Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Quakes hit slumping Portland
Early season darlings Portland will be after their first win in six when San Jose comes to town to open the weekend slate on Friday night (11 pm ET | UniMás, facebook.com/univisiondeportes). It will be one of the Timbers' favorite home match-ups; San Jose have gone 0-6-3 at Providence Park. PREVIEW
It's been and up-and-down season in Portland, but Timbers boss Caleb Porter expects his side to get back on track to compete for the top spot in the West before long. READ MORE
USMNT preps for big WCQs
On Saturday night, Bruce Arena and the US national team will have their last dress rehearsal for next week's World Cup qualifiers in the form of a friendly against Venezuela (10 pm ET | FS1, Univision, UDN) at Salt Lake's Rio Tinto. The Red, White & Blue have posted shutout wins in all three of their friendly meetings against La Vinotinto. PREVIEW | USMNT NEWS
FC Dallas defender Matt Hedges is hoping to make the most of his second chance with the national team during this three-game stretch. READ MORE
TFC roll into New England
Turning back to league action, Supporters Shield leaders and Canadian Championship repeat seekers Toronto FC will make one of their least favorite road trips when they visit New England on Saturday night (7:30 pm ET | TSN1/4; MLS LIVE in US). The Reds have won just twice in their 13 trips to Gillette Stadium. PREVIEW
Toronto FC rookie Raheem Edwards has been a revelation this season. And though quite confident on the field, he admits to being humbled by his quick rise through the organization. READ MORE
OCSC try put Fire out
Orlando City will try to remain kings of their castle when streaking Chicago visit for Sunday's nationally-televised match (7:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes; MLS LIVE in Canada). The Lions are unbeaten in their last five league clashes with the Fire. PREVIEW
Benjamin Baer previews the game by comparing the production of competing speedsters: Fire man David Accam and Orlando City's Carlos Rivas. READ MORE
NYCFC, Union set to rumble in the Bronx
A pair of East competitors coming off tough results will lock horns on Saturday when Philadelphia visits New York City FC (1pm ET; MLS LIVE). The game will feature a showdown between two of the league's top forwards: NYCFC star David Villa and Union striker CJ Sapong each have eight goals on the season – and each has three career strikes in this series. PREVIEW
Union midfielder Haris Medunjanin says the quality of play in MLS has helped maintain his standing with the Bosnia & Herzegovina national team. READ MORE
FC Dallas test depth vs. RSL
FC Dallas will need to deal with some key injury and international absences when Real Salt Lake comes to town on Saturday night (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE). This has traditionally been a nightmare fixture for the Claret and Cobalt, who have gone 1-12-2 at Toyota Stadium. PREVIEW
Ahead of the contest, FC Dallas announced that they've signed starting netminder Jesse Gonzalez to a new contract. The 22-year-old is now locked down through 2020, with an option for an additional season. READ MORE
Shorthanded Sounders welcome Houston
MLS Cup holders Seattle will attempt to rise above the red line when Houston comes calling for a Sunday night match (10 pm ET | MLS LIVE). It looks to be a tall task for the Dynamo, who are winless on the road this season and have yet to taste victory in nine tries at CenturyLink Field. PREVIEW
With most of their attack stable either away on US duty or in recovery bay, Seattle are looking for solutions up front for this match. READ MORE
Sporting KC out for Loons revenge
West title chasers Sporting Kansas City will be looking for a measure of payback against Minnesota United FC when the teams reunite at Children's Mercy Park on Saturday (5 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; MLS LIVE in Canada). Four weeks ago, the Loons scored a 2-0 home win in the clubs' inaugural meeting. PREVIEW
Sporting KC netminder Tim Melia, who has been one of the top surprise performers of the season, joined The SKC Show podcast to discuss Saturday's match-up. READ MORE
Galaxy quest reaches D.C.
Having righted their ship with three straight wins, the LA Galaxy will hope to continue their climb up the Western table when they square off against home side D.C. United in a Saturday duel (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The capital crew, who come in having dropped four of five, have managed just one win over the Galaxy in the last 12 meetings. PREVIEW
Things have gone from bad to worse for D.C. United's sputtering attack with the news that striker Patrick Mullins must undergo knee surgery. Depending on the extent of the damage, he could miss anywhere from six weeks to six months. READ MORE
Atlanta makes first Vancouver visit
Suddenly well Atlanta United have flown across the continent to wager their two-game win streak in Saturday's contest at Vancouver (5:30 pm ET | (TSN1/4; MLS LIVE in US). All eyes will be on the visitors' Miguel Almiron, who has bagged consecutive Player of the Week prizes. PREVIEW
Atlanta left back Greg Garza has been a standout this season, and on Thursday he told the local Journal-Constitution that he wants to turn his loan move from Tijuana into a permanent transfer. READ MORE
Reeling Rapids host Columbus
Colorado are stuck in the basement and dinged up as they get set to welcome Columbus for a Saturday affair (9 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Though the Rapids have traditionally dominated this series at home, Gregg Berhalter's boys did escape with a win and a draw on their last two visits. PREVIEW
The Rapids will use the match as an occasion to celebrate the playing career of assistant coach Conor Casey. The local product will become the sixth man inducted into the team's Gallery of Honor. READ MORE
Red Bulls invade warming Montreal
East cellar dwellers Montreal will shoot for their third win in four when the New York Red Bulls drop in for a Saturday tilt (7:30 pm ET | TVAS; MLS LIVE in US). The visitors will want to keep close watch over Impact star Nacho Piatti, who has scored four times in the last five meetings between the two sides. PREVIEW
If word out of Italy is true, the Impact could enjoy another benefit from their Serie A pipeline in the future. Sister side Bologna are reportedly in talks with AC Milan midfielder Andrea Poli, with the potential deal attached with a rider that would send him to Montreal. READ MORE
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