Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
All-Star festivities are underway!
With Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game presented by Target (8:30 pm ET | FS1, Univision in the USA; TSN and TVAS in Canada) fast approaching, the party got started early in Chicago with a FIFA 18-inspired skills challenge that was won by Diego Valeri's team. READ MORE
Sunday also brought out some surprise guests, with former La Liga stars Christian Karembeu and Gaizka Mendieta squaring off against MLS legends Brian Ching and Brian McBride as beach soccer mania hit the Lake Michigan shore. READ MORE
X Ambassadors, Men in Blazers Live & more on Monday
There's another full day of activities on the way on Monday, highlighted by a pair of events in the evening that you won't want to miss: a special live edition of the Men in Blazers podcast, followed by a concert from festival favorites X Ambassadors. Both events are free, though you'll need to register with MLS Fan Pass to gain access. READ MORE
Of course, the main show in Chicago is the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, which features the best of MLS taking the field against Real Madrid as the centerpiece event of week-long festivities in the Windy City. TICKETS | EVENT INFO
Howard: "There are no easy games"
While a lot has changed since Tim Howard last played in an MLS All-Star Game 15 years ago, the US national team legend has picked up plenty of experience playing against some of the world's biggest teams. With Real Madrid next up on the agenda for Howard, he offered up a warning for anyone who thinks Los Blancos will take their foot off the gas at the end of a busy US tour. READ MORE
Toronto FC widen league lead
Sebastian Giovinco scored a pair of picturesque goals as Toronto FC moved five points clear at the top of the Supporters' Shield standings with a comprehensive 4-0 win over visiting New York City FC on Sunday. RECAP
Dylan Butler writes that the Reds' big victory shows that they're still the team to beat in MLS this season. READ MORE
FC Dallas routed at home
Vancouver stunned FC Dallas on Saturday, scoring a big 4-0 win at Toyota Stadium. Fredy Montero hit twice to help deal FCD their worst home loss since April 2015. The Nicolas Mezquida bicycle kick (watch above) may have been the highlight of the rout. RECAP
Thanks to FC Dallas' slip, Sporting KC were able to regain their spot in the Western Conference penthouse with a 3-2 victory over visiting Chicago. RECAP
Red Bulls stampede Montreal
The New York Red Bulls continued their rampant run of form by posting their fourth straight victory with a 4-0 rout of visiting Montreal on Saturday night. RECAP
Winning the Alcatel MLS Player of the Week prize sure didn't slow down Daniel Royer any. He happily bagged a brace to give him five goals and two helpers during the win streak. READ MORE
LA hold Schmid's ex-club
The LA Galaxy pocketed a point from the first game of Sigi Schmid's return to the helm, battling defending champs Seattle to a scoreless home draw on Saturday. RECAP
In his weekend review, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle dissected the news that Seattle left back Joevin Jones has inked a pre-deal to join 2. Bundesliga side Darmstadt in January. READ MORE
Report: D.C. chasing De Jong
According to the Washington Post's Steven Goff, D.C. United are in advanced talks with Galatasaray midfield enforcer Nigel de Jong, who previously played in the league with the LA Galaxy. READ MORE
Exports: Mix sparks Goteborg rally
On Sunday, ex-NYCFC player Mix Diskerud continued his IFK Goteborg resurrection with the winning goal and an assist in their 4-1 fightback win over Norrkoping. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch:
Watch: Sebastian Giovinco become the MLS free kick king with his 50th league goal
