Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Top of the Mountains
FC Dallas moved eight points clear in the Western penthouse by topping MLS Cup holders Portland by a 3-1 count on Saturday. In the aftermath, the Timbers were ready to proclaim FCD as the best team in MLS, while Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle declared that the Hoops are on a collision course for the Supporters' Shield in his weekend roundup (WATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE).
Double-Century
LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena was quick to credit his players after booking his 200th MLS win with a 2-1 decision over Columbus Crew SC on Saturday night (WATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE).
Bradley the Bull
The streaking New York Red Bulls edged past Vancouver on Saturday, thanks to yet another big goal from Bradley Wright-Phillips (WATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE). His 17th league goal now sees BWP top the goal-scoring charts.
Step up, Revolution
Following a slump-halting victory over the Colorado Rapids, the New England Revolution have quickly turned their sights on East leaders NYCFC (WATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE).
Union busters
After putting on a star show to help the Chicago Fire score a big 3-0 win over visiting Philadelphia Union, Fire netminder Sean Johnsonexpressed hope the result was a sign that their playoff drive was back on the right track (WATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE).
Welcome Backs
Speaking of the Union, they had to be pleased to see Maurice Edu make a rehab start for USL affiliate Bethlehem Steel after nearly a year on the shelf with a sports hernia injury. There was also some great news for opponent New York Red Bulls II in that match as defender Konrad Plewa made his return to action after suffering a stroke barely over a month ago.
Safe House
On Tuesday, the USMNT will try to pad their unbeaten record in Jacksonville for the purpose of ensuring their place in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying when Trinidad & Tobago come calling on Tuesday night (8 pm ET on FS1, UniMás, UDN). As they get set to deal with the handful that is Atlanta United FC's T&T striker Kenwyne Jones, US boss Jurgen Klinsmann is being forced into some back-line alterations.
Get well, Lauren!
While we're on the topic of the national team, everyone is rooting for a complete recovery for former USWNT midfielder Lauren Holiday, who has been diagnosed with an operable brain tumor in the middle of her first pregnancy.
Holding onto hope
Elsewhere, Canada's national team is hanging onto a smaller chance of reaching the Hexagonal. They will almost certainly need a multi-goal victory when they host El Salvador on Tuesday (10 pm ET on TSN), and FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele insists the Maple Leafs attack has the goals in them despite recent struggles.
Across the Border
Houston have sent young Mexican international striker Erick Torres on a loan spell with Cruz Azul, who hold a buy option in the deal. Meanwhile, the Dynamo used their off week to refresh the squad by playing a friendly with Chivas.
Manageability
Local blog TFC Republic examines the ways that Toronto boss Greg Vanney has successfully morphed their formation throughout the season.
Future Aims
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has become the latest European star to proclaim an interest in coming to MLS one day.
Expansion Pack
The owner of USL club OKC Energy FC has made no secret of his desire to one day join MLS, and now he's acquired land for a downtown stadium.
Coming home?
After he's failed to make the line-up in their first five league games of the new season, Fulham defender Tim Ream reportedly has multiple MLS clubs keeping tabs on his situation at Craven Cottage.
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