Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Elite Eight
With the Knockout Round wrapping up on Thursday, the field is set for the two-leg Conference Semifinals which take place over the course of the next two Sundays (check out the updated playoff bracket here). The first legs will make for a Sunday quadrupleheader beginning at 3 pm ET with all matches airing on national TV.
Full Nelson
Nelson Valdez finally took his turn playing hero, striking the late winner in a 1-0 decision over Sporting Kansas City. The eliminated visitors were left to bemoan a few controversial calls that didn't go their way. The Sounders next host No. 1 seed FC Dallas at 9:30 pm ET on Sunday (FS1 in USA; TSN2 in Canada).
The (lone) road warriors
With Didier Drogba on hand showing his support, Montreal shoved aside hosts D.C. United in a 4-2 Knockout Round win. For the Black-and-Red, it was a case of their previously hot key players cooling off at the wrong time. Montreal move on against the No. 1 seed in the East, the New York Red Bulls, with the first showdown kicking off Sunday's quadrupleheader (3 pm ET on ESPN in USA; TSN GO in Canada).
Review session
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle offered his post-mortem from Thursday's playoff matches, while Ben Baer supplied some illuminating statistical nuggets from the wins posted by Montreal and Seattle.
Older and wiser
Though he's back to helping the LA Galaxy win in the playoffs, Landon Donovan is not quite the same player as he used to be and that's a good thing.
Title hunters
Will Parchman has identified three MLS clubs that are desperately seeking a first MLS crown.
Learning on the job
Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko admits he benefited from several lessons as he built the current Reds squad.
Stacked to the future
While his side is still chasing the treble this season, FC Dallas technical director Fernando Clavijo is delighting in the fact that their squad is already well-positioned for 2017 and beyond.
Restored Villa?
After catching a recent NYCFC match, new Spain manager Julen Lopetegui has revealed that the door is open for David Villa to make a shock international return.
Cabrera to lead Dynamo?
Various reports have the Houston Dynamo set to hand their head coaching job to former Chivas USA boss Wilmer Cabrera.
Fire side chat
The Chicago Fire say they've begun extension talks with attack ace David Accam.
Casey hangs 'em up
Calling time on a career that saw him score 73 total MLS goals, Columbus Crew SC striker Conor Casey has announced his retirement.
Still in charge
The New England Revolution have confirmed that Jay Heaps will be back as head coach in 2017.
Rooney approach?
Take it with a grain or two of English tabloid salt, but The Sun claims that the LA Galaxy have begun making enquiries about what it would take to lure Manchester United outcast Wayne Rooney.
Family matters
New York City FC star Frank Lampard is joined by his two daughters for the latest installment of the team's "Ask the Lampards" feature. This time, among other answers, the girls divulge that "DJ Drogba" is among their pop's best soccer friends.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Armchair Analyst: How Montreal exposed D.C. United's defense
Instant Replay: Should the Nelson Valdez goal have counted?
Don't Crack Under Pressure: Colorado netminder Tim Howard
