Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Manu happy returns
Led by a terrific brace from Emmanuel Boateng, the LA Galaxy advanced to the Conference Semifinals by easing past Real Salt Lake with a 3-1 victory. For the visitors, who slumped their way to the postseason, it was a disappointing end to the season.
Simply Reds
In Wednesday's early contest, Toronto FC scored a big 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union that Reds skipper Michael Bradley says belongs to the entire city. As for Philadelphia, the loss leaves them aware of their room for improvement.
The aftermath
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has weighed in on both of Wednesday's Knockout Round results; he says the Galaxy have regained their playoff mojo, while Toronto FC gave fans a win that was well worth the wait. Also, Ben Baer offers up a pack of nuggets to takeaway from Wednesday's action.
Go big or go home
Montreal ace Ignacio Piatti is treating Thursday's Knockout Round tilt at D.C. United (7:30 pm ET on UniMás in USA; TSN1/5, RDS2 in Canada) as if it's a final showdown.
On guard
Though they swept the season series from Seattle, Sporting Kansas City will be wary of the resurgent Sounders when the teams clash on Thursday night (10 pm ET on FS1, UniMás in USA; TSN1/5 in Canada) with a place in the Conference Semifinals on the line.
A Bronx tale
New York City FC enter the postseason unafraid of meeting the crosstown rival Red Bulls. However, MLS fans say they should be, tabbing RBNY as co-favorites for the title along with FC Dallas.
Justin time
Columbus Crew SC winger Justin Meram took home the Etihad Airways Player of the Month honors for October.
The in crowd
Forbes opines that MLS has cemented its place in the American sports pantheon thanks to a banner 2016 season.
Work in progress
Though the Chicago Fire identified some strong contributors in defense this season, Fire GM Nelson Rodriguez says the back line was never quite right.
Wayne's world
Fox Sports weighs several potential MLS landing spots for Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, tabbing Philadelphia as the best fit.
The pressure's on
FourFourTwo says Portland Timbers boss Caleb Porter has no room for error in righting the ship next season.
Under new management?
The Houston Dynamo have reportedly decided not bring back interim boss Wade Barrett with a familiar MLS name being rumored as the permanent hire.
The top pick?
Hot SuperDraft prospect Jeremy Ebobisse has trained this week with Minnesota, who hold the first overall pick.
Green day
On Wednesday, USMNT and Bayern Munich forward Julian Green bagged his first competitive goal for the Bundesliga champs in a DfB-Pokal win over Bavarian rivals Augsburg.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Watch: Are the Galaxy now among the MLS Cup favorites?
Check out all of our staff picks for MLS Cup
Instant Replay: All the big plays from Wednesday's playoff contests
