Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Red-hot Atlanta secures playoff spot
Thanks to Wednesday's 3-0 victory over visiting Philadelphia, Atlanta United became just the fourth MLS expansion team to earn a trip to the playoffs. The host completed a six-game homestand with a 5-0-1 record, outscoring opponents by a combined 22-3 margin. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
Though the win punched their postseason ticket, the Five Stripes aren't settling for playoff inclusion when there's a MLS Cup to chase. READ MORE
Fire clinch playoff return in San Jose
Nemanja Nikolic scored twice to pull level with Diego Valeri atop the league scoring chart as Chicago cruised to a 4-1 victory at San Jose on Wednesday night. The Fire posted their third win of the month to clinch their first playoff spot since 2012. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
For Chicago's Matt Lampson, Wednesday was a double celebration, as the Fire 'keeper marked a special anniversary for being cancer-free for 10 years. READ MORE
TUNE IN: 24 Under 24 Top 10 today on ETL!
Make sure you set a reminder for 2 p.m. ET, so you can catch MLS 24 Under 24 top 10 as it's counted down on ExtraTime Live driven by Continental. SET REMINDER | FULL LIST
Sounders cool down Vancouver
Clint Dempsey, Nico Lodeiro and Victor Rodriguez combined for all three goals and three assists as Seattle blanked derby rivals Vancouver in a 3-0 home victory on Wednesday night. In addition to pulling the Sounders to within a point of their rivals' Western lead, it also tentatively gave them the lead in the Cascadia Cup race. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
The big derby win came at a high cost, however, as both Ozzie Alonso and Roman Torres both left the game with injuries. READ MORE
FC Dallas snaps 10-game win drought
One could certainly forgive FC Dallas fans for breaking into a rousing chorus of the Etta James classic "At Last" following the team's 2-0 home triumph over Colorado. The victory not only put an end to the home side's galling 10-game winless slide, but it also lifted them back above the playoff line. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
In his midweek review, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle noted that the stress isn't over in Dallas just because they managed their first victory since July. READ MORE
Red Bulls, D.C. split six
The New York Red Bulls missed a chance to gain some playoff-race breathing room by allowing a last-minute own goal equalizer to visitors D.C. United in Wednesday's see-saw 3-3 draw. The hosts blew a lead in each half, and stay winless in seven league games. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
One bright spot for RBNY was the brace by 18-year-old phenom Tyler Adams, whose opening half-volley marked his first MLS goal. Jesse Marsch made sure everyone knew exactly what he thought of Adams' performance, issuing a pretty "amazing" postgame quote. READ MORE
Now that they've been eliminated from the playoff race, D.C. captain Steve Birnbaum says they're intent on spoiling the Red Bulls' postseason drive. The old rivals will meet again in RFK's closing day farewell match. READ MORE
NYCFC edge Impact to hold second
Jack Harrison scored the lone goal of the game near the half-hour and New York City FC held on to post a 1-0 win away to Montreal. The result harmed the home side's playoff chances, as they slumped to their fifth defeat in six games. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
After the match, Montreal boss Mauro Biello shot down a report that claimed he would be replaced by Miami FC coach Alessandro Nesta during the offseason. READ MORE
Late Elis brace earns Dynamo share
Houston trailed nearly the entire game against visiting LA on Wednesday, but rallied on a pair of Alberth Elis strikes in the final six minutes for a 3-3 draw. Despite their comeback, the hosts remained winless in six and a point shy of the last playoff place in the West. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
Dynamo double hero Elis, who was unveiled at No. 12 on our MLS 24 Under 24 list Wednesday, earned high praise from head coach Wilmer Cabrera, who called Elis one of the best players in MLS. READ MORE
OCSC steamrolls 10-man Revs
Orlando City breathed some life into their slim playoff hopes with a 6-1 rout of midweek guests New England. Lions skipper Kaka celebrated his return to the line-up with a brace, while Dom Dwyer added a goal and two helpers. RECAP
The game started going south for the Revs not long after Xavier Kouassi was shown an 11th minute red card, a call that thoroughly confused and dismayed the visitors. READ MORE
Sounders help fan Kick Childhood Cancer
In addition to helping MLS Kick Childhood Cancer during Scarftember, the Seattle Sounders are also helping a local fan with her own benefit scarf drive to raise money for fighting the disease. READ MORE
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