Kick Off: Conference Championship doubleheader tonight | US coaching change

Greg Seltzer

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

Sold Out

Both MLS Conference Championship first legs take place on Tuesday night in a national TV doubleheader that kicks off at a sold-out Olympic Stadium in Montreal (8 pm ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in USA; TSN1, TSN3, RDS in Canada). A total of 61,004 will watch to see if Montreal's Ignacio Piatti can continue on his hot streak despite the best efforts of rivals Toronto FC to slow him down. To get the uninitiated ready, we've provided a historical look at the "401 Derby."

Pre-game prize

Following the Eastern Conference opener, Seattle will host the Western Conference's first leg when they welcome the Colorado Rapids (10 pm ET on FS1 and FOX Deportes in USA; TSN1, TSN3, RDS2 in Canada). Sounders star playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro, who will be a focal point on Tuesday night, is also the Newcomer of the Year in MLS and Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle details what makes Lodeiro so special that he can claim the award despite only taking part in half of the season.

Pink slipped

In addition to the playoffs, USMNT fans are sifting through the fallout of Monday's dismissal of Jurgen Klinsmann as US national team head coach. Armchair analyst Matt Doyle explains why his removal was earned with a stack of sub-par results.

What comes next

According to Ives Galarcep, Bruce Arena has agreed to take the reins for his second stint in charge of the USA. If that happens, Rob Stone reports that LA Galaxy assistant coach Curt Onalfo could be promoted to replace Arena.

View from afar

Back to the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs, Vancouver scribe Marc Weber has offered up four talking points as the Conference Championships get underway.

Family trip

Young Montreal Impact prospects Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla and Fabrice Mbvouvouma are spending a couple of weeks training with Serie A sister club Bologna.

Dallas making moves

FC Dallas have exercised contract options on 10 players, including MLS Defender of the Year Matt Hedges, Tesho Akindele, Michael Barrios and Chris Seitz.

Crew extend star trio

Meanwhile, Columbus Crew SC have picked up the contract options of key trio Federico Higuain, Justin Meram and Wil Trapp.

Consider it a warning

Cyle Larin has had two strong seasons to begin his MLS career, but the Orlando City ace says he's aiming to score much more in 2017.

Raring to go

New Houston assistant coach Davy Arnaud is primed for the first day of work with the Dynamo.

Swedish import?

Out-of-contract Hacken defender Emil Wahlstrom says he's considering an MLS move.

Closing act

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber will cap next week's visit to Cincinnati with a live-streamed town hall.

Hometown boy

LA Galaxy exec Chris Klein, a St. Louis native, gave a radio interview to discuss the potential impact of the Gateway City joining MLS.

That's a wrap

New Canadian TV show 21 Thunder, which is set in a fictional Montreal pro soccer academy, has completed shooting and will head into post-production with view to a summer 2017 premiere.