Kick Off: Seattle Sounders finally reach MLS Cup | MLS trio eyeing Khedira?

Greg Seltzer

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

Eighth time's a charm

After seven straight postseason runs that fell short, the Seattle Sounders are headed to MLS Cup for the first time in club history following a 1-0 triumph over Western Conference Championship second leg hosts Colorado on Sunday. Sounders rookie phenom Jordan Morris played the hero, earning our Man of the Match honors and a place in MLS Cup playoff lore by bagging the clinching away goal. Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle noted how the Rapids helped Seattle win the series by making some tactical and performance errors.

New horizons?

The Western Conference Championship was barely in the books when Colorado ace Jermaine Jones announced that he would explore new options with his contract set to expire.

The other side

Now that Seattle has sewn up one place in MLS Cup, focus turns to Tuesday's Eastern Conference Championship decider between rivals Montreal Impact and Toronto FC (7 pm ET on FS1 and FOX Deportes in USA; TSN and RDS in Canada), with the Impact holding an aggregate goal lead. After his late subs helped turned the tide in the first leg, Reds coach Greg Vanney could make lineup changes for the climactic return.

Cyber Monday

For those who love their Cyber Monday deals, MLSstore.com has its own sale today with 20 percent off orders of $25 or more. Sounders fans might have a particular interest in their team's Western Conference Championship gear.

Last hurrahs?

According to Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, NYCFC midfielder Andrea Pirlo will retire after the 2017 season. Meanwhile, Orlando City star Kaka told a Brazilian outlet that next season would be his last with the Lions.

For Kevin's sake

A local scribe says Vancouver have great interest in signing erstwhile Orlando City defender Kevin Alston.

Gone browsing

San Jose head coach Dominic Kinnear was a Celtic guest this past week, reportedly taking in their Champions League loss to Barcelona in order to have a close look at Celtic wingback Emilio Izaguirre.

Sam's clubs?

An Italian report claims that both New York clubs and the LA Galaxy have interest in Juventus star midfielder Sami Khedira.

Value pack

FourFourTwo has compiled a list of 15 MLS players that offer the most bang for their salary buck.

Here, there, anywhere

New USMNT boss Bruce Arena says he's not apt to choose call-ups based on the leagues where they play club ball.

Thinking ahead

The Sports Illustrated staff kicked around the issue of which coach is the best long-term choice to succeed Bruce Arena, and some MLS names came up.

One under the belt

Swansea City boss Bob Bradley became the first American to manage a team to an EPL victory with a wild 5-4 decision over visiting Crystal Palace on Saturday.