Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Philly soaring into USOC final
The Union are flying high ahead of the Open Cup final on Wednesday. | USA Today Images
Riding the wave from a pair of surprise league victories, Philadelphia now have sights set on silverware ahead of Wednesday's US Open Cup title match at Houston. "We've already beaten them once there," noted Union skipper Alejandro Bedoya. "So why not again and bring back our first trophy for the club?" READ MORE
Speaking of the Union, they led the way by placing three players on our MLS Team of the Week. The Atlanta United duo of Miguel Almiron and Julian Gressel were the only honorees to keep their spot from last week's XI. READ MORE
Slump-buster lifts Galaxy hopes
Boosted by their weekend win over Seattle, the LA Galaxy are believing in their playoff chances again. Though they've played one more game than the sixth-place Sounders, the Galaxy pulled to within three points of that last Western postseason slot. READ MORE
Berget ready to get dirty
Now back from injury bay, New York City FC forward Jo Inge Berget has declared himself ready to "do the dirty work" to free up Maxi Moralez and David Villa. While he was out for the last three matches, NYCFC averaged just 0.67 goals and suffered their first back-to-back defeats of the season. READ MORE
Precocious Bello impresses on MLS debut
16-year-old George Bello enjoyed a strong first-team debut with Atlanta | USA Today Images
Any questions about whether teen Atlanta United left back George Bello was ready for an MLS bow were answered by his solid debut in their weekend win over Real Salt Lake. The 16-year-old racked up 10 total defensive stops without committing a foul and displayed comfort on the ball in his 73 minutes of action. READ MORE
Atlanta hire new cap guru
In other Atlanta news, the Five Stripes look to have hired a replacement for former Director of Soccer Operations Paul McDonough, per the local Journal-Constitution. Chase Favilene, who will make the short trip down the hall from the Atlanta Falcons, will take over as Director of Player Administration and be responsible, overseeing player contracts and the team's salary structure. READ MORE
Pareja up for USMNT post?
According to the local Morning News and Spanish-language arm Al DÃa, FC Dallas boss Oscar Pareja was interviewed by US Soccer reps this past weekend for the national team's manager job. However, in a "not so fast" twist, a source has told Yahoo Sports' Doug McIntyre there was no meeting. INTERVIEWED? | OR NOT?
FIFA19 set to launch in Atlanta
The latest edition of EA Sports' FIFA video game will have its official launch party in Atlanta on Wednesday. The event will feature appearances by the likes of noted soccer nuts Chad Ochocinco and Waka Flocka Flame, and a FIFA19 tournament. READ MORE
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