Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Sporting KC rule TotW
The rewards keep coming for Sporting KC following a big shutout victory at Portland, with the club placing three defensive players on our MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week. Three hot Eastern sides – Chicago, Columbus and Orlando – each earned two nods in the honor roll XI. READ MORE
Meram, newbies stirring Crew SC's drink
It's far too early for MVP discussions, but that isn't stopping Columbus from stoking some award talk for fast starter Justin Meram. Just seven games in, he's already halfway to his career high in goals scored while adding a pair of assists. READ MORE
At the same time, local blog Massive Report notes how the club would not be at the top of the Eastern standings were it not for the mature contributions from a handful of young players and rookies. READ MORE
Greener Goals, Week of Service kick off
As part of the Greener Goals initiative – which helps identify ways to reduce the league's carbon footprint and raise awareness about environmental issues throughout the soccer community – MLS will lead up to Earth Day (April 22) with the second annual Week of Service, which begins on Tuesday. Every MLS team will take part with eco-friendly local projects that include park clean-ups, recycling events and garden builds. READ MORE
Fan can participate in the Greener Goals initiative by taking on the Pass on Plastic Challenge. On April 22, fans will be able to show how they reduce plastic from their daily routine by using #GreenerGoals for a chance to win eco-friendly MLS apparel and merchandise. READ MORE
Timbers take lessons from SKC defeat
The Portland Timbers are planning to regroup from Saturday's loss to Sporting KC by taking it as a lesson on how to deal with teams that aim to physically disrupt their high-powered attack. READ MORE
Injury bay: Birnbaum, Shelton
D.C. United skipper Steve Birnbaum is in heavy doubt for Saturday's trip to New England after suffering a concussion in the waning moments of their weekend loss away to the New York Red Bulls. READ MORE
Meanwhile, New York City FC did not escape unscathed from their winning road trip to Philadelphia. Speedy attacker Khiry Shelton is slated to miss 4-6 weeks due to a hamstring setback. READ MORE
Scout's honor for San Jose
The San Jose Earthquakes have continued their organizational rebuild in fine style by luring a primo new scouting director in Bruno Costa, who discovered the likes of Neymar and Phillipe Coutinho for the Brazilian national team program. READ MORE
Save the date
The US national team has announced its return to Real Salt Lake's Rio Tinto Stadium, where it has won all three of its previous games. Bruce Arena's men will tackle Josef Martinez and Venezuela on June 3 in Salt Lake City in a friendly contest that will serve as a tune-up for the next round of World Cup qualifiers. READ MORE
The son also rises
Benjamin Baer profiles NYCFC academy starlet Giovanni Reyna, who is (unsurprisingly, considering his bloodline) drawing rave reviews for his composure on the ball. Last week, the 14-year-old son of USMNT legend Claudio led his the NYCFC U-16s to the Generation adidas Cup Premier Division crown, scooping up the Golden Ball award for his troubles. READ MORE
