Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Bienvenido, Tata
After weeks of speculation, Atlanta United FC made it official on Tuesday morning: Former Argentina and Barca boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino will be the 2017 expansion club's first-ever head coach. MLSsoccer.com's Armchair Analyst says the hire is a clear sign of intent from ATL.
Pressure, no pressure
While Portland could theoretically advance from the CONCACAF Champions League group stage with a draw, a victory at El Salvador's CD Dragon on Tuesday night (9 pm ET, UDN and Facebook.com) would make their task a lot easier. The New York Red Bulls only need a draw away to mites Antigua (8 pm ET, UDN and Facebook.com) to punch their quarterfinal ticket.
Top performers
Houston, New York City FC and Seattle each placed two players on the Team of the Week. All three notched wins that were massive in the MLS Cup playoff race this weekend. Who's above the red line after 29 weeks? Check out the standings as well as the current playoff bracket.
Weighing the odds
Though the Timbers are defending MLS Cup champions and remain above the Sounders in the Western Conference standings, Seattle have two games in hand that give them a better chance of reaching the postseason according to ESPN's Soccer Power Index.
Homecoming king
Philly Union midfield ace Tranquillo Barnetta has announced that he will leave at season's end to re-join hometown club St. Gallen back in Switzerland.
United setback
D.C. United moved into the final playoff spot in the East this weekend, but it came at a cost. Midfield general Marcelo Sarvas suffered a knee sprain that will likely keep him out until the back half of October.
Rough reception
New England striker Kei Kamara admits to being taken aback by the boos he received upon his weekend return to Columbus.
Inside slide
Though the LA Galaxy dropped their weekend match against the Sounders, one bright spot was the play of Sebastian Lletget upon his move from the wing to the middle of the park.
Family support
FourFourTwo relays how Timbers ace Diego Valeri became quite the super fan of sister side Portland Thorns, who were recently crowned NWSL regular-season champs.
Interest Pique-d
The latest European star to publicly share interest in a future move to MLS is Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.
Down Mexico way
During an early October break in their schedule, New York City FC will head south of the border for a friendly against Liga MX side Necaxa.
Expansion hopes
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber is scheduled to visit Cincinnati in late November with the locals hoping to be included in the ongoing expansion race. Meanwhile, a pair of expansion groups trying to bring a team to Nashville have now joined forces.
New Bradley suitor?
Early EPL strugglers Swansea City are reportedly considering Le Havre boss Bob Bradley for their top job.
Fast Gaines
Wolfsburg's local paper wrote a feature on US U-19's attacker McKinze Gaines, who has bagged five goals in his first seven games since signing with the Bundesliga club. Baby Nats Abroad has kindly provided a translation for American fans.
Skills to pay the bills
Who would win a FIFA 17-inspired skills challenge between Red Bulls playmaker Sacha Kljestan and D.C. United defender Steve Birnbaum? We've got the answer right here.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
D.C. United's Patrick Mullins visits Extra Time Radio
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