Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
10, 9, 8, 7, 6...
Our "24 Under 24" rankings continued on Wednesday, as we break into the Top 10. Find out the Top 5 later this afternoon on MLSsoccer.com, including the player who will succeed Fabian Castillo at No. 1.
Right guards
In a similar vein, our Sam Stejskal has picked out his top contenders for the MLS Defender of the Year award.
The big ones
The chase for playoff spots in MLS is heating up and with an eye toward the weeks ahead, here are five crucial contests that could shape the postseason race down the stretch drive.
Attack worries
As they get ready to battle Supporters' Shield leaders FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake are sweating the fitness of top offensive weapons Yura Movsisyan and Joao Plata.
Staring in the mirror
The Shield-chasing New York Red Bulls are attempting to face the reality of all the blown leads of late in an effort to squash the trend.
Brave like Lions
Every season, one team puts it all together late to rally their way to a strong playoff run, and Orlando City believes it will be them in 2016. Part of the reason for their optimism lies in the creativity resurgence enjoyed by Brek Shea since his return to midfield.
Turning point
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle looks back at the Dom Dwyer loan to-then USL side Orlando that helped change the course of MLS player development.
Loon hunt
With their inaugural MLS season mere months away, Minnesota United GM Manny Lagos is set to embark on a 10-day scouting trip to Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Preferred choice
A Mexican report claims rumored Atlanta United coaching candidate Gerardo Martino has spurned a chance to take over at Liga MX giant Club America because he wants the MLS job.
Donovan speaks
In an interview with The Dan Patrick Show, LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan discussed the reasons behind his comeback and what it would take to get him back with the US national team.
Stacked competition
Goal.com's Ives Galarcep takes a dip into a suddenly populous USMNT forward pool.
And the nominees are...
Meanwhile, Ben Couch offers up an overview of an MVP award race that looks wide open as we near season's end.
The newest Captain America
Though he's barely been there six months, former D.C. United midfielder Perry Kitchen has been appointed as skipper at Scottish side Hearts.
Late hero
US national team regular Fabian Johnson came to the late rescue for Borussia Moenchengladbach, striking the late leveler in a 1-1 draw at RB Leipzig.
Earning his Spurs
Young Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers debuted in an League Cup blanking of Gillingham on Wednesday night, drawing Twitter raves from fans and high praise from Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Get well soon
Hertha Berlin defender John Anthony Brooks missed his second straight game on Wednesday, but manager Pal Dardai is crossing fingers that the USMNT ace can be ready when they tackle Bobby Wood's Hamburg a week from Saturday.
Just another day at ESPN...
Giovani dos Santos and Galaxy mascot Cozmo recently caused a bit of ruckus at the ESPN Deportes offices. That is, until Julio Cesar Chavez showed up.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Get Me In There: Susannah Collins meets "Beef Family" in Dallas
Club & Country: How does Jordan Morris fit in the USMNT picture?
Audi Index: Who are the top attacking midfielders in MLS?
