Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Back in first place
A wild finish saw New York City FC climb back into the East penthouse thanks to a 3-2 victory over guests D.C. United on Thursday night. On "Frank Lampard Day" in the Big Apple, the veteran kept running up his MLS goal total with a decisive double in the waning moments of the contest.
On the verge
Though the US national team can move closer to the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying with a victory away to St. Vincent & the Grenadines on Friday afternoon (3:30 pm ET on beIN Sports), manager Jurgen Klinsmann is taking nothing for granted. He has, however, made an announcement about his netminding picks, with Brad Guzan set to start in goal against the Vincy Heat and Tim Howard taking the line against Trinidad & Tobago next week.
The big one
Canada skipper David Edgar is champing at the bit for Friday night's visit to Honduras (5 pm ET on TSN in Canada; beIN Sports in USA), which will constitute the team's biggest World Cup qualifier in many years.
Can't win 'em all
Fresh from taking Etihad Airways Player of the Month honors, Seattle playamker Nicolas Lodeiro worked an hour in Uruguay's 1-0 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying loss at Argentina on Thursday night.
A hole to fill
With Kemar Lawrence away on international duty, Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch has a left back decision to make ahead of Saturday's trip to face Vancouver (7 pm ET on TSN1 in Canada, MLS LIVE in USA).
Conference final rematch
West leaders FC Dallas and MLS Cup holders Portland, who both make Soccer America's list of teams with the most important summer window additions, will clash in Texas on Saturday night (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Virtual, then reality
On the heels of releasing the premier Steven Gerrard episode of their groundbreaking 360-degree 3D VR experience (complete with a free download app), the LA Galaxy will welcome Columbus Crew SC on Saturday (10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Fire house
As they get set to host Philadelphia on Saturday (8:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the Chicago Fire have let it be known that hot transfer target David Accam has told them he'd like to stay.
A numbers game
Before New England welcome the Colorado Rapids (Saturday, 7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE) with the aim of reducing their five-point deficit on the East's last playoff spot, local blog The Bent Musket has come up with eight stats that define what has been a disappointing season for the Revs so far.
Bang for the bucks
Sam Stejskal has ranked the Designated Player value enjoyed (or bemoaned) by all 20 MLS teams, with LA, NYCFC and Toronto FC at the head of the class.
T.C.O.B.
Though off this week, Sporting KC took care of some market business on Thursday. They knocked back a Maccabi Tel Aviv bid for playmaker Benny Feilhaber and made Diego Rubio's loan move from Valladolid a permanent transfer.
Cubo-vision
A local reporter says Houston Dynamo sources have confirmed that forward Erick Torres has several suitors in Mexico.
Arne's advice
Former Chicago defender Arne Friedrich has encouraged Bastian Schweinsteiger, his former Germany teammate, to follow through on his interest in signing with MLS – and more specifically, says he should join the Fire.
Quick prize
US national team forward Bobby Wood picked up the Bundesliga Goal of the Week award for his debut Hamburg strike.
In the owner's box
Former MLS aces Stuart Holden and Kyle Martino have joined the ownership group of Spanish second-flight side Mallorca.
Scarftember
Major League Soccer is once again inviting everyone to get involved in the Kick Childhood Cancer campaign. This year, illustrator Sophia Chang has designed a campaign scarf for each MLS club.
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