In Orlando, Alicia DelGallo reports Atlanta United FC has purchased a billboard about two blocks from Orlando City Stadium that reads, “Orlando, we’re coming to conquer.” The billboard is "wrapped in red and back, Atlanta’s colors, featuring some of the team’s players and Friday’s date," when Orlando City "hosts its new rival in their first clash of the season" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/19).
LITTLE IMPACT: In Montreal, Stu Cowan reports the Impact have "stumbled out of the gate this year and lost much of the momentum generated on the field and in the stands at Saputo Stadium" after "capturing the city -- and the country’s -- attention last season while advancing to the MLS Eastern Conference final before losing to Toronto FC." The team currently ranks 10th in league attendance, averaging 20,786 fans over seven home matches (MONTREAL GAZETTE, 7/19).
NEW OWNER: In Jacksonville, Clayton Freeman notes NASL club Jacksonville Armada FC officially introduced Owner Robert Palmer yesterday, who "bought the club" from the league. Combined with "expected boosts in advertising expenditures and a large-scale development plan, Palmer’s acquisition not only ends six-plus months of ownership limbo but gives the Armada hope for the future after nearly sinking over the winter." Meanwhile, the Armada "extended its agreement" with the Univ. of North Florida to continue playing at Hodges Stadium through '18 (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 7/19).
