Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
We love lists, 2017 edition
To get you set for the new MLS season, Sam Stejskal has offered up 10 storylines to follow in 2017. His picks range from the league's new clubs to its new, younger DP signings to the impending return of Clint Dempsey. READ MORE
Meanwhile, Steve Brisendine has come up with a list of 10 players who look primed for breakout seasons in 2017. READ MORE
MNUFC supporters hit road for opener
Minnesota United players won't be alone when they take the field in Portland on Friday night for the club's debut match, which will also double as the start of MLS Opening Weekend. More than 150 of the team's supporters are making the trip to Providence Park for the match. READ MORE
FCD, RBNY, 'Caps eye CCL final four
Before the regular season begins, however, a few MLS clubs will take aim at CONCACAF Champions League semifinal berths. On Wednesday night, FC Dallas will look to close out Arabe Unido on the road (8pm ET | UDN, Facebook Live). The Texans will travel to Panama for the tie capper holding a huge 4-0 aggregate advantage. READ MORE
Elsewhere, the Vancouver Whitecaps return home to battle the New York Red Bulls. With the tie knotted at 1-1 heading into the climactic duel, 'Caps boss Carl Robinson may hand a fast debut to recently acquired left-sider Brek Shea. READ MORE
Plata inks fresh DP deal
Real Salt Lake have moved to lock down attack ace Joao Plata, signing the 24-year-old to a long-term deal. The diminutive Ecuador international, who has notched 30 goals and as many assists since joining RSL in 2013, will now be the club's third Designated Player. READ MORE
Sounders skipper Evans sidelined
MLS Cup holders Seattle are expecting captain Brad Evans to miss 5-7 weeks with a calf strain. The Sounders say they could have fielded him from the opening kick off at Houston this weekend, but preferred to shut him down now to have him fitter later. READ MORE
Ronald Matarrita: NYCFC recruitment officer
Goal's Ives Galarcep talks to New York City FC left back Ronald Matarrita about how he helped the team land fellow Costa Rica international Rodney Wallace. READ MORE
US U-20s blank Mexico
On Monday, the US scored a big 1-0 win over Mexico at the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, the first competitive victory over their arch rivals at this age level since 1986. Will Parchman explains how they pulled it off, moving a giant step closer to qualifying for this May's U-20 World Cup in the process. READ MORE
Red Bulls name Sporting Director
As a tumultuous offseason comes to a close, the New York Red Bulls elevated erstwhile assistant coach Denis Hamlett to Sporting Director, a position made available by the mutual parting of ways with Ali Curtis on February 16. Costa Rica native Hamlett will oversee all aspects of the Red Bulls’ sporting operations, including player acquisitions, scouting/support staffs and the soccer operations budget. READ MORE
#Dress4MLS to impress
MLS Opening Weekend is nearly upon us, and that means the #Dress4MLS contest is back. Fans all across the country will be posting photos of themselves sporting team colors, and one will take home the grand prize of a summer trip to Chicago for the 2017 MLS All-Star Game. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
RBNY boss Jesse Marsch stops by ExtraTime Radio
WATCH: USMNT's Bedoya guest stars on This Week In MLS
Daniel Squizzato: 10 Canadian standouts to watch in 2017
