Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Almiron brace lifts Atlanta
Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron made it five goals in two games by scoring a double in their 3-1 home victory over New York City FC on Sunday. The result pushed the expansion team to within a point of the East's last playoff slot. RECAP
For the victors, it was a case of making up for the 3-1 loss suffered at the feet of NYCFC earlier this month, one ATL UTD termed "it's worst of the season". READ MORE
Texas derby ends in draw
Home side FC Dallas and visiting Houston battled to a 0-0 stalemate in Sunday night's round-closing contest. The game marked the first time the Texas rivals failed to ding the scoreboard since July 2007, and Mauro Diaz made his long-awaited return from injury in a late cameo. RECAP
The game only remained scoreless due to the dueling heroics of Houston backstop Tyler Deric and FC Dallas opposite Jesse Gonzalez. READ MORE
Arena calls 15 MLSers into USMNT camp
United States manager Bruce Arena named his 27-man squad for next week's Venezuela friendly and World Cup qualifiers. READ MORE
Matt Doyle's roster breakdown analyzes the veteran core, along with the selection's apparent focus on experience and depth. READ MORE
US U-20s win group, advance to World Cup knockouts
Meanwhile, the US Under-20 national team set up a round-of-16 date with New Zealand by winning their World Cup group with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia. The Baby Nats held on to the to spot in Group F despite finishing the match with 10-man due to twin Cameron Carter-Vickers bookings. RECAP
Roldan nods champs past Portland
Christian Roldan netted the lone goal as Seattle started their first winning streak of the season with a 1-0 derby win over Portland at CenturyLink Field on Saturday. RECAP
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has been left scratching his head over the diminished returns from a Portland attack that exploded out of the blocks this season. READ MORE
Galaxy doubles up San Jose
The warming LA Galaxy won their third game in a row (all coming on the road), rallying past arch rivals San Jose for a 4-2 triumph in the first Cali Clasico of the season. RECAP
Senior Editor Arielle Castillo was on-site for this latest battle for California soccer supremacy, and she writes that Saturday's result adds fuel to the rivalry fire, with the mood at Avaya Stadium shifting from "buoyant optimism" to "palpably sour." READ MORE
The Galaxy cancelled out an early San Jose lead when Joao Pedro fired his first MLS goal, a feat that just so happened to fill a special request made by his LA Galaxy Special Olympics Unified Team pal. READ MORE
Red Bulls score comeback win
The New York Red Bulls clawed back from a halftime deficit to get well with a 2-1 triumph over visiting rivals New England. The victory was the first in nearly a month for the Big Apple bunch. RECAP
In his weekend review, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle noted how a form revival from Sean Davis sparked the Red Bulls' rally. READ MORE
Black-and-Red climb out of the basement
D.C. United snapped a three-game losing slide with a 1-0 win at Vancouver on Saturday. Lamar Neagle's second-half spot kick gave the capital crew consecutive road victories for the first time in over two years. RECAP
Vancouver boss Carl Robinson was beside himself after the match due to the controversial penalty call that proved to be the difference in the match. READ MORE
RSL cools off Philadelphia
Real Salt Lake moved back to break-even at home thanks to a 1-0 victory over previously hot Philadelphia. The result ended the Union's win streak at four and their unbeaten run at six. RECAP
Though they only scored once, the Real Salt Lake attack showed coach Mike Petke signs of life. Were it nor for a star show by Philly netminder Andre Blake, they could have piled on for a bigger win. READ MORE
Rapids top visiting leaders
Cellar-dwelling Colorado registered consecutive home wins for the first time this season by bumping off West leaders Sporting KC in a 1-0 win. RECAP
The Rapids were in the mood to laud rookie defender Kortne Ford, who scored the winner in addition to helping the hosts log the shutout. READ MORE
Loons edge Orlando City
Christian Ramirez bagged his eighth goal of the season to lead Minnesota United to a 1-0 victory over guests Orlando City. RECAP
Lions boss Adrian Heath was proud of his charges for scoring him the win over his former employers that he craved. READ MORE
Reds cruise to Trillium Cup
On Friday night, Supporters Shield leaders Toronto FC won the season series with rivals Columbus by strolling to a 5-0 rout that continued demonstrating the team's great depth. RECAP
Among the reasons for the heavy Crew SC loss was a formation switch made by coach Gregg Berhalter that didn't work as he expected. READ MORE
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