Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
WCQ: Pulisic sinks T&T
The US national team continued their climb in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying Hexagonal table with a 2-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday night. Christian Pulisic netted both goals, giving him four in his last four appearances. RECAP
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle says the US side took over a tight match when they shifted up a gear in the second half. READ MORE
Needless to say, Pulisic's star turn was rewarded with the highest mark in our US player ratings, but Darlington Nagbe and DeAndre Yedlin will also be quick to rush home with their "report cards" after Thursday's win. READ MORE
Looking ahead in the Hex
The USMNT were done a favor on Thursday night by Panama, who eked out a draw in Costa Rica. Thanks to that result, the USMNT climbed into third place ahead of Sunday's crunch clash with arch nemesis Mexico at Azteca (8:30 pm ET on FS1, Univision, UDN). READ MORE
Due to the quick turnaround and altitude issues, US manager Bruce Arena has hinted at some lineup alterations for the showdown with El Tri. READ MORE
Timbers aim to chop down FCD
There's an abbreviated league schedule on tap for Saturday, with Portland hosting FC Dallas in a No. 3 vs. No. 4 matchup in the West (10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE). FCD are unbeaten in the last five series meetings, and posted their first-ever win at Providence Park on their last visit. PREVIEW
The Timbers, who have dropped just one of their last 12 home games, will be aiming to dominate the reigning Supporters' Shield holders in their friendly confines. READ MORE
Atlanta visit streaking Fire
The Chicago Fire will be out for revenge when Atlanta United come to town on Saturday on Saturday (4 pm ET on UniMás, facebook.com | MLS LIVE in Canada). The Toyota Park crew, who are unbeaten in six, suffered a harsh 4-0 defeat when they visited the Five Stripes in March. PREVIEW
Atlanta boss Gerardo "Tata" Martino is planning to have Josef Martinez return to action after a long injury layoff, but he will wait until a late fitness check to decide if he'll start the strike ace on Saturday night. READ MORE
West leaders look to extend lead
Sporting KC will make a bid to pad their lead in the West when they welcome Montreal for a Saturday night tilt (8 pm ET on TVAS in Canada | MLS LIVE in US). They look to be catching the Impact at the right time, what with the visitors missing eight regulars due to injuries and international call-ups. PREVIEW
The home side was hoping to have Erik Palmer-Brown available for the contest, but he'll miss out with a thigh injury picked up on US duty at the Under-20 World Cup. READ MORE
Herrera leads Venezuela to Under-20 final
New York City FC midfielder Yangel Herrera bagged the deciding spot kick as Venezuela rallied to reach the final of the Under-20 World Cup. If they can beat England on Sunday, Herrera will become the first active MLS player to wear the crown. READ MORE
Barbir training with Philly
Fresh from being let go by West Bromwich Albion, US youth international Danny Barbir is working out with the Philadelphia Union. The 19-year-old defender, who grew up in nearby Allentown, is not subject to allocation rules should the Union opt to sign him. READ MORE
Community MVP nominations open
MLS Works is kicking off the league's annual Community MVP Contest, which honors local charity and service efforts, by accepting nominations from all 22 MLS clubs. Each local winner will receive trip to the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Omar Gonzalez talks USA vs. Mexico on ExtraTimeRadio
Darlington Nagbe rewards Bruce Arena's faith with a strong shift
By The Way: Basti Fantasti makes his Chicago runway debut
