Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Armas in, Marsch out at NY Red Bulls
Chris Armas is replacing Jesse Marsch as head coach of the Red Bulls | USA Today Images
The New York Red Bulls dropped some bombshell news on Friday morning, announcing that assistant Chris Armas had been promoted to head coach replacing Jesse Marsch, who left the club to pursue other opportunities. READ MORE
Big Apple bout headlines weekend card
There will be a couple new faces on the sidelines when round three of this year's New York derby series goes down on Sunday, as New York City FC "welcome" the rival Red Bulls. (7 pm ET | FS1 - full TV & streaming info). While Chris Armas gets thrown into the fire for his first RBNY game, recently-appointed NYCFC head coach Domenec Torrent will aim to rebound from last weekend's loss in Chicago. PREVIEW
On Saturday, Supporters’ Shield front-runners Atlanta United will aim to regroup from a midweek loss when they visit Philadelphia (7 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Union have made an early decision to pick up the 2019 option on midfield general Haris Medunjanin's contract. READ MORE | PREVIEW
New Western leaders invade Rio Tinto
First place FC Dallas will hit the road to take on Western rivals Real Salt Lake on Saturday night (10 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Oscar Pareja will soon have a replacement for departed left back Anton Nedyalkov available, as they completed a deal to land Marquinhos Pedroso from Figueirense. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Ailing champs Toronto FC will hold the weight of a three-game losing skid when they pay a Saturday call to Sporting KC (8:30 pm ET | TSN4 in Canada, full TV & streaming info). This particular trip probably couldn't come at a worse time; the Reds have pocketed but a single point from their last eight visits to Kansas City. PREVIEW
L.A. sides each lay out welcome mat
The LA Galaxy will shoot for their fifth consecutive series win at home over Columbus on Saturday (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Having settled for draws after blowing two-goal leads in two straight, the Galaxy are vowing to take more care managing favorable game situations from here on out. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Across town, Orlando City will have the unenviable task of riding into their first ever match with LAFC on an eight-game losing streak (11 pm ET | FS1, full TV & streaming info). The Banc of California club are 3-0-1 in their last four and have yet to lose at home. PREVIEW
Can Timbers stay bulletproof?
Portland's 10-game unbeaten streak will run straight into San Jose's eight-game win drought when the West rivals clash on Saturday at Providence Park (11 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Another bad omen for the Quakes: including U.S. Open Cup ties, the Timbers have taken seven straight home meetings in the series, six by shutout. PREVIEW
North of the border, Chicago will carry a five-game unbeaten run into Saturday's tilt against a Vancouver team that's won just one of six at home (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Though they cruised in last season's Windy City meeting, the Fire are 0-3 with nine goals allowed at BC Place. PREVIEW
New England, Montreal host westerners
Seattle have the tall task of building on their midweek win when they drop in on a New England outfit that is 13-2-3 in its last 18 home games (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). In our top 10 list of the most revelatory players of the season so far, three Revs merited no less than three mentions. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Elsewhere, Montreal can post their first four-game win streak since last summer by coming out on top of Saturday night's contest at Colorado (7:30 pm ET | TVAS in Canada, full TV & streaming info). They'll need to beat the trends to do so, as the Rapids are 4-1-1 all-time in this series. PREVIEW
Loons visit slipping Houston
A pair of teams looking up at the Western Conference playoff zone will meet up when a Houston side that has won just one of its last five hosts Minnesota United on Saturday (9 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Dynamo made a move to bolster their strike stable by landing Venezuela Under-20 international Ronaldo Pena from Caracas FC. READ MORE | PREVIEW
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