Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
MLS is back! 2018 season opens Saturday
MLS is back! | Rudy Calderon/MLSsoccer.com
It's nearly time for a new MLS season, so we gathered up the gang to preview all 23 clubs. Each capsule comes complete with regular season table predictions from Benjamin Baer. READ MORE
Listen to the latest episode:
Getting in the season preview spirit, our ExtraTime Radio crew takes a deep dive into the Eastern Conference. LISTEN | SUBSCRIBE
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle's season countdown has reached Houston, where they could use a "Plan B" for when teams effectively counter their strengths. READ MORE
Morris to miss 2018 season
The Seattle Sounders made it official following a Monday exam, confirming that US forward Jordan Morris is indeed lost for the season to a torn ACL in his right knee. READ MORE
Bobby Warshaw says Seattle can probably handle the Morris' absence in the short term, but warned they will need to find some cover for the season's dog days. READ MORE
Vela raring to go in LA
As his first MLS campaign draws closer, LAFC attack ace Carlos Vela says he's ready to make himself at home in the City of Angels, both on and off the field. READ MORE
The expansion side is still looking for defensive midfield help, and Colombian scribe Julian Capera claims they are working on a loan-plus-buy option deal to add Independiente Medellin youngster Eduard Atuesta. READ MORE
Transfer talk: Omar Gonzalez, Scott Arfield
According to the Mexican version of AS, US international Omar Gonzalez is up for a move back to MLS. The 29-year-old has seen his playing time dry up at Pachuca this season. READ MORE
Gonzalez isn't the only player being linked with a move to his home country, as England's Sun tabloid claiming that Montreal and Vancouver are trying to lure Canada midfielder Scott Arfield away from Premier League surprise package Burnley. READ MORE
Execs, players & passion: Representation Matters
FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta, an academy product. | Rudy Calderon/MLSsoccer.com
Writer Zito Madu explores the Black American soccer community's drive to inspire future generations at all levels of the game. READ MORE
CONCACAF makes Gold Cup changes
On Monday, CONCACAF announced that the Gold Cup will now feature 16 teams, starting with the 2019 edition. The regional governing body also revealed that the idea of multiple host nations is being studied. READ MORE
Meram shares Iraq NT experience
Writing for The Players' Tribune, Orlando City winger Justin Meram reveals how he came to join Iraq's national team and what it means to represent the nation of his parents' birth. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
