Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Fit to be tied
The US national team leaked on a late restart to settle for a 1-1 draw with friendly guests New Zealand on Wednesday night. Some players struggled, but our analyst Charlie Boehm was most impressed by Julian Green and Sacha Kljestan. Meanwhile, our USMNT player ratings gave the top mark to Sporting KC center back Matt Besler.
Morocc-ed
Canada suffered from several letdown showings on Wednesday night, as they dropped a 4-0 decision against friendly hosts Morocco.
The comeback kids
Renaissance side Seattle can achieve something that seemed nearly impossible a couple months ago by winning when they host Houston on Wednesday night (10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE): Clinch a playoff berth. Somewhat lost in the shuffle of their season resurrection are the late-season contributions of defender Roman Torres, who missed the first 26 games of the term with an injury.
Road test
As for the Dynamo, their performance in Seattle could go a long way toward determining the future of interim boss Wade Barrett.
Go or no go?
As transfer rumors continue to link him with a return to Italy's Serie A, Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley is deftly side-stepping the discussion.
Shutdown squad
Real Salt Lake will head into the weekend figuring that the key to securing a playoff berth will be corralling Sporting KC strike ace Dom Dwyer.
Form rally
While we're on the topic of Sporting KC, their veteran attacker Graham Zusi is aiming to recover form after returning from injury.
The clock is ticking
Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch has warned loan forward Omer Damari that his time is running out to make an impact on their season.
Attitude = latitude
Orlando City boss Jason Kreis says his players can start fighting for 2017 jobs by displaying a winning mentality over the final two games of this season.
One way or another
Local blog Big D Soccer figures the MLS Defender of the Year prize will go to one of two FC Dallas players – so long as they win the Supporters' Shield.
MLS history lesson
Speaking of the Supporters' Shield, ever wonder how it evolved from a message board concept to a shiny piece of silverware? We're here to help.
Casting the net
Will Parchman identifies the top 10 goalkeeping prospects in the USMNT pipeline.
Flying coach
New York Red Bulls II boss John Wolyniec is enjoying the kind of success that should have him in line for an MLS job.
These boots are made for kicking
Former MLS forward Brian Byrne has found a new soccer life as a cleats blogger.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Watch: Jurgen Klinsmann & Michael Bradley discuss NZ draw
Watch: The Defenders series features NYCFC's Ronald Matarrita
OPTA Spotlight: How good has Patrick Mullins been for DCU?
