Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
And the winner is...
The top five players in our "24 Under 24" ranking for 2016 were unveiled on Thursday, with Cyle Larin of Orlando City netting the No. 1 spot. With the list now complete, the ESPNFC crew has debated which of those 24 players has the highest ceiling of potential.
Friday night fever
Round 29 of MLS action kicks off tonight when New York City FC host Chicago for a Friday night tilt (8 pm ET on UniMás, MLS LIVE in Canada). With Frank Lampard out, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle wonders if NYCFC boss Patrick Vieira might turn to winger Tommy McNamara to fill the English veteran's role behind the strikers.
Back in the game?
League MVP Sebastian Giovincolooks set for a return when East leaders Toronto FC put out the "welcome" mat for the Philadelphia Union on Saturday (5 pm ET on TSN2 in Canada, MLS LIVE in USA).
Second coming
With Supporters' Shield leaders FC Dallas slated to pay a Saturday call to Real Salt Lake (9:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE), MLS Insider shines a spotlight on Homegrown midfielder Victor Ulloa as he makes the most of his second chance with the club.
Depth charge
As the LA Galaxy prepare to host Seattle on Sunday (4 pm ET on ESPN, MLS LIVE in Canada), it is not going unnoticed that that their so-called squad players are making big contributions down the stretch.
The pick of the herd
Ahead of their Saturday home clash with Montreal (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE), Red Bulls boss Jesse Marsch has proclaimed that strike star Bradley Wright-Phillips is the best player in club history. RBNY would like to see BWP and his fellow MVP contender, Sacha Kljestan, get a little more protection on the field.
Rapids growth
As Colorado get set to visit Vancouver on Saturday (7 pm ET on TSN in Canada, MLS LIVE in USA), the Denver Post has a feature on young target forward and recent debutant Caleb Calvert.
Been there, done that
Orlando City's tense postseason push continues with a Saturday visit to direct playoff competitor D.C. United (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE) and nervous Lions fans can take heart in the fact that head coach Jason Kreis has been in this position before.
Sporting cool
Ahead of Sporting KC's massive showdown in the West playoff race at San Jose on Saturday (10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the Don't Crack Under Pressure series examines how Benny Feilhaber acquired his nerves of steel.
A divided crowd
Columbus Crew SC fans seem split on how to react to the weekend return of former star Kei Kamara, who will invade MAPFRE Stadium with new club New England (Sunday, 7 pm ET on FS1, MLS LIVE in Canada).
Taylor-made
Defending MLS Cup champs Portland Timbers will look to continue their late-season surge when they host the Houston Dynamo on Saturday (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE). New Timbers defender Steven Taylor has been one of the keys to their run of three wins in the last four games.
Big plans
In his latest Q&A session with NYCFC fans, Frank Lampard revealed that he aims to tackle the Iron Man Triathlon when his soccer-playing days are over.
United-mart
It seems as though Maccabi Tel Aviv aren't ready to give up their chase for D.C. United and US national team defender Steve Birnbaum, but they reportedly could have competition from the likes of Werder Bremen. Meanwhile, Saprissa may be preparing an offer to bring veteran United striker Alvaro Saborio back to Costa Rica.
Early winter present?
The rumor mill claims that FC Dallas have their eyes on Chilean forward Felipe Flores.
Matthaus musings
In an interview with Paste, former MetroStars midfielder and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus offered his takes on the growth of MLS, the job being done by former teammate Jurgen Klinsmann as USMNT boss and the potential of Borussia Dortmund wunderkind Christian Pulisic.
Hometown thrill
Seattle rookie ace and hometown hero Jordan Morris had the pleasure of throwing out the first pitch at a Mariners game.
A new tradition
No one has donned jersey No. 19 for FC Dallas since Bobby Rhine passed away, but with young signing Paxton Pomykal's request to wear it, the club has found a new way to honor his memory.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
MLS Now: Larin the key to Orlando's playoff hopes
Breaking down the favorites for the MVP award
Who are the top-rated MLS players in FIFA 17?
