Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
There's no "L" in home
In front of a loud, sell-out crowd of 61,004 at Olympic Stadium, the MLS Eastern Conference Championship opened with a 3-2 Montreal Impact win over derby visitors Toronto FC. The match was pushed by a half-hour after the penalty areas needed repainting, but eventually it was the attackers on both sides who shined brightest according to our player ratings. One of those standouts, Impact scorer Dominic Oduro, was left to rue the fact that Montreal allowed Toronto to eat into their 3-0 lead with a pair of late away goals.
There's no "L" in home, part 2
Over in the West, Seattle came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over first-leg guests Colorado thanks to a record-setting spot kick from Nicolas Lodeiro. Despite the loss, the Rapids say they're in a better position than they were in after dropping the away opener in the Conference Semifinal. But they'll miss the suspended Sam Cronin for the second and decisive leg, which will be a blow to a midfield which was outplayed by Seattle, according to our player ratings.
Instant nostalgia
With leg one of the Conference Championships in the books, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle offers his usual summary of the round, while Andrew Wiebe is tickled that Tuesday's games did their playoff job by bringing the drama.
The long goodbye
One of the twists from the Montreal-Toronto match at Olympic Stadium came after the match when the club held a ceremony to honor legendary forward Didier Drogba, who announced that he had played his last match in the city. But he wants to leave as MLS Cup champion.
The in door
Despite all the MLS Cup Playoff excitement, it's impossible to forget that LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena is now back in charge of the US national team. Unsurprisingly, he's very confident the team can overcome a bad start to the final round of World Cup qualifying to make it to Russia 2018. Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle attempts to describe what changes are in store with Arena holding the reins again.
The out door
As US Soccer chief Sunil Gulati detailed the reasons behind the removal of Jurgen Klinsmann, the outgoing US manager posted an appreciative farewell video.
New leases?
With Arena taking over the national team again, Arielle Castillo has come up with a list of MLS players who could find their way back into the US frame.
Moving on
LA Galaxy president Chris Klein says that while it was tough to see Arena go, it was in the best interest of the club as well as the country. Meanwhile, the man who was the longest tenured manager in MLS believes he's leaving the Galaxy in good shape.
Cap-untied
Local scribe Marc Weber reports that Vancouver have declined their option on captain Pedro Morales and that defender Tim Parker is off for a training stint with Championship title hunters Brighton.
Special guest
With SPL giants Celtic hosting Darlington Nagbe this week, the ScottishSun claims the Hoops are preparing a swoop for the Portland midfielder.
Join the club
Teen forward Brian Reynolds has signed with FC Dallas, becoming their 17th Homegrown Player.
Dutch lovin'
Former Toronto FC striker Danny Koevermans says he still loves the club and is cheering them on from afar as they chase MLS Cup.
Future presents?
With Black Friday fast approaching, we've compiled a holiday gift guide for all MLS fans.
GIF a little bit
Despite losing their head coach, the LA Galaxy were in a giving mood on Tuesday: They've offered up a half-dozen Bruce Arena GIF's to get US fans ready for the next game.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Club & Country: Alexi Lalas analyzes Bruce Arena's USMNT return
Armchair Analyst: The unstoppable Nicolas Lodeiro
Instant Replay: A look at Tuesday night's big calls
