Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:
1. TEXAS FOES
Friday night, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo kick off the weekend slate of MLS Heineken Rivalry Week (9 pm ET, UniMás in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada, match preview). Dallas will clinch El Capitán trophy for a third straight season with a win, and FCD's Matt Hedges set the game's tone: “We just don’t like Houston.” The Dynamo will be boosted by the return of Giles Barnes and Jermaine Taylor after their appearances in the Copa América. For the neutrals, which side should you root for?
2. TFC & UNITED IN EASTERN BATTLE
Toronto FC host D.C. United on Saturday (5 pm ET, MLS LIVE, match preview) led by their trio of DP stars and a young Canadian talent growing into his own. Meanwhile, United are coming off a midweek win that saw yet another unexpected player take the spotlight.
3. WHO ARE THE UNION?
After conceding five goals against the LA Galaxy, the Philadelphia Union then proceeded to blank the Seattle Sounders, leaving many fans to wonder which team will show up when the Union take on the Montreal Impact on Saturday (7 pm ET, MLS LIVE, match preview). The Impact will once again be led in the defense by Laurent Ciman, who's story is one of the most inspring you'll ever read.
4. CAN THE REVS GET BACK ON TRACK?
The New England Revolution will look to bounce back from two consecutive defeats on Saturday, but to do so they’ll need to beat the Vancouver Whitecaps (7:30 pm ET, TSN in Canada, MLS LIVE in the US, match preview), whose depth will be tested as they look to make it three wins in a row.
5. SKC DOMINATION OF RAPIDS
After suffering their first loss in eight league games last week, Sporting Kansas City are still enjoying success at every level. They will look to get straight back on track against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday (8:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE, match preview), a side that hasn't won a game in Kansas City since 2002 and will soon be without lead scorer Gabriel Torres.
6. LONG WAY STILL TO GO FOR RSL
There's a lot going on with Álvaro Saborío at the moment -- and Kyle Beckerman expressed his thoughts this week -- but regardless, after two red cards against the New York Red Bulls, RSL will need to make some changes against Columbus Crew SC (Saturday, 10 pm ET, MLS LIVE, match preview). Crew SC, meanwhile, will look to keep getting contributions from a couple of league leaders.
7. BIG CROWD FOR CALIFORNIA CLASICO
Upwards of 50,000 people will be at Stanford Stadium for the latest installment of the California Clasico against the LA Galaxy (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE, match preview). Most of them will be thrilled to watch the Quakes' Matías Pérez García, a special player starting to do special things, while the Galaxy will hope that Sebastien Lletget can tally in a fifth consecutive game.
8. NEW YORK DERBY, PART 2
New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls meet for the second time this year (Sunday, 4.30pm ET, ESPN, ESPN Deportes in the US, TSN5 in Canada, match preview). NYCFC, winners of three in a row, are a different side since the last New York derby. For the Red Bulls, Lloyd Same feels he’ll be ready to play. Also, ESPN has a really big show on tap, that will include a visit from a certain former Red Bulls coach. For the neutrals, which side should you root for?
9. LIGHT UP THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
While the players prepare for Sunday's match, fans in the Big Apple have been busy battling it out on social media and in a poll. The winners will see their club's colors top the Empire State Building.
10. RIVALRY WEEK FINALE IN CASCADIA
The Portland Timbers host the Seattle Sounders on Sunday (7 pm ET, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes in US, TSN2 in Canada, match preview) in what many call the biggest rivalry in MLS. There is a heat advisory for Sunday, so the Timbers are taking measures to ensure the safety of everyone who attends. The Sounders, meanwhile, might be making moves in the transfer market.
11. ATLANTA'S NEW NAME
Atlanta’s MLS expansion club now officially has a name, one that clearly resonates with the club's supporters.
12. SHEA’S SHUT DOWN
Orlando City earned an important win against the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, but it has come at a cost, as Brek Shea looks set to miss some playing time.
13. DEMPSEY'S US OPEN CUP PUNISHMENT
Clint Dempsey is already serving a three-game MLS suspension for his recent actions in the US Open Cup, and, on Thursday, US Soccer handed out additional punishment. The Seattle Sounders star has since apologized for his actions.
14. US WOMEN TAKE AIM AT SEMIFINALS
The US women’s national team face possibly their toughest test so far at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup when they take on China in the quarterfinals Friday night (7:30 pm ET, FOX, NBC Universo), 16 years after the two nations met in the historic 1999 final. US striker Abby Wambach feels ready to go the full 90, despite FIFA's warning to her for some recent comments.
15. CAN CANADA GO ALL THE WAY?
WWC hosts Canada take on England on Saturday in their own quarterfinal. With the team just two games removed from a possible appearance in the final, the game at BC Place in Vancouver is set to be played in front of a record crowd.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
The road to Stardom for Toronto FC’s Jozy Altidore
Bonnetta, Conrad face off in Rivalry Week: Off Topic with Rachel Bonnetta
ExtraTime Radio: Lagerwey on Dempsey drama and Jordan Morris
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