Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Finishing the job
The US national team will try to take the last step and advance to the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying Hexagonal when they host Trinidad & Tobago in Jacksonville, Florida on Tuesday night (8 pm ET on FS1, UniMás, UDN). Tim Howard will get the start in goal, allowing him to become the team's all-time top participant in World Cup qualifiers. Also, Charles Boehm writes that US boss Jurgen Klinsmann should reward St. Vincent & the Grenadines standouts Sacha Kljestan and Christian Pulisic with meaningful assignments against the Soca Warriors.
Ya gotta believe!
While we're on the topic of the USMNT, FC Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja has implored Americans to trust their talent level when it comes to developing young players.
The last stand
Canada's hopes of advancing to the final round of World Cup qualifying all come down to one game against El Salvador (Wednesday, 10 pm ET on TSN and UniMás in USA). Though they need a big win and some help from Mexico in the group's other closing game, the Maple Leaf boys still believe they can go through.
Roll the tape
A major controversy has colored that important Canada contest, with El Salvador team members playing an audio recording during a press conference alleging that a businessman offered them financial incentives to play hard against Canada. The players declined.
Ref call
The Mexico vs. Honduras match that will help determine Canada's fate is not without some pregame drama of its own, as Los Catrachos have requested a replacement for American referee Mark Geiger.
Forward thinking
With top forwards Cyle Larin and Kevin Molino away on international duty, Orlando City coach Jason Kreis must decide who will start up top when they visit Montreal on Wednesday night (7:30 pm ET on TSN5 in Canada, MLS LIVE in USA).
200 + 200
Not only did LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena notch his 200th MLS win in their weekend victory over Columbus, but Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza celebrated his 200th league appearance in the same game.
Rapid U-turn?
With Colorado suddenly winless in four, local blog Burgundy Wave asks the tough question: Was the Rapids' first half of the season a fluke?
Trade wins
Though many New England fans looked down on the summer trade that sent Charlie Davies to Philadelphia, ESPN analyst and former Revs star Taylor Twellman says the club actually made out like bandits on the deal.
Smile for the camera!
The Philadelphia Union have posted a photo essay on recovering midfielder Maurice Edu's eventful weekend rehab assignment with USL side Bethlehem Steel.
Toure group
According to The Guardian, "numerous" MLS clubs are showing interest in Manchester City outcast Yaya Toure.
Brooks bid rejected
Hertha Berlin defender John Anthony Brooks was recently the target of a Watford bid reputed to be in the $15 million neighborhood, but club director Michael Preetz stated that the club is not big enough for the US national team star. Meanwhile, Brooks was the subject of a US Soccer video detailing his journey to soccer.
Not just yet
Stoke City defender Geoff Cameron has revealed that some MLS clubs made preliminary enquiries about acquiring him from the Premier League side. The US international added that, though he plans to one day make a return to the league, he's not quite ready to call time on his English adventure.
Gimme five
In Werder Bremen's weekend friendly against Kickers Emden, recovered US forward Aron Johannsson went wild by scoring five times.
Family ties
It's no surprise as the New York Red Bulls have a tight-knit relationship with their top USL affiliate, but Sacha Kljestan was delighted to see Red Bulls II defender Konrad Plewa make his return to the field.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Check up on the Golden Boot race
Watch: The best skills from MLS Week 26
Who won the first LAFC vs. LA Galaxy derby?
