Kick Off: St. Louis unveils plans for MLS expansion bid | Keane departs LA

Greg Seltzer

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

Almost there

The Seattle Sounders look as though they will be near full fitness when they welcome Colorado for their Western Conference Championship opener on Tuesday night (10 pm ET on FS1 and FOX Deportes in USA; TSN1, TSN3 and RDS2 in Canada).

Rapid healers?

As for the Rapids, they are working to have three key players fit for next Tuesday's clash in Seattle. If they're not ready, the Rapids have a little more depth they can tap into thanks to the way they built this year's squad.

Battle for Canada

Toronto FC are ready for a rumble when their rivals, the Montreal Impact, host their Eastern Conference Championship opener, also on Tuesday (8 pm ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in USA; TSN1, TSN3 and RDS in Canada). Montreal midfield master Marco Donadel says he'scan't wait to get it on.

Stepping it up

St. Louis took a major step forward in its quest to become a home to a future MLS team after prospective ownership group SC STL unveiled detailed bid plans.

On the tightrope

First came reports that US Soccer has been pondering potential Jurgen Klinsmann replacements for a year now. Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus has followed that up by delving into the decision-making process faced by US Soccer president Sunil Gulati.

Keane out

The LA Galaxy and strike star Robbie Keane have parted ways after five fruitful seasons.

In good hands

Philadelphia Union save machine Andre Blake was awarded the Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year award on Thursday.

Only the best

Sam Stejskal offers up his picks for the club MVPs of each and every MLS team.

Not so fast...

Local blog Sounder At Heartpunches some holes in a UK tabloid report claiming that Seattle are in the running for ex-NYCFC midfielder Frank Lampard.

Calling time

After 16 season as a pro, including several seasons in La Liga, NYCFC defender Andoni Iraola has announced his retirement.

The architect

Whoever Minnesota United will soon name as their first MLS boss, he will team up with a new player personnel director in Amos Magee.

Home advantage?

If Wolfsburg defender Marcel Schaefer does decide to come to MLS, Atlanta United may have an inside track on the Bundesliga player: his mom lives nearby.

Black kitten

The Guardiantakes a look at Sunderland youngster Lynden Gooch, who got his first taste of the World Cup qualifying Hexagonal this past week.

Chip off the old MVP?

Former FC Dallas ace David Ferreira earned 2010 MVP honors. Now, his 15-year-old son Jesus hopes to follow in his footsteps after inking a Homegrown deal with the Frisco-based club.