SHORT TAKES

• United fullback Brian Kallman retired this week after 10 seasons with Minnesota franchises, severing one of the final links to the team's past life as the Minnesota Thunder. The Woodbury native will be remembered for his no-nonsense, physical play, and his unwavering commitment to connecting with fans.

• Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola announced that he would take over the top job at Manchester City next season, saying, "I need a new challenge." Guardiola, who was previously managing at Barcelona before moving to Germany's richest, most successful team, will take over a Manchester City team that is the best-funded in England and that is the favorite to win multiple trophies this year. In other words, it's fair to say that Guardiola does not understand the meaning of the word "challenge."

• The St. Louis Post-Dispatch quoted MLS commissioner Don Garber as saying it is "the right time" for an expansion team in St. Louis. The east-central Missouri city would appear to have the inside track on a franchise when the league expands past its current 24-team plan; Sacramento is the other current front-runner, with San Antonio close behind.