Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
FC Dallas make the 1st visit to Atlanta's MB Stadium
Atlanta United will play their first ever game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium when FC Dallas pop by on Sunday afternoon (3:30 pm ET | FS1; MLS LIVE in Canada). While the home team eyes a housewarming celebration, FCD will aim to halt a seven-game win drought to remain above the Western playoff line. PREVIEW
For local boy and Atlanta United radio color man Jason Longshore, Sunday's stadium opening is a lifelong dream come true to life. READ MORE
Can RBNY stay hot against the Fire?
After snapping a four-game losing slide last weekend, Chicago will now try to solve the New York Red Bulls in Saturday's home match (4 pm ET | UniMás, facebook.com/MLSenUnivision; MLS LIVE in Canada). They'll want to play close attention to Bradley Wright-Phillips, who has scored four times during the Red Bulls five-game unbeaten series run (4-0-1). PREVIEW
The Chicago Tribune has run a profile on local Fire product Djordje Mihailovic, who is now working his way into the midfield rotation. READ MORE
The Galaxy invade Seattle
Former Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid will bring his LA Galaxy side to Seattle for a nationally-televised showdown on Sunday night (9 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes, TVA Sports). The West-leading MLS Cup holders have lost only once in their last 24 home games, but are just 1-1-2 in their last four CenturyLink Field duels with the Galaxy. PREVIEW
Sounders boss Brian Schmetzer has sent a message to recently AWOL Trinidad & Tobago international Joevin Jones, telling his left back that he must "show commitment" to the team's title defense drive if he wants to play. READ MORE
Timbers make tough Bronx trip
New York City FC will wager their 10-game home unbeaten run when Portland visits for a Saturday tussle between two of the league's current form sides (5:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Though the Timbers have won just once in their last 11 away from home, they can take heart in the fact that the road team has won both of the prior meetings between the two clubs. PREVIEW
Despite NYCFC boss Patrick Vieira's recent declaration that there is no catching Toronto FC in the Supporters' Shield race, his players openly disagree with that assessment. READ MORE
Warming Crew SC host Sporting KC
Suddenly resurgent Columbus will aim to solidify their postseason credentials in Sunday's nationally-televised duel with a Sporting KC side experiencing a minor swoon (1 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; MLS LIVE in Canada). In recent seasons, though, this matchup has been a tonic for Peter Vermes' side, who have taken six of the last seven against Crew SC and won two of the last three in Columbus. PREVIEW
Plenty of MLS players have taken interesting paths to pro soccer, but few have traveled such a trying road to the league as Sporting KC's Gerso. Kansas City Star scribe Sam McDowell has the often heartbreaking story. READ MORE
Quakes aim to slow down TFC
Toronto FC will look to continue their Supporters' Shield march when San Jose drops by for a Saturday visit (5 pm ET | TSN; MLS LIVE in the US). Greg Vanney's boys have won four straight and are unbeaten at BMO this season, but do have a losing all-time record (4-5-4) against the Earthquakes. PREVIEW
Reds midfielder Jonathan Osorio has recently been receiving a makeover of sorts from Canada manager Octavio Zambrano, who is adding more defensive elements to his central park game. READ MORE
RSL roll into Vancouver
Real Salt Lake will attempt to continue their late-season climb into the playoff picture with Saturday's visit to Vancouver (10 pm ET | TSN; MLS LIVE in US). While the Claret and Cobalt have won three of their last four road games, they have also dropped four in a row at BC Place by a combined 10-2 count. PREVIEW
The Whitecaps are steeling themselves for the next week, which will see their depth put to the test as they play three matches in seven days. READ MORE
Post-Harvey, Dynamo welcome the Rapids
Houston will play its first home game since Hurricane Harvey hit when Colorado comes calling for a Saturday contest (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Even though the Rapids will arrive with four consecutive defeats, they have managed a 2-2-3 record from their last seven visits to BBVA Compass Stadium. PREVIEW
While it may be easy to look past the floundering West cellar dwellers, the Dynamo are being extra careful not to fall into that trap against Colorado. READ MORE
Revs, Impact scrap at Gillette
A pair of teams striving to stage rallies for a playoff berth will clash on Saturday when New England hosts Montreal (7:30 pm ET | TVAS; MLS LIVE in US). Though the Revs have won four straight at home by a 12-3 combined tally, they've often struggled when the Impact come to town. PREVIEW
Lee Nguyen spearheads the Revs attack, and the story of his rise to MLS stardom is all about persistence paying off. WATCH VIDEO
Struggling Union visit Minnesota
Philadelphia need three points from Saturday's away tilt against Minnesota United (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE) if they hope to make a postseason return. The problem is they haven't won a road game since mid-May. PREVIEW
With Union veteran Alejandro Bedoya suspended for the match, it could open a place for Derrick Jones to make his first midfield start in more than two months. READ MORE
Lions, D.C. fight to keep hope alive
Both D.C. United and guests Orlando City will try to maintain slim postseason hopes when they meet at RFK on Saturday (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Though they've dropped two straight against the Lions, D.C. are riding a three-game streak of shutout victories. READ MORE
There's more than a game on the minds for Orlando City players and staff, who may be forced to stay in D.C. for a spell after Saturday's contest due to Hurricane Irma. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
Tab Ramos and Luchi Gonzalez talk MLS academies with US U-20s Adams, Glad
