Major Link Soccer: The newest MLS tradition, the Golden Spike

MLS

Atlanta United may not have won their opener, but they did open with one of the largest attended matches of the weekend in the world. In case you can't attend their next one, they have English and Spanish partners on the radio now.

Sticking with Atlanta, the blend of culture with the inclusion of the first MLS side in the South and what it means for the league is quite interesting. The fan culture is starting from scratch and using the city's railroad roots to create a fun new tradition for players and fans, the Golden Spike.

Seattle had defensive breakdowns throughout the first half this past weekend - ClintDempsey2 walks us through some of the problems that he thought reared up.

USA

The new US Soccer rule regarding the national anthem has been met with support and resistance, with keeper Tim Howard the latest coming out in favor of the rule requiring players to stand for the anthem. Current USMNT coach, Bruce Arena, shared his thoughts in favor as well.

On the other side of the discussion, one writer calls the policy anti-American and even more than that, anti-soccer.

When US Soccer fell back into the waiting arms of Bruce Arena, the issue of dual-nationals and their role with the side was growing, including comments about commitment from Tim Howard; now Arena says that friction is gone.

Former Tacoma Star, Kitsap Puma, and Sounders 2 forward, Mike Ramos, has signed with Puerto Rico FC of the NASL.

Every now and then soccer has harsh penalties for plays even when it may not be deserved, and the NCAA is trying to change that, at least in one instance. Double jeopardy, or getting a red and PK on a play, may no longer be the written rule.

World

In case you didn't already know this, soccer is not cheap as an owner, league, or sponsor. When the billionaires takeover, prices rise, and it definitely is not getting cheaper.

If you don't watch beach soccer, you probably have never heard of Noel Ott but the Swiss player is apparently a Lionel Messi on the sand.

English soccer has faced many challenges after inventing the sport (yes, it is apparently something Seattle did not invent), including diversity, and while they thought they were improving, critics are saying not so fast.

Ronald Koeman is rumored to be on the shortlist to takeover at Barca for next season and if he does, a local brewery already has made him his own beer.

Arsene Wegner did not do himself any favors after bowing out in the Round of 16 against in the UEFA Champions League, specifically falling 10-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich.

Elsewhere in Europe, Real Madrid came back from going down early and advanced to yet another Champions League Quarterfinal.

What's on TV

UEFA Champions League

11:45am Borussia Dortmand vs Benefica fuboTV, Fox Sports 2, Fox Sports 2Go

11:45am Barcelona vs PSG fuboTV, ESPN Deportes, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2Go

Liga MX

7:00pm Necaxa vs Santos Laguna ESPN3, WatchESPN