Kick Off: Playoff spots on the line in Week 30 | Gio gets Mexico call-up

Greg Seltzer

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

Friday night lights

The Houston Dynamo and New York City FC will kick off the Week 30 slate when they meet in Texas on Friday night (8 pm ET on UniMás, MLS LIVE in Canada). Though NYCFC have already clinched a playoff berth, they insist that they're only getting started with accomplishing their season goals.

Planning the goodbye party

As they prepare to invade Red Bull Arena on Saturday (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the Philadelphia Union have set the goal of sending off soon-to-depart skipper Tranquillo Barnetta with an MLS Cup farewell.

Da Bruce's priorities

With a visit to West leaders FC Dallas on the docket for Saturday (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE) and a final run at the MLS Supporters' Shield on the line, LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena wants his players to focus on regaining fitness and consistency.

Red missed

East leaders Toronto FC will go toe-to-toe with a warming D.C. United side on Saturday (7:30 pm ET on TSN2, RDS and MLS LIVE in USA). Though the Reds have yet to lose in the four games since injured star Sebastian Giovinco became unavailable, three straight home draws have slowed their roll toward the postseason.

Try, try again

On a quest to get back above the playoff red line in the West, defending MLS Cup champs Portland will try to end their season-long road swoon when they go knocking on Saturday at Colorado (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE). Unfortunately for them, they will do so without the in-form Darren Mattocks, who will sit on the shelf for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.

Cup tussle

Above the red line for the first time this season, the Seattle Sounders will look to stay there when they make the short trek to Vancouver's BC Place on Sunday (8 pm ET on FS1 in USA, TSN2 in Canada). While the postseason will be top of mind in the match, both the Sounders and Whitecapswouldn't mind making headway in the final dash for the Cascadia Cup.

Eager to contribute

Speaking of the Whitecaps, Vancouver defender and former No. 3 overall draft pick Christian Dean is nearing the end of the recovery road back from injury and hopeful he can play before season's end.

No margin for error

The New England Revolution know they can't afford another calamity outing when Sporting Kansas City come to town on Saturday (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE) if they want to make the playoffs.

Same as he ever was

Orlando City will be desperate for a win to boost their postseason outlook when Montreal pays a Sunday visit (1 pm ET on ESPN, MLS LIVE in Canada). The Lions will rely on strike star Cyle Larin, who hasn't changed a bit since high school according to the folks who knew him when he was growing up outside Toronto.

See you next summer

Just ahead of a Saturday night invasion by Real Salt Lake (10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the San Jose Earthquakes have been hit with the news that forward Quincy Amarikwa will need about nine months to return following knee surgery.

Last chance saloon

Columbus Crew SC need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive when rivals Chicago Fire come to town (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE).

Friendly audition

Sam Stejskal says that Sacha Kljestan needs to shine during the upcoming US national team friendlies if he wants to start when the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying begins in November.

Back in the frame

LA Galaxy ace Giovani dos Santos has been called up to Mexico's national team for the first time since last year's CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Strange days

We had a talk with Werder Bremen forward Aron Johannsson, who's been through a crazy start to the Bundesliga season after returning from a long, extremely frustrating injury layoff.

Sign me up!

Tottenham has signed US youth international Cameron Carter-Vickers to a new contract that runs until 2019, a move that obviously delights the young defender.