Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Eastern Clash
New York City FC will get the chance to reclaim the top spot in the Eastern Conference when D.C. United come calling on Thursday night (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE). To gain the victory needed, Patrick Vieira's charges will need to contend with a D.C. United side that has been transformed in attack by midseason pick-up and former NYCFC forward Patrick Mullins.
Kick Childhood Cancer
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and for the second straight year, MLS has launched its Kick Childhood Cancer campaign featuring a special tie-in with Scarftember, among several other initiatives: A simple #ScarvesUp photo post on social media triggers a contribution to the fight against childhood cancer.
Now & Later
Though the United States can move closer to clinching their place in the final CONCACAF round of World Cup qualifying with a victory at St. Vincent & the Grenadines on Friday (3:30 pm ET on beIN Sports), Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle says the team also has questions to answer with longer-ranging impact.
Exhibit A
Having now figured out that his latest USMNT call-up is not a practical joke, Red Bulls table-setter Sacha Kljestan intends to start making a compelling case for more nods from manager Jurgen Klinsmann in the future.
Peachy Keane
LA Galaxy strike ace Robbie Keane punctuated his final cap for Ireland with a nifty goal in Wednesday's friendly win over Oman.
Recovery Ward
While the Red Bulls have seen skipper Dax McCarty and defender Damien Perrinelle make their return to training, they also are sweating the status of iron man netminder Luis Robles for Saturday's visit to Vancouver (7 pm ET on TSN1 in Canada, MLS LIVE in USA).
Same Ol', Same Ol'
Despite the loss of star man Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC will continue to play the same style and rely on their depth.
Triple Plays
Sam Stejskal walks the paths that FC Dallas must travel as they try to become the first MLS team to win a treble.
In The Same Boat
While the LA Galaxy are wondering how to cope with the sudden losses of injury victim Gyasi Zardes and transfer mover Nigel de Jong, weekend visitors Columbus Crew SC are dealing with a larger selection crisis. The two will clash at the StubHub on Saturday night (10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
All Shrugs
Real Salt Lake remain entirely unsure as to whether or not defender Aaron Maund can return this season from a foot injury.
Curtin Calls
During a midweek press conference, Philly boss Jim Curtin spoke of readying netminder John McCarthy for his first start of the season Saturday at Chicago (8:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE) and revealed that recovering midfielder Maurice Edu finally could make a rehab start with USL affiliate Bethlehem Steel this week.
Scratch-Off
Sporting KC midfielder Roger Espinoza has had his weekend red card suspension rescinded.
New Fans
According to Univision, expansion clubs Atlanta and Minnesota have joined Chicago as parties interested in Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Going Dutch
A pair of American defenders completed loan moves to the Netherlands on the European transfer deadline day. Chelsea's Matt Miazga will spend the rest of the season with Vitesse, while Apollon Limassol's Shane O'Neill will do likewise at second-flight NAC Breda.
Boss Man
Former MLS player Darren Sawatsky has been named interim Guam manager ahead of November's final qualifying round for the 2017 East Asian Cup.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Club & Country: Should Sacha Kljestan start for USMNT?
MLS Now: How Toronto FC can cope without Giovinco
Audi Index: Who are the top right wingers in the league?
