The Daily Dirt, July 8: Come Together

Sometimes, sports can be a welcome diversion from real life... today is one of those days.

Two MLS games tonight with Orlando hosting Houston in the battle of teams with interim managers. Dallas heads to San Jose in the nightcap. Both games are on UniMas as part of the Viernes de Futbol series.

Who knows what we will see out of Orlando tonight? Often, a team performs strongly after a manager change as players want to stake their place in the team for their new boss. With Adrian Heath gone, who has been the only manager Orlando has ever known, it’s uncertain as to what the reaction will be.

Dallas has the best record in the league and ran roughshod over Orlando on July 4. This is a quick turnaround for the Hoops and it will be a test of their depth.

Stay tuned for any breaking news with us today on Twitter and Facebook.

America

With his move to Chivas de Guadalajara, Alex Zendejas quits the US U20 national team (Stars and Stripes FC)

Oguchi Onyewu not headed to Rangers, pursuing other options in the US? (Evening Times)

Lloyd Sam traded from New York Red Bulls to DC United for allocation money, does New York have other moves on the way? (Once a Metro)

San Jose takes steps to eliminate homophobic chanting at Earthquakes matches (Center Line Soccer)

Interesting look at the state of the NASL in the wake of Miami FC’s recent moves (FiftyFive.One)

Nashville FC sells 1500 season ticket reservations in their first six days for their first USL season in 2018 (Nashville FC)

World

Jürgen Klopp signs a long term extension at Liverpool (The Liverpool Offside)

What is going on with Marcelo Bielsa and Lazio? (BBC)

Roberto Mancini could be a possible hire for the English national team (The Guardian)

Atlanta

Silverbacks defeat Carolina Railhawks NPSL 4-0 at Georgia Gwinnett College to advance to the conference championship game on Saturday at home. (Gwinnett Daily Post)

South Georgia Tormenta win sixth of their last seven games, thrashing Tri-Cities 6-1 (Statesboro Herald)

Nick Markakis goes yard twice, Braves beat the Cubs in Chicago (Talking Chop)

Hawks summer league roster released (Peachtree Hoops)

Georgia vs. North Carolina at the Georgia Dome in the season opener is officially sold out (Dawg Sports)

A look at the legacy of Justin Thomas at Georgia Tech (From the Rumble Seat)