Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
The final countdown
We continue to get you all ready for the MLS Cup showdown between Seattle and Toronto FC (December 10, 8 pm ET on FOX, UniMás, TSN, RDS) by charting all the positional matchups.
Feeling good
Toronto writer James Grossi says that TFC's East-clinching rally on Wednesday to reach their first MLS Cup provided an emotional release 10 years in the making. And it also set new TV viewership records in Canada.
The beastly East
The Province scribe Marc Weber figures the Toronto FC vs. Montreal Impact series may have been the best playoff series ever, while FourFourTwo's Paul Tenorio writes that the Eastern Conference Championship showed how far MLS has come in the area of entertainment value.
Type-casting call
Seattle 'keeper Stefan Frei says the Western champs don't mind being cast as underdogs in their MLS Cup matchup against Toronto FC.
Johnson & Johnson?
Our own Sam Stejskal reports that Atlanta United are close to capturing a Georgia native, Chicago Fire netminder Sean Johnson. Meanwhile, the Washington Post's Steven Goff says the expansion team have been testing the waters to see if they can lure Borussia Moenchengladbach's US ace Fabian Johnson.
Friday deliveries
Both Atlanta United and D.C. United announced signings on Friday morning: DC locked up US national team defender Steve Birnbaum to a new contract, while Atlanta secured the services of US youth international forward Brandon Vazquez.
Top boss
After guiding FC Dallas to a Supporters' Shield and US Open Cup double in 2016, Oscar Pareja was named MLS Coach of the Year.
Search party
With Javier Morales out the door, Real Salt Lake are on a global search for their next lead playmaker.
Crew to-do list
With roster spaces open and money to spend, Columbus Crew SC are preparing to partially rebuild the team this offseason.
Shopping list
Local blog Stumptown Footy has compiled a list of potential wing targets for the Portland Timbers to consider.
Crossing over
Minnesota United have officially started building their first MLS roster by signing a pair of defenders from their NASL days, Justin Davis and Kevin Venegas.
Race winners?
According to ESPN FC, the Chicago Fire are set to beat out Hull City for the services of Legia Warsaw's Hungary forward Nemanja Nikolic.
Mr. Right
With the USMNT riding some rough World Cup qualifying seas, Andrew Wiebe writes that Bruce Arena was the best man for the job of righting the ship.
Guzan gazette
Middlesbrough's US netminder Brad Guzan is reportedly exploring an MLS return.
You can't have him!
Borussia Dortmund have issued a hands-off warning to Liverpool over US phenom Christian Pulisic.
Sudden fans
It seems that Toronto FC's MLS Cup date with Seattle has granted them some temporary supporters: Portland fans, who are rooting against the rival Sounders.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Watch: Oscar Pareja on coaching FC Dallas
Instant Replay: All the close calls from Leg 2 in the East
Au revoir, Didier: A look back at Drogba's best MLS moments
