Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
MLS "Goes Gold" in September
For the fourth year running, MLS WORKS is vowing to help "Kick Childhood Cancer" with a special league-wide campaign during September. This year's efforts benefit Children's Oncology Group, the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research.
US aim to leapfrog Costa Rica
The US national team can wrest second place in the CONCACAF Hex away from Costa Rica when the two meet for an important World Cup qualifier at Red Bull Arena on Friday (6:30 pm ET | ESPN, Univision, UDN). The USMNT is unbeaten since Bruce Arena took over for his second stint in charge last November, and used late goals from Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore to knock the Ticos out of July's Gold Cup. PREVIEW
Who should Arena start against the Ticos? We have lineup suggestions based on lessons gleaned from recent meetings between the rivals. READ MORE
Meanwhile, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle says the Nats have some questions to answer moving forward. READ MORE
Canada host Jamaica in Toronto
Octavio Zambrano and his Canada side will be looking for some payback for a Gold Cup ouster when they host Jamaica in Toronto on Saturday (7 pm ET | TSN1/4, RDS2). The last time these two teams faced off at BMO Field – three years ago – Les Rouges pulled off a 3-1 victory. PREVIEW
For Canada sensation Alphonso Davies, life these days involves striking the proper balance between his burgeoning stardom and being a typical kid. READ MORE
Impact, Fire aim to re-ignite winning ways
Two teams that headed in opposite directions during August will lock horns on Saturday when Chicago comes to Montreal (7 pm ET | TVA Sports; MLS LIVE in US). The Fire, who have dropped four straight, don't normally enjoy their visits to Stade Saputo, where they've won just once in eight tries. PREVIEW
Though a bit shorthanded due to international call-ups, the Impact will still have Alcatel Player of the Month winner Ignacio Piatti in uniform on Saturday. READ MORE
Dallas and Red Bulls collide
FC Dallas will aim to halt their slide and regain a Western Conference slot in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs when they host the New York Red Bulls for a Saturday duel (9 pm ET | UniMás, facebook.com/MLSenUnivision; MLS LIVE in Canada). RBNY, who have fared well at Toyota Stadium over the years, are 3-1-2 in their last games there. PREVIEW
Intent on keeping their side together for an MLS Cup run, FC Dallas have knocked back San Lorenzo's double-bid for Michael Barrios and Maxi Urruti. READ MORE
Can Revs or Lions stay alive?
Both New England and guests Orlando City will be desperate for the three points needed to stay involved in the playoff race when they square off at Gillette on Saturday (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The teams have evenly split their five prior meetings, with each side winning once to go with three draws. PREVIEW
With their postseason hopes withering and Cyle Larin away on Canada duty, Orlando City are counting on Dom Dwyer to start producing offense this weekend. READ MORE
Will LA or Colorado snap the slide?
A pair of teams chasing a long-sought victory clash at StubHub Center when the LA Galaxy welcome Colorado in the MLS LIVE Free Match of the Week on Saturday (11 pm ET | MLS LIVE). While the Rapids are winless on their last five visits to the City of Angels, they have managed three draws during that span. PREVIEW | MLS LIVE INFO
Jermaine Jones is now fit and ready to return to the Galaxy lineup, and is urging his teammates to treat every game like a final if they want to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. READ MORE
Morris becomes a Diabetes mentor
Seattle ace Jordan Morris suffers from Type-1 Diabetes, and he is now taking time to teach kids how to balance managing the disease and playing soccer at each USMNT camp stop. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
