Kick Off: FC Dallas claim US Open Cup | Teen leads 'Caps to CCL QFs

Greg Seltzer

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

Stocking the Cup-board

FC Dallas snapped a 19-year trophy drought on Tuesday night, outgunning New England 4-2 to raise the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Dallas captain Mauro Diaz accounted for a goal and three helpers to play the starring role. Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle detailed how the hosts took full advantage after the Revs were weakened by a pair of key injuries in the first half.

And a teen shall lead them

Vancouver became the first club to clinch a place in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals by striking late for a 2-1 victory at Sporting KC on Tuesday night. Teen sensation Alphonso Davies hit for the game winner and added an assist on the opener to lead the Whitecaps charge to the tournament's elite eight.

Group dynamics

The Portland Timbers have a chance to grab the top spot in CONCACAF Champions League Group B when they invade Saprissa on Wednesday night (10 pm ET on UDN, facebook.com). Timbers boss Caleb Porter and a couple of his key players are excited and ready to visit a stadium that often makes for a harrowing experience.

A week's haul

After notching four goals and three assists last week, LA Galaxy attacker Giovani dos Santos added to his Week 27 booty by scoring the MLS Player of the Week prize.

Max Power

Thanks to their third straight road victory, Toronto FC have moved to the top of the MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings.

Making the teams

A new set of rules will be in place when Atlanta and Minnesota have their Expansion Draft day in December. On that note, Atlanta United Head of Technical Recruitment and Analysis Lucy Rushton explained to Leaders In Sport how the club is using analytics to build their squad from scratch.

Iron Mend

Though ailing NY Red Bulls iron man Luis Robles needed help with his goal kicks on Sunday, Big Apple Soccer reports that his left knee is feeling better and that the netminder will probably start once more to continue his MLS record string of 135 consecutive starts when they visit East leaders Toronto FC this weekend.

A "Little Fish" on the menu?

Believe it or not, but the word going around is that FC Dallas may soon bring back former ace Carlos Ruiz.

Homecoming king?

Swiss paper Blick reports that the Philadelphia Union are working to extend skipper Tranquillo Barnetta's expiring contract, but also that they face stiff competition from St. Gallen, the hometown club where Barnetta got his pro start.

Midfield crisis

Real Salt Lake already have playmaker Javier Morales on the shelf with an injury, and now their midfield looks set to go without another key midfield cog with Sunday Stephen headed for the suspension sin bin.

Life-savers

Philadelphia Union forward Charlie Davies says the early birth of his twin sons was a blessing in disguise, as it helped him beat cancer.

Reaching 50

After Alan Gordon netted his 50th career MLS goal on Sunday (WATCH IT HERE), the LA Galaxy striker admitted he never thought he'd get there.

System analysis

Local blog The Mane Land throws out the idea of Orlando City making the switch to a 3-5-2 formation.

A pair of Jacks

Young LA Galaxy forward Jack McBean enjoyed a big outing during his loan stint at Coventry City by bagging a brace as the Sky Blues' reserve side smashed Sheffield United 5-1 on Tuesday.

All about Steve

Former New England head coach Steve Nicol has written an autobiography titled "5 League Titles and a Packet of Crisps" and ESPN has celebrated its release by publishing an excerpt with some player scouting adventures from his early days on the MLS job.