Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
The battle for Los Angeles begins
The inaugural L.A. derby pits brothers Jonathan and Giovani dos Santos against Mexico teammate Carlos Vela.
The big day has finally arrived for soccer fans in the City of Angels. Saturday will see the first ever local derby between the LA Galaxy and visiting expansion upstarts LAFC (3 pm ET | FOX – Full TV & streaming info). Even the ever-cool Galaxy are acknowledging the anticipation as the kickoff approaches. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Also, Zlatan arrived late Thursday night, and it was glorious. You expected anything less? SEE MORE
Champs aim to right ship against RSL
Defending champs Toronto FC will be hunting for their first win of the season in Friday night's home tussle with Real Salt Lake (8 pm ET | TSN – full TV & streaming info). The challenge laid out for Reds boss Greg Vanney this weekend is to avoid the first three-game losing start by a reigning MLS Cup holder. READ MORE | PREVIEW
New Yorkers hit the road
Sacha Kljestan will get a chance to trip up his old employers when winless Orlando City plays Saturday host to the New York Red Bulls (1 pm ET | UniMás – full TV & streaming info). Two good omens for the Lions: not only is Dom Dwyer expected to make his first start of the season, but the home team has taken four of the last five meetings. PREVIEW
Meanwhile, New York City FC will try to at least maintain their share of the top spot in the East when they make the long haul for Saturday's match at San Jose (8 pm ET | ESPN2, TSN – full TV & streaming info). The Quakes are 8-1-2 in their last 11 at Avaya, but have yet to defeat NYCFC in three tries. PREVIEW
Long US trips for 'Caps, Impact
Vancouver will make the long trek to square off on Saturday against East co-leaders Columbus (3 pm ET | CTV, TSN local TV info). It's often been a fun match-up for the Whitecaps, who are 4-0-2 in the last six meetings, including three straight victories in Columbus. PREVIEW
Winless Seattle will try to get well in more ways than one in Saturday night's contest with visiting Montreal (10:00 pm ET | TVAS – full TV & streaming info). Brian Schmetzer's struggling Western champs, who have beaten the Impact just once in six prior tries, are hoping to return Will Bruin and Nicolas Lodeiro to the lineup. PREVIEW
East meets mid-West (2x)
Atlanta United will hope to reverse poor away form when they pay a Saturday call on 2017 expansion cousins Minnesota United (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Five Stripes are winless in their last six games away from home, and have been shut out in four of the last five. PREVIEW
The only team in the league still winless through four games, D.C. United, will do Saturday battle at Sporting KC on Saturday (8:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). While this has traditionally been a rough road trip for United, they have emerged victorious from their last two visits to Children's Mercy Park. PREVIEW
Fire, Timbers in duck-breaker duel
Both Chicago and Portland will be aiming to break into the win column when they lock horns at Toyota Park on Saturday (6 pm ET | TV & streaming info). After watching debutant Bill Tuiloma successfully stand in for skipper Liam Ridgewell last weekend, Timbers boss Giovanni Savarese has a tough decision to make in the heart of defense. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Revs, Union head west
Houston and visiting New England will each try to climb above break-even when they clash on Saturday (8:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). While it's true that the Revs managed but one away win last season, they also hold a 6-4-2 all-time record in Houston. PREVIEW
Philadelphia will wager their unbeaten start when they visit Colorado for a Saturday tilt (9 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Though the Union haven't won a league road game since last May, they are 1-0-2 in their last three at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
