Time for a state of the blog address
First, I think it’s worth acknowledging that Atlanta United has some of the absolute best fans in the world. And that’s not blowing smoke; the passion, the numbers, the drive, they’re all present at matches, events, and everything in between. Dirty South Soccer has been through it all, since the very beginning. So this isn’t a goodbye, think of it as the next step.
Before I go any further – and if you read no more of this post – just know that the Atlanta United, MLS, and soccer content you enjoyed from the writers here at Dirty South Soccer can now be found in two wonderful locations, each with their own flavor and style: ScarvesAndSpikes.com and FiveStripeFinal.com
If you’ve been around DSS for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard both names. Tommy, Sydney, and I, along with Henry Higuita, Jackson Popkin, Grey Gowder, Calum Ewing, and others will be providing similar content to what you’ve come to expect here at Dirty South Soccer – for free over on ScarvesAndSpikes.com. Namely, you’ll receive the latest news, training ground updates, articles, opinions, analysis, exclusives, 2’s & Academy news, shenanigans, and plenty more. The adored post-match Twitter Spaces will also be run from the Scarves and Spikes Twitter/X account, and our podcast and Youtube will continue as normal.
Meanwhile, Rob Usry, Joe Patrick, and J. Sam Jones will be providing outstanding content to their subscribers on FiveStripeFinal.com, complete with the articles, writings, and Atlanta United coverage from some of the best writers in the business. They already have some great content up and running.
A year ago, all but two MLS sites under the larger SBNation umbrella were canceled and forced to go independent. Those two remaining were Dirty South Soccer and Sounder At Heart. About halfway through the 2023 season, Sounder At Heart took the leap to also go independent. Dirty South Soccer has been the only one left, even as other blogs – like some in the Premier League and Serie A – have been removed.
Unfortunately, having the knowledge that Dirty South Soccer could be nixed at any point hanging over our collective heads was highly worrisome. These changes allow us to bring you the coverage of the team we all love in a manner that’s firmly in our own hands, and we hope you make the journey with us.
In the meantime – and as long as nothing changes in the near future – you’ll still get the DSS match day articles, but it’s tough to predict when that may cease, as the overall future of the site’s existence is unknown. The vast majority of up-to-date, phenomenal content will be at both ScarvesAndSpikes.com and FiveStripeFinal.com.
We want this to be less of a Thanos-snap and more of a “New Asgard” situation, and if you get that reference, bless you.
Thank you for the years of support! I know I speak for everyone who has ever passed through DSS that we truly appreciate it, and we hope you continue this path with us! And a big shout to Rob Usry for building DSS back in the day, wouldn’t be here without him.