Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Out-Hooped
Nicolas Lodeiro hit twice and Nelson Valdez continued his productive resurgence as Seattle scored a 3-0 decision over Supporters' Shield winners FC Dallas to open their Western Conference Semifinal series. FCD boss Oscar Pareja did not struggle to explain the defeat, saying the Sounders simply bested them by a good margin.
L.A. story
Giovani dos Santos popped up for a second-half winner, leading the LA Galaxy to a 1-0 victory against visiting Colorado on Sunday afternoon. The Rapids aren't taking the loss too hard, as they believe they can flip the tie at home next weekend.
Striking a match
Thanks to a wonder-goal by Matteo Mancosu, Montreal posted a 1-0 home leg victory over the New York Red Bulls. Despite the setback, RBNY will be heading home confident they can rally to advance.
TFC gets a leg up
Toronto FC struck twice late to grab a 2-0 edge against guests New York City FC, giving Reds fans what head coach Greg Vanney called the biggest night in club history. On the other hand, NYCFC suffered in part due to a rare off night from strike star David Villa.
Digging out of a hole
Benjamin Baer notes that FC Dallas and NYCFC will need to make history if they want to reach their respective Conference Championships.
First leg review
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle does his usual look back at all of the weekend's action.
Advancement odds
ESPN's Soccer Power Index has recalculated the MLS Cup chances of all eight teams remaining in the playoff field, tabbing the Red Bulls as the team most likely to over turn their Conference Semifinal deficit.
A new man
ESPN scribe Jeff Carlisle details how Colorado head coach Pablo Mastroeni transformed himself in the offseason with help from a pair of top EPL managers.
Dynamic decision
Local blog Dynamo Theory has opined that Houston were right not to continue with interim boss Wade Barrett in charge.
Job recruits?
LA midfielder Steven Gerrard and NYCFC ace Frank Lampard have reportedly been offered a coaching fast track with England's national team.
Don't do it!
Former LA general manager Alexi Lalas has warned the Galaxy not to sign Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.
Back on the score sheet
Molde FK speed demon Josh Gatt bagged a Sunday winner for his first goal in over four years. Earlier in the weekend, Bjorn Maars Johnsen fired his second Hearts goal in a wild 3-3 draw at Inverness.
Red Wood
Also Sunday, Hamburg forward Bobby Wood was shown a rather soft red card in a loss to FC Cologne.
Who ya gonna call?
Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones publicly became the latest MLS fan by live-tweeting all of Sunday's action.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
MLS Now: Toronto FC's job only halfway done
Armchair Analyst: Patrick Vieira's lineup gamble backfires
Watch: Kei Kamara makes his MLS Cup predictions
