Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Late Ricketts brace flips script
Toronto FC set a new club record with their fifth straight victory, a 2-1 rally victory away to Trillium Cup rivals Columbus. Tosaint Ricketts hopped off the bench to strike twice in the final nine minutes for the win. RECAP
Greg Vanney and the Reds once again tinkered their depth toward success, making for a second straight victory without star man Sebastian Giovinco. The forward remains day-to-day with a troublesome bruised heel. READ MORE | INJURY UPDATE
Higuain leads on and off the field
Crew SC ace Federico Higuain, who continued his form revival with a goal in Wednesday's loss, has morphed from a quiet presence into a beloved figure in Columbus, in both the squad and the community. READ MORE
Venegas, Burch miss Loons training
Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath (somewhat) explained the reason for the temporary training absence of frustrated attacker Johan Venegas. The StarTribune report also noted that left back Marc Burch is also sitting out with a nagging groin injury. READ MORE
Red Bulls report cards
Empire of Soccer has handed out trimester grades to the New York Red Bulls, with the marks ranging from Aaron Long's A+ to a D for coach Jesse Marsch. READ MORE
Stick to the plan, Atlanta
Though Atlanta United have struggled for results over the past month, local blog Dirty South Soccer says the team should fight the urge to change their tactical personality. READ MORE
Style, Soccer, Photography: CREAVALLE by Creavalle
Union midfielder Warren Creavalle recently opened a pop-up shop in Philadelphia's North Liberties, showcasing his brand CREAVALLE, which specializes in clothing and photography. The three-year-old project has previously held pop-up events in Atlanta and Toronto. READ MORE
On the field, Philly are sweating the fitness of a few regulars. Roland Alberg and Ray Gaddis trained to the side on Wednesday, while wing playmaker Chris Pontius missed the session altogether. READ MORE
Providence Park expansion moving along
The Portland City Council unanimously approved of the Timbers' Providence Park expansion plan on Wednesday. The $50-million plan, which will add 4,000 seats, now shifts toward May and June votes on specific aspects of the process. READ MORE
Johnston set for Sporting honor
Next Wednesday, former KC star Mo Johnston will become the ninth player inducted into the Sporting Legends hall of honor. The Scottish forward was a three-time All-Star and a key member of the club's MLS Cup 2000 champs. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Musts
