Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Atlanta open new home with a bang
Atlanta United celebrated their first game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a 3-0 cruise past FC Dallas on Sunday. In addition to going clear for the last playoff spot in the East, Atlanta left the reeling visitors winless in eight. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
In his weekend review, Armchair Analyst declared Atlanta the best team in the league at converting pressure turnovers into goals when Josef Martinez is fit. READ MORE
Have TFC wrapped up the Shield?
Toronto FC opened up a nine-point lead on their nearest chaser with a 4-0 home rout over the San Jose on Saturday afternoon. The Reds, who later clinched a playoff spot when Montreal lost, have now won five straight games, and are 11-0-3 at BMO Field on the season. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
The result compelled the Armchair Analyst to call the Supporters Shield race a done deal with more than a month remaining in the regular season. READ MORE
Valeri's record-tying streak shoots Portland to top
Diego Valeri equaled an MLS record by scoring for a seventh straight game by striking the lone goal in Portland's 1-0 victory at New York City FC on Saturday. Thanks to their third win in four, the visitors edged above the crowd to grab the West summit. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
After Valeri tied the record held by Raul Diaz Arce, Wolde Harris and Carlos Ruiz, Timbers boss Caleb Porter hailed his captain as a hard-worker, equal to any attacking threat in the league. READ MORE
Neagle rescues Sounders' share; Morris injured
Local product Lamar Neagle hopped off the bench late to fire the 85th-minute equalizer, earning Seattle a 1-1 home draw with the LA Galaxy. The rally ran the MLS champs' unbeaten streak to 12 games. RECAP | The point proved costly for the Sounders, who saw Jordan Morris depart just past the hour with a hamstring strain and Roman Torres sent off a minute from time. READ MORE
Columbus, Kansas City draw; EPB to the EPL?
Ola Kamara bagged his 15th goal of the term on the edge of halftime to earn Columbus a 1-1 draw with Sunday visitors Sporting KC. The result left the two clubs standing fourth in their respective conferences. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
The match came on the heels of a morning Metro report claiming that young Sporting KC defender Erik Palmer-Brown had informed management that he was set to sign a pre-deal to join EPL giants Manchetser City when his contract expires in January. READ MORE
Report: Leeds joins crowd around Larin
The latest European team to be linked with a swoop for Canada strike star Cyle Larin, who helped Orlando City post their first win since June on Saturday by netting his 11th goal of the season. READ MORE
Dynamo announce benefit doubleheader
The Houston Dynamo have announced a night of soccer to benefit Hurricane Harvey vicitms. On October 5, a team of Dynamo legends will kick off the event by facing the Univision Deportes All-Star team before the Dynamo play a friendly against Cruz Azul. READ MORE
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