Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Video Review begins in August
It's official. Major League Soccer will start implementing Video Review to all matches beginning August 5, with a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) added to officiating crews moving forward. The new system will be able to review four types of calls: goals, penalty kicks, straight red cards and cases of mistaken identity. READ MORE
Man on Fire: All-Star forward Nemanja Nikolic
Nemanja Nikolic is no stranger to setting scoring records. He did so in his first seasons in the Hungarian and Polish leagues, and has now set his sights on doing the same in MLS, where he leads the league with 16 goals in 19 matches for the ascendant Chicago Fire. WATCH VIDEO
Join Fan XI selection Nikolic in Chicago at the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target for the headline clash with Real Madrid, the FREE X Ambassadors concert, Men in Blazers, the Homegrown Game featuring the best young players in North America and much more. Match tickets and VIP Passes available. TICKET INFO
Jamaica jumped out to a two-goal lead thanks to tallies by MLS players Shaun Francis and Romario Williams, and Canada were unable to rally in a 2-1 loss that ended their Gold Cup run at the quarterfinal hurdle. RECAP
Canada scorer Junior Hoilett was the only one in Daniel Squizzato's player ratings to receive above a passing grade. READ MORE | CANADA NEWS
El Tri edges Honduras to reach QF
Mexico reached the Gold Cup quarterfinals for the sixth straight time on Thursday, riding an early Rodolfo Pizarro strike to a 1-0 victory over Honduras. RECAP
USMNT, Costa Rica battle Saturday
On Saturday night, the US national team will lock horns with a familiar foe when they duel Costa Rica for a spot in the Gold Cup final. The countries have tussled in five competitive games since March 2013, with the USMNT posting three shutout wins against two defeats. PREVIEW
After being displeased with the performance in Wednesday's quarterfinal win over El Salvador, US boss Bruce Arena is looking for a much smoother display on Saturday. READ MORE | USMNT NEWS
OCSC, ATL set for 1st battle of the south
Orlando City and guests Atlanta United will kick off the weekend MLS slate with the first meeting (7 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; TSN1/3/4/5) in what promises to become a heated southern rivalry. While both clubs currently hold down a playoff slot, Atlanta will enter as the hotter side, having won three in a row. PREVIEW
New Atlanta netminder Brad Guzan could see his first start for the expansion side in the game, and ESPN's Matt Pentz figures that the veteran's drive to start for the US at World Cup 2018 could hinge on how he adapts at his new club. READ MORE
Can TFC stay on the summit?
Despite being shorthanded by Gold Cup defections, Toronto FC will aim to maintain their place atop the Supporters' Shield standings when Colorado visits for Saturday's game at BMO (7 pm ET | TSN1/4; MLS LIVE in US). The trends certainly do not favor the Rapids, who have lost all seven road games this term by a combined 13-2 count and are 1-7 lifetime in Toronto. PREVIEW
The Reds are unsure over the availability of star man Sebastian Giovinco, who suffered a back bruise in their midweek match at NYCFC. READ MORE
NYCFC try to put out the Fire
New York City FC's tough home stand continues when red-hot Chicago invades for Saturday's showdown (2 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The Fire haven't lost a league match since April and are unbeaten in five away from home. PREVIEW
ExtraTime Radio Podcast
LISTEN: With the MLS All-Star roster out, the USMNT scuffing their way through to the Gold Cup semifinal and MLS returning with plenty of wackiness, there's almost too much to talk about. Almost. Somehow the guys manage to pack it all in, plus interviews with Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic and Sporting KC's defensive phenom Erik Palmer-Brown. Subscribe now so you never miss a show! Download this episode!
Chicago head coach Veljko Paunovic dropped by ExtraTime Radio on Thursday to discuss his team's surprising season to date and some snubs for his selections to the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. LISTEN NOW | SUBSCRIBE
Big tests for warming RSL, Impact
Real Salt Lake will be shooting for their first three-game win streak in 15 months when they open the Rio Tinto gate for a Saturday visit from West leaders Sporting KC (10 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The Royals are 4-1-1 in their last six home games against their weekend guests. PREVIEW
Meanwhile, Montreal will wager their four-game home winning run when FC Dallas comes calling for a Saturday tilt (7:30 pm ET | TVAS; MLS LIVE in US). FCD will need to keep a close watch on Blerim Dzemaili, who has three goals and an assist in his four Stade Saputo outings. PREVIEW
Clashes in Cascadia: 'Caps-Timbers, Seattle-San Jose
Defending Cascadia Cup champs Vancouver will "welcome" Portland to town for Sunday's nationally televised derby (6:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes; TS1/3/4/5). Though the struggling Timbers have historically enjoyed some success at BC Place, they have fallen on three of their last four visits. PREVIEW
Sunday's other contest will see San Jose and MLS Cup holders Seattle in a battle for playoff position at CenturyLink Field (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Though the Sounders once led this series, they've now won just one of the last nine meetings across all competitions. PREVIEW
Midwest Matchups: MNUFC-RBNY, Columbus-Philly
The warming Red Bulls will head to "The Land of 10,000 Lakes" for their first ever clash with Minnesota United (4 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; TSN2). After a decent spring run in their friendly confines, the Loons are suddenly winless in three home games. PREVIEW
Both Columbus and Saturday guests Philadelphia are fighting to move above the playoff line as they get set for their first clash of the season (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). After failing to win in their first seven games at MAPFRE Stadium, the Union have taken the last two there. PREVIEW
Will Revs, Galaxy, D.C. or Houston snap skids?
A pair of teams sitting on four straight defeats will duel at Gillette when New England hosts the LA Galaxy on Saturday (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Though the Revs have traditionally dominated this home series, LA have managed an even 2-2-2 split from their last six visits. PREVIEW
Over in the nation's capital, D.C. United will try to snap their own four-game losing skid and keep Houston winless on the road this term when the two teams tangle on Saturday night (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The Dynamo, who have often been rude RFK guests, have dropped just one of their last five decisions there. PREVIEW
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
