Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Camp Tales
With Clint Dempsey ruled out for their upcoming pair of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers on Friday and Tuesday, US forward Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood are clear to take off as a strike tandem. Meanwhile, United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann says bringing recovering Colorado Rapids midfielder Jermaine Jones to camp is an evaluation first, and then perhaps a full call-up second.
Bagging the prize
After continuing to prove he fits with D.C. United by scoring a weekend hat trick, Patrick Mullins has also netted MLS Player of the Week honors.
Power Ballot
Thanks to a derby win over Houston, FC Dallas have reclaimed the top spot in the MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings.
Down the stretch they come...
As the MLS season heads around the final turn, Arielle Castillo handicaps an ever-changing MVP race.
Stay a little longer
Reports have Portland inking skipper Liam Ridgewell to a two-year contract extension that will remove his Designated Player status.
Time to rise
As Nigel de Jong tries to work out a Galatasaray move and Steven Gerrard joins the Galaxy's growing injury list, the back-ups in Los Angeles are scrapping to carve out some playing time.
Too pricey
A French report claims Nantes have been scared away from interest in Chicago strike David Accam by his high price tag. But Taylor Twellman reports that Nantes are still chasing a potential last-minute deal.
Back on the ground
Among other notes in this column on Toronto FC happenings is the news that starting netminder Clint Irwin has resumed training after two months out with a quad injury.
Caught out
San Jose coach Dominic Kinnear admitted that he was stunned by the removal of longtime GM John Doyle.
Revs run
The playing career of former US defender Oguchi Onyewu may not be over, as he has turned up on home shores again to train with the Revs.
We love lists
FourFourTwo has put up their ranking of the Top 10 playmakers in MLS.
Maple Leaf maneuvers
Sportsnet'sJohn Molinaro is quite baffled that Toronto FC midfielder Will Johnson was left off the latest Canada roster. Meanwhile, former CNT skipper Jason de Vos has been appointed as the Canadian Soccer Association's new Director of Development.
A Keane send-off
LA Galaxy strike ace Robbie Keane says he'll be chasing one last goal when he makes his final appearance for Ireland on Friday.
No-gos
Red Bulls midfielder Derrick Etienne and New England Revs midfielder Zachary Herivaux have turned down Haiti call-ups for this week.
Zelalem talk
Bolton are reportedly interested in striking a loan deal for Arsenal youngster Gedion Zelalem.
Transferrance
The Sporting News has one suggestion for something Major League Baseball should borrow from soccer.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
The Defenders series tackles Steve Birnbaum
Save of the Week voting is down to the final four
Watch: The best MLS goals from August
