The Daily Dirt, July 18: MLS coaching merry-go-round might claim an Atlanta United target

Last night, reports broke that Jason Kreis was meeting with Orlando City about their coaching vacancy. Many experts expected that Kreis would be high on Atlanta’s list of potential coaches, and Seattle’s struggles have created speculation that he would reunite with his former Real Salt Lake GM Garth Lagerwey.

Paul Tenorio makes a key point in his FourFourTwo article about how much power Kreis would expect in player acquisitions. Reportedly, this was a source of friction during Kreis’ time at New York City FC and he likely would not want a repeat of it. This also brings into question whether he would be a strong fit in Atlanta as we are seeing United becoming increasingly active in the transfer market without a manager.

Yesterday, Doug Roberson of the AJC broke the news that Chris McCann would be loaned to Coventry City of League One this fall. The Coventry Telegraph reports that McCann will be joining training this week with the loan becoming official on August 1. Andy Turner of the Telegraph expects that McCann will be playing on the left side of midfield in the Blues’ 3-4-3 formation. He will miss the first three games of the season due to serving a three-match suspension after receiving a straight red card in Wigan’s final match of last season. He is expected to make his debut on August 16 against Bury at home. He will be available for roughly 20 games of Coventry’s season between league matches and Cups.

One link between Atlanta United and Coventry City is Richard Money. Atlanta’s academy director previously filled the same role for Coventry.

Speaking of the academy, some of Atlanta United’s youngsters appeared for Charleston yesterday morning in their rescheduled exhibition with the Nigerian U23 squad heading to the Olympics. Nigeria won the match 1-0. Atlanta U18 academy players Machop Chol, Edwin Figueroa, Chris Goslin, Lagos Kunga, and Patrick Okonkwo joined loanees Andrew Carleton, Jeffrey Otoo, and Alex Tambakis with the Battery for the match.

Domestic

Portland has not lost in two months, continue the unbeaten streak with a 3-1 win over Seattle (Stumptown Footy)

Big statement for New York City with a 3-1 win in Montreal (Hudson River Blue)

Red Bulls blow a 2-0 lead and draw in Philadelphia (Brotherly Game)

Progress with a MLS expansion bid in St. Louis? (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

International

Liga MX opened its season over the weekend, here’s your highlights from each game (FMF State of Mind)

Oscar Romero, linked to New York Red Bulls, has reportedly turned down a $10M offer from MLS (Ole)

Futsal Ronaldinho is the best:

Local

Get caught up on the latest from the Braves as the trade deadline approaches (Talking Chop)

Previewing each position group ahead of the start of training camp, Matthew Chambers looks at the Falcons’ defensive ends (The Falcoholic)

The CawCast looks at the what is next for the Hawks after the Dwight Howard signing (Peachtree Hoops)