Major Link Soccer: Is Mike Petke MLS’ best dressed?

MLS

Who is the best dressed coach in MLS? Mike Petke is probably a good vote, BUUUUUT you should go vote for Brian Schmetzer before voting closes at 11am PST. Just make sure he beats Caleb Porter. The rivalry is real.

Security isn’t usually known for joining the fans when games get exciting, but one security guard for Atlanta United is quickly becoming a fan and becoming part of the supporters culture at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Orlando City may be closer to the playoffs than previously thought, as their draw against FC Dallas could become a win. Dallas pulled Michael Barrios from the starting lineup just before kickoff, making him ineligible for the whole match, but then they played him anyway.

Nashville SC was the next MLS expansion team, then it wasn’t, and now... we just wait ‘til the league actually announces something. That said, the fact that it was leaked and retracted today is still a good sign if they get a stadium.

Up north in Detroit, the ownership group leading the Detroit MLS bid filed for a federal trademark for “Motor City Soccer Club.” If you have other ideas, like Detroit Rock City FC or something, add them in the comments.

USA

US Soccer has been very poor at hiding their desire to promote USL over other “minor” leagues in the US and now the NPSL is sending in a complaint as they feel USSF is trying to destabilize the league for the benefit of the USL.

Of all the things people have complained about involving USSF none have involved sleeping. Until now. The board member who was accused of sleeping during NASL Chairman Rocco Commisso’s presentation has been identified.

Speaking of the New York Cosmos (Commisso owns them), their players addressed the conflict between NASL and USSF.

If there is a player in NWSL that you didn’t know coming into the season that you should now, it’s Sam Kerr. Sky Blue FC’s forward broke the single-season record for goals scored after netting one against the Boston Breakers.

The US U18s MNT called up 20 players for camp in Spain, including one Seattleite.

Indy Eleven are looking for assistance for Puerto Rico as Puerto Rico FC come to town for a match. Puerto Rico FC is going to continue playing but will have to move its home games to the mainland as they hope to raise awareness.

World

Watching from afar with little reference to what is going on in Catalonia can be quite confusing. An American and Spanish citizen broke down some of what’s going on.

As players report to national team camps the frustrations in Spain are spilling into camp. Gerard Pique, who already had volunteered to leave the team if his support for Catalonian independence caused problems, was met by whistles by fans at Spanish NT training. It led to practice being cut short at about 23 minutes.

Bad news for Chelsea as big striker signing Alvaro Morata could be out for up to six weeks for a hamstring.

Germany was fined for fans using nazi chants in their qualifier against the Czech Republic.