Kick Off: Seattle Sounders move above playoff red line | LAFC after Bradley

Greg Seltzer

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

Playoff zone

For the first time all season, the Seattle Sounders now find themselves above the playoff red line in the Western Conference thanks to a Chad Marshall winner, which gave them a 1-0 home triumph over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night.

Slump-busters

The Montreal Impact happily halted a four-game win drought by downing the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 on Wednesday night. The victory very well might have slipped through the Impact's grasp were it not for a late penalty save by goalkeeper Evan Bush which prevented an equalizer.

Building steam

Similarly, D.C. United continued gaining playoff momentum in the Eastern Conference with a comfy 3-0 victory over visiting Columbus Crew SC on Wednesday. DC find themselves above the red line in the East, while Columbus saw their playoff hopes take another massive blow.

Missed opportunity

Toronto FC were left to rue a squandered opportunity to close ground in the Supporters' Shield race after settling for a goalless home share with Orlando City (TFC sit four points behind league leaders FC Dallas). Meanwhile, the victories by DC and Montreal left the Lions five points out of the sixth and final playoff spot in the East with just three matches to go.

Nothing decided

With their attack coming up empty despite numerous opportunities, FC Dallas were forced to settle for a scoreless home draw with CD Suchitepequez that leaves the two sides deadlocked atop CONCACAF Champions League Group H. The group winner will be decided in one final showdown between the two clubs in Guatemala.

Grab the broom

The Vancouver Whitecaps finished sweeping their way through the CONCACAF Champions League group phase with a 4-1 rout of visiting Central FC on Wednesday night.

In the hunt

In addition to the interest from Swansea City, Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl reports that expansion outfit LAFC also have Le Havre manager Bob Bradley in their sights.

Hello, Tata

How did Atlanta United FC get Gerardo Martino to become their first head coach? It all started with one extra-long lunch. On Wednesday, the man they call "Tata" gave his first press conference as the expansion side's boss.

Wade the waters

Made caretaker boss after Owen Coyle's removal, Wade Barrett has done a solid job of turning things around and hopes to have his interim tag snipped off at season's end.

The best of our time

Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin says that departing midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta is the best player in the club's short history.

Wahl to retire

After 11 years and 160 MLS appearances, 32-year-old Columbus Crew SC defender Tyson Wahl announced he will be calling it a career at the end of the 2016 MLS season.

Once a metro

While one veteran is ending his career, Red Bulls rookie winger Alex Muyl is having a standout first season in the league. But he remains humble by taking the train to work every day.

Not interested

In the wake of Sam Allardyce being removed as England boss, USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann has again declared that he has no interest in the Three Lions' top job.

Yedlin's helper

Newcastle right back DeAndre Yedlin notched an assist for the second straight game by setting up the winner in Newcastle's 4-3 rally win over Norwich City.