Sam Stejskal had some very complimentary things to say about Atlanta’s approach to team building by paying big dollars for young designated players.
“It’s still very, very early, but it’s hard not to be impressed by the way Atlanta have started. With their emphasis on young South American stars, established vets and an already thriving academy, they’re building like FC Dallas but spending like NYCFC. Their model looks great on paper, and I can’t wait to see how it translates to the field starting in March.”
Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl took it a step further, saying that Atlanta will be more prepared than Minnesota United FC.
Another tidbit in the Stejskal piece was that former Galaxy player Juninho might be returning to MLS and that Minnesota would hold the right of first refusal on the holding midfielder.
“Because he was sold for a transfer fee greater than $500,000, Juninho would go through the allocation process if he returned to MLS. Atlanta will soon hold the first spot in the allocation order, though they’ll reportedly use that to sign goalkeeper Brad Guzan. That’d give fellow expansion club Minnesota the first crack at acquiring Juninho if he returned to the league, followed by Chicago, Houston and Columbus.”
Juninho would be a great pickup for Minnesota, as his salary would not be too large, he has experience in the league, and is only 27 years old. Plus, Stejskal suggests that it would be an one year loan deal, with the option to sign. That structure would be perfect for a team still looking to build their squad on a budget.
Right now, Venegas is saying all the right things. Above all, he’s a great MLS player and surefire starter for Minnesota.
In reference to my transfer, I would like to attach this communication. Again, thanks for your support. Blessings! pic.twitter.com/Omg8TYrnZB
— Johan Venegas Ulloa (@Johan_VenegasCR) December 14, 2016
MLS expansion contenders: Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, Raleigh, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego & Tampa
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) December 15, 2016
My personal favorites are Tampa (that stadium is in an amazing location), Detroit (as long as it’s DCFC), and Raleigh (so I have an excuse to visit my only aunt still alive). What non-financial reasons do you have to support some of the cities on that list in their bid for an MLS expansion franchise?
Our own Brian Quarstad had this to say about Megan:
“She wrote for me at IMS while she was attending the U for journalism and writing for the Daily. She’s very smart and a huge soccer fan with Barcelona being her favorite team. She interned for the Trib for a while before interning down in Texas and then taking a job for a couple of years in Pittsburgh. We messaged today and she’s absolutely thrilled to be back and to be covering MNUFC.”
This video is pretty cool. Truly, soccer is the world’s game.
The save heard 'round the world. https://t.co/NlWQM7mvuX
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 15, 2016
Tags: Atlanta United FC, Don Garber, Johan Venegas, Juninho, Minnesota United FC, MLS, MLS Expansion
