Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
ATL's Villalba taking advantage of chance
Fellow Atlanta United Designated Players Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez might have dominated the early headlines, but Hector Villalba has certainly hit his stride filling in for Martinez as the team's lead striker. The speedy Argentine has three goals in the last three games, including a big weekend brace at Toronto FC. READ MORE
Feilhaber back in full training for SKC
Sporting KC playmaker Benny Feilhaber is working toward a comeback from a hamstring ailment that has forced him to miss their past two games. The US international returned to full training on Wednesday, building hope that he can be ready when they tackle West leaders Portland on Saturday night (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). READ MORE
Impact cross fingers over Piatti
Montreal head coach Mauro Biello is hoping to return attack ace Nacho Piatti to action when they welcome Atlanta United to town on Saturday (1 pm ET | CTV, TVAS; MLS LIVE in US). The Impact's top weapon has missed the last two matches with an injury. READ MORE
More midfield help appears to be on the way soon for the Impact. Sky Sports Italia reports that Bologna will release top scorer Blerim Dzemaili from their final three games of the season so he can join the Impact before the current MLS transfer window closes. The Swiss international was originally slated to complete his transfer move this summer, but with Roberto Donadoni's Greyhounds well clear of the relegation fight, they have seen fit to release Dzemaili early. READ MORE
The Vazquez effect on TFC
Local blog Waking The Red discusses how Toronto FC's addition of Victor Vazquez has changed how they play in the attacking third of the field. Vazquez assisted on both goals in last week's draw with Atlanta. READ MORE
Rusnak show was RSL's plan
According to Real Salt Lake boss Mike Petke, it's no accident that Albert Rusnak put on a display worthy of winning Player of the Week in their duck-breaking win over Minnesota United. The coach says one of his first directives to his new team was getting the ball to their playmaker more often than in previous games. READ MORE
Boswell: Knew I'd be back for D.C.
D.C. United has righted their ship with a pair of consecutive wins, a streak that coincided with defender Bobby Boswell's return to the line-up. The veteran says he never doubted he could win back the place he lost during the preseason. READ MORE
Dynamo aim to shore up the back
Fast starters Houston have now suffered a couple of bad losses, and coach Wilmer Cabrera is trying to figure out how to patch up an injury-hampered back line that has leaked seven times in the last the last three games. READ MORE
Drogba signs with Phoenix, eyes MLS
Former Montreal star Didier Drogba has signed with USL side Phoenix Rising as a player/part-owner. The striker says his goal is to help the franchise make the climb to MLS when he joins the management team. READ MORE
Exports: Pulisic, CCV up for honor
There are not one, but two Americans nominated for the Golden Boy award, which goes to the top player under 21 from Europe's top flights. While Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is a surprise contestant, Borussia Dortmund's Christian Pulisic can be considered among the favorites for the prize. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Musts
