Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Expansion finalists revealed
Nearly 10 months after 12 cities submitted bids for the next round of MLS expansion, the league has revealed four finalists for the first two spots, which will be announced before the end of the year: Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento. The finalists will make presentations to the league's Expansion Committee and Commissioner Don Garber on Dec. 6, and the MLS Board of Governors meeting on Dec. 14 will include additional discussions on expansion with ownership representatives from every team. READ MORE
Everything to play for in Toronto
Toronto FC and Trillium Cup rivals Columbus Crew SC were the two most recent Eastern Conference combatants in MLS Cup, and they'll do battle at BMO Field on Wednesday (7:30 pm ET | FS1 in the US; TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, TVAS in Canada) to see who earns a fast return trip to the title match. Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco each will return for the Reds, who were held to a scoreless first leg draw while the duo served bans. PREVIEW
To get you all ready for the big game, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has prepared a tactical preview from the perspective of both teams. READ MORE
Artur back to Brazil in 2018?
If Columbus can't top Toronto FC to reach MLS Cup, they may have seen the last of loan standout Artur. Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte claims the midfielder (who is suspended for Wednesday's match) is wanted back at Sao Paulo next season. READ MORE
Schmetzer hints at J-Mo return
Seattle head coach Brian Schmetzer could have a familiar ace up his sleeve when they try to defend their 2-0 aggregate lead in the Western Conference Championship at home against the Houston Dynamo on Thursday (10:30 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes in the US; TSN, TVAS2 in Canada). The Sounders boss told reporters that recovering forward Jordan Morris is now ready to go for the first time since injuring his hamstring in mid-September. READ MORE
Time for a fresh start?
The Armchair Analyst weighs in again to offer up his best XI made entirely of MLS players that had contract options declined this week. READ MORE
Blessing draws green card
Sporting KC have yet another open international slot on the roster following Tuesday's news that attacker Latif Blessing has received his US green card. The change means that Sporting have just three of their eight spots for foreign players currently filled. READ MORE
Report: Atlanta shopping Argentina again
TyC Sports journalist Cesar Lusi Merlo reports that Atlanta United are ready to swoop for highly-rated Independiente playmaker Ezequiel Barco. The 18-year-old, who scored from the spot in his club's Copa Sudamericana victory on Tuesday night, has already been linked to the likes of AC Milan and Tottenham. READ MORE
Striker hunt on for Quakes, Caps?
It seems that new San Jose boss Mikael Stahre is already browsing for a goal-getter back in his homeland. According to Swedish daily Expressen, it will take a bid of around $1.8 million to nab reigning Allsvenskan Golden Boot winner Magnus Eriksson away from Djurgarden. READ MORE
Elsewhere, Vancouver have been outed as a potential suitor for Monagas forward Anthony Blondell. The 23-year-old, who received his debut Venezuela cap earlier this month, bagged 13 goals this year. READ MORE
Okugo's mind on the money
Forbes shines a spotlight on veteran MLS man Amobi Okugo, whose popular "A Frugal Athlete" blog offers financial guidance to professional sportsman. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch:
