Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
The Dread-ator
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle explains how Jermaine Jones will be Colorado's key man when the Rapids reunite with the LA Galaxy for a Western Conference Semifinal series decider on Sunday (2 pm ET on ESPN, ESPN Deportes in USA; TSN5 in Canada).
A man down
As New York City FC prepares to make a rally attempt when Toronto FC come calling on Sunday (6:30 pm ET on FS1, FOX Deportes in USA; TSN4 and TSN5 in Canada), star midfielder Andrea Pirlo remained unable to train on Thursday.
All hands on deck
Kristian Dyer writes that more than influential MVP candidate Sacha Kljestan, it's every Red Bull that needs to step it up if they hope to overturn a first-leg deficit to the Montreal Impact in Sunday's home return (4 pm ET on ESPN, ESPN Deportes in USA; TSN5 and RDS in Canada).
A new chapter
With the Seattle Sounders set to try finishing off FC Dallas in Sunday's away leg (9 pm ET on FS1, FOX Deportes in USA; TSN2 in Canada), the Armchair Analyst details how newly appointed head coach Brian Schmetzer has transformed the Sounders.
On the spot
Andrew Wiebe offers up four players who need to shine in Sunday's Conference Semifinal deciding legs if their teams are to advance.
Goodbye guy
Veteran Real Salt Lake playmaker Javier Morales announced that he's leaving the club after 10 years and he penned a heartfelt farewell letter thanking the local fans.
The first prize
Major League Soccer award season has begun, with Chicago netminder Matt Lampson picking up MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year honors.
In for repairs
Now two weeks into his offseason, Sporting Kansas City forward Dom Dwyer has taken advantage and undergone successful ankle surgery.
New deals
Real Salt Lake GM Craig Waibel has divulged that the club has signed new contracts with attackers Jordan Allen and Luke Mulholland.
Captain Klinsi
United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann has been named as an honorary captain for the German national team. Meanwhile, the USMNT have announced a Columbus food drive that includes a raffle for two tickets to next week's sold-out World Cup qualifier against Mexico at MAPFRE Stadium.
Call of duty
Speaking of the qualifier, Giovani dos Santos has been called into Mexico's side for their World Cup qualifying hexagonal opener against the USMNT.
Friendly questions
Daniel Squizzato has come up with five questions Canada needs to answer in their upcoming friendly vs. South Korea.
Cup champion
On Wednesday night, Jonathan Bornstein helped Queretaro win Copa MX, the first title of any kind in the club's 66-year history .
Inside the actor's studio
New England Revolution striker Teal Bunbury has revealed the ways he helped sister Kylie prepare for her starring role in the new FOX series Pitch.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
The ExtraTime Radio crew talks deciding legs
This Week In MLS: Does FC Dallas stand a chance?
WATCH: The best nutmegs of the 2016 MLS season
