Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Charting the Venezuelan pipeline to MLS
As the influx of talent from Venezuela continues to grow, Sam Stejskal discusses the social and economic factors currently pointing players toward Major League Soccer. READ MORE
Warshaw: Spotting worries out West
After identifying some concerns for the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, Bobby Warshaw waves the caution flag for a few of their Western counterparts. READ MORE
Acosta builds American dream at RSL
Real Salt Lake left back Danny Acosta has come a long way from the kid that played soccer on the violent streets of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Now a grateful American citizen, he's living a dream, complete with recent inroads to his adopted national team. READ MORE
TFC clinch Van der Wiel deal
Proving once again that some rumors do come true, defending MLS Cup champs Toronto FC have shored up the right back slot by completing the capture of Cagliari veteran Gregory van der Wiel. The 29-year-old Dutchman arrives having already won 13 domestic league and cup titles during his time with Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as a 2010 World Cup runners-up medal. READ MORE
Report: Loons raise Benedetti offer
Word coming out of Colombia on Thursday says that Minnesota United have bumped up their transfer bid for promising Deportivo Cali playmaker Nicolas Benedetti. READ MORE
Making moves in Cascadia
Local reports are claiming that Benevento forward Samuel Armenteros could be headed on loan to Portland. If the deal goes down, the Timbers would reportedly hold a buy option on the Sweden international. READ MORE
Meanwhile, Metro scribe Kristian Dyer says free agent defender Sean Franklin is going on trial with Vancouver. The veteran moved on after four years with D.C. United. READ MORE
Canada sets March Kiwis date
New Canada boss John Herdman will oversee his first match in charge when they travel to Spain for a March 24 friendly against New Zealand. READ MORE
