Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Red Bulls edge Alianza
Thanks to a goal from Sacha Kljestan, the Red Bulls opened up a big lead atop CONCACAF Champions League Group F with a 1-0 home win over El Salvador's Alianza FC on Thursday night. After the final whistle put the hosts one point from clinching a quarterfinal place, the game-winning hero declared that the team was on the verge of achieving their goal.
Lampson lights the way
A busy weekend slate kicks off on Friday night, when Chicago will host a key Eastern Conference clash vs. D.C. United (8 pm ET on UniMás, MLS LIVE in Canada). For Fire 'keeper and Hodgkins survivor Matt Lampson, it will be just one more chance to act as inspiration for patients battling cancer.
Fresh catch
As rumored, FC Dallas have brought veteran forward Carlos Ruiz (who is fresh off a five-goal farewell to the Guatemalan national team) back into their fold as they get set to visit New York CIty FC on Saturday (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE). The man known as "El Pescadito" joins a Dallas side that is eager for more crowns after taking the US Open Cup earlier this week.
Red hots
Though Toronto FC are in fine form ahead of Sunday's key visit from the NY Red Bulls (5 pm ET on FOX, FOX Sports GO, TSN2, TSN Go), strike ace Jozy Altidore has promised fans and warned foes that they ain't seen nothin' yet. It's the second of two matches on the FOX broadcast network in the USA.
Jump for Joya
Sporting Kansas City have made a late signing by acquiring former US youth international Benji Joya from Santos Laguna as they prepare to host the LA Galaxy in Sunday's nationally-televised tilt (2 pm ET on FOX, FOX Sports GO and MLS LIVE in Canada).
Puzzled
Recent developments have left San Jose boss Dom Kinnear with a decision to make on which formation to go with as they get set to invade Colorado on Saturday night (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Nick knack
Nick Rimando will put his great desire to win on display for the 375th time in MLS play when Real Salt Lake welcome Houston to Rio Tinto on Saturday (9:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Late addition
Ahead of both Thursday's MLS roster freeze and Saturday's trip to Portland (6 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the Philadelphia Union have signed a free agent and former Sandhausen midfielder Kevin Kratz.
Great Scott!
The Seattle Sounders and friends are teaming up to host a testimonial match for longtime defender Zach Scott, who will retire at season's end. Long before that March celebration comes around, though, they must continue a late push for the postseason with Saturday's derby visit from Vancouver (4 pm ET on TSN1, RDS2 and MLS LIVE in USA).
Don't forget the past
When the New England Revolution pay a Saturday call to the Impact (7:30 pm ET on TSN2, RDS and MLS LIVE in USA), they will take care to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to their collapse on their last visit to Montreal.
Reaching temp
Orlando City will look to maintain their hold on the East's last playoff spot when Columbus Crew SC come to town on Saturday (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE). Lucky for the Lions is the fact that skipper Kaka is heating up at the right time.
Attack of the clones?
Will Parchman explains how young Borussia Dortmund ace Christian Pulisic's development was the result of a "perfect storm" and explores ways US Soccer can synthesize more of them.
Theme art, Part 1
For the first time since the start of the year, D.C. United have released fresh renderings of their new stadium project.
Theme art, Part 2
As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, artistic site LaCasaca.com has drawn up cool jerseys for all 20 MLS clubs based on the lineage of one of their players.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Fire GK Matt Lampson visits ExtraTime Radio
The Movement: How Vancouver connects with the native population
Armchair Analyst: How LA can make Dos Santos and Keane fit together
