Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Smooth Landon
Surprise news emerged on Thursday, as Landon Donovan announced he is coming out of retirement to re-join the LA Galaxy. The six-time MLS Cup champ says he's returning to help the club cover injury losses in hopes of celebrating a seventh league title come December. As you'd expect, the announcement set off a social media storm.
Friday night lights
For the first time in quite a while, Sporting KC expects to have most of their squad available when the Houston Dynamo come calling on Friday night (8 pm ET on UniMás in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada).
Pulling up stakes?
While we're on the topic of Sporting KC, top playmaker Benny Feilhaber has declared his future open just as reports swirl that he's in advanced talks to sign a pre-deal in a foreign league.
Playoff pictures
Sam Stejskal has come up with five injured players who could return to have great impact in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Also, ESPN has diagnosed where every MLS club stands as the season heads down the stretch toward the postseason.
Patching the Gio hole
A TSN scribe has a few suggestions to help Toronto FC get by without injured star man Sebastian Giovinco when they pay a Saturday visit to the Chicago Fire (8:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE, SN360 in Canada).
Back in the den
Orlando City are amped to see strike star Cyle Larin fit upon his return from Canada duty as they get set to invade the StubHub to face the LA Galaxy on Sunday (7 pm ET on FS1, MLS LIVE in Canada).
Tidying up
With a Saturday showdown at FC Dallas on the docket (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the Colorado Rapids are working to tighten up at the back after leaking multiple goals in consecutive games for the first time all season.
Derby day
After watching their top USL affiliate win the USL regular season crown, the Red Bulls will shoot for first place in the East in a home clash with Atlantic Cup rivals D.C. United on Sunday (1 pm ET on ESPN, MLS LIVE in Canada).
First things first
The New England Revolution know they must keep their minds off next week's US Open Cup final to stay focused on Saturday's home tilt with East leaders New York City FC (8 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Strike first
The Portland Timbers have identified the importance of scoring first ahead of their Saturday visit from Real Salt Lake (10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Come out scrapping
The Seattle Sounders aim to react like a desperate club when they visit San Jose (10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE), as both clubs look to revive their slipping playoff hopes.
The gang's all here
Philadelphia Union boss Jim Curtin is quite pleased to have key players back as they prep for a visit from Montreal (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Positive attitudes
Ahead of a Saturday visit from Vancouver (6 pm ET on TSN2 and MLS LIVE in USA), Columbus Crew SC striker Ola Kamara says he isn't worried about a recent goal drought. Meanwhile, the Whitecaps are clinging to a sliver of hope that they can rally for a playoff spot.
The ATL
Local blog Dirty South Soccer discusses the possibility that Atlanta United could be interested in Aston Villa attacker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has been linked with an MLS expansion club. The same outlet also has begun an Expansion Draft preview series by looking at who the team might be able to pluck from the Chicago Fire.
Let's all go to the movies!
The Kicking & Screening Festival returns to Manhattan next week with a fresh slate of soccer-related films.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Alexi Lalas talks Landon Donovan on ExtraTime Radio
Armchair Analyst: LD offers more than just goals
Check Donovan's schedule for the rest of the season
