Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. LIONS STILL CHASING THE DREAM
Orlando City SC hosts New York City FC Friday night (7 pm ET, UniMás in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada), still holding their playoff hopes. With Rafael Ramos likely unavailable, one of the questions facing Orlando is who will fit in at right back. On the other side of the field, NYCFC look to have locked down another of their DPs over the winter.
2. BACK FROM THE BRINK
The San Jose Earthquakes challenge Sporting Kansas City on Friday night (11 pm ET, UniMás in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada) knowing they need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Sporting KC could soon welcome back Ike Opara, who’s come a long way from entertaining thoughts of retirement back in April.
3. PERSONAL BESTS
Toronto FC have already clinched their playoff place, thanks to the magnificent Sebastian Giovinco, and the Italian may have to go it alone upfront as Jozy Altidore is suspended for the game against Columbus Crew SC (2 pm ET, TSN1,4 in Canada, MLS LIVE in the US), with the visitors looking to not only lock up a playoff place but also secure a personal season-best in terms of points.
4. DROGBA IN DOUBT
The New England Revolution are looking forwardto facing the Montreal Impact (Saturday, 7:30pm ET, TSN2 in Canada, MLS LIVE in the US) and star striker Didier Drogba as they look to make another late-season push. However, the Impact DP’s status could be in doubt.
5. MAKING PEACE WITH NO PLAYOFFS
Real Salt Lake play FC Dallas on Saturday (9:30pm ET, MLS LIVE) and while RSL are adjusting to the idea of not making the playoffs for the first time in a very long time, FC Dallas are hot in pursuit of the Supporters' Shield. They’ll have to do it without Rolando Escobar, who suffered a facial fracture on Wednesday.
6. UNITED STAYING FOCUSED
D.C. United may have qualified for the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, but that’s only half the battle. eHead coach Ben Olsen wants his side to maintain their urgency when they take on the Chicago Fire on Sunday (2 pm ET, MLS LIVE). The Fire will be without injured goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who vows to return stronger than ever.
7. UNION FACE TOUGH CHOICES
The New York Red Bulls will be looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat in Toronto and attempt once again to clinch 1st in the East when they take on the Philadelphia Union (Sunday, 3 pm ET, MLS LIVE). Maurice Edu is unavailable for the final two games after undergoing surgery and, while there are plenty of decisions for the Union to make this winter, striker Fernando Aristeguieta is keen to return.
8. CAN THE DYNAMO DO IT?
The Houston Dynamo still have an incredibly small chance of making the playoffs and they’ll have to find a way to beat the Seattle Sounders on Sunday (5 pm ET, ESPN in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada), who themselves are looking to secure their own playoff spot. Meanwhile, Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso talks us through his emotional reunion with his father.
9. TIMBERS LOOK TO FINISH THE JOB
Another win for the Timbers would go a long way towards securing their playoff spot but, with the side facing the LA Galaxy (7 pm ET, FS1 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada) can the Timbers win big without star names? The Galaxy have plenty of those, with Bradford Jamieson IV hoping to join them again in 2016.
10. COPA TALKS CONTINUE
Is the Copa America Centenario back on in the US? Reports over the last week have suggested positive steps are being taken, with the latest word from sources hinting that a deal could be close.
11. ORLANDO’S PLAN B
Orlando City also had a big announcement to make on Thursday, revealing the name, location of and first three playersfor Orlando City B, the club's new USL team, from location to the first three players. The club also has a documentary coming out soon, with a new trailer just released.
12. TALKING IT OUT
As the dust starts to settle on the resent US national team performances, ESPN have held a roundtable on the current state of the national program. While they discuss what they feel needs to be done, one outside voice feels the solution could lie with Bobby Wood.
13. MEXICO’S YOUTH
Mexico’s teams have dominated CONCACAF this year, crowned champions at all levels. That should bode well for the nation's future, but only if the young talent is managed correctly.
14. ALL EYES ON CHILE
Saturday marks the start of the Under-17 World Cup, with the United States set to take on Nigeria in their first group game (Saturday, 4 pm ET). The African side are the reigning title holders at this level and the Golden Eagles are eyeing yet another crown.
15. CAN THE GALAXY WIN ANOTHER TITLE?
Friday night is also the USL Championship game between the LA Galaxy II and the Rochester Rhinos (7:30pm ET, ESPN3). Can Los Dos secure the title in just their second season of existence or will the dominant Rhinos, also crowned regular season champions, once again become a cup-winning side?
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