking control of the award starting next year.