Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Can FCD get well against the champs?
FC Dallas will try to solidify their postseason credentials by snapping a eight-game win drought when MLS Cup holders Seattle pop in for a Saturday showdown (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The Toyota Stadium crew will want to take heart from the fact that heat home team has won the last eight meetings between these clubs by a 21-4 combined margin. PREVIEW
The Sounders caught a break for the game, as defender Roman Torres saw last weekend's red card rescinded by the Independent Panel. READ MORE
RSL brace for Timbers invasion
Portland will try to reclaim the top spot in the West while hosts Real Salt Lake fight for their postseason life in Saturday's key contest (9:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The Timbers have become quite comfy at Rio Tinto in recent season, going 2-0-2 on their last four league visits. PREVIEW
Ben Baer takes a look at what Timbers talisman Diego Valeri needs to do to score the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award at season's end. READ MORE
A record-setting Southern derby finale?
ExtraTime Radio Podcast
LISTEN: Football scores in soccer? Atlanta United are so comfy in Mercedez-Benz Stadium that they're putting up touchdowns. After a 7-0 win that has folks dreaming big, ATLUTD president Darren Eales (9:30) joins the guys to talk a history-making expansion season. After the break -- and a convo about that Alexi Lalas rant -- Vancouver head coach Carl Robinson (37:45) explains what has the 'Caps in first place. Subscribe now and "Like" our Facebook page so you never miss a show! Download this episode!
Atlanta United will try to move closer to clinching a playoff invite when Orlando City comes calling for a Saturday southern duel (3:55 pm ET | Univision, facebook.com/MLSenUnivision; MLS LIVE in Canada). The Five Stripes have yet to leak a goal in two wins at their new home, and have yet to lose a regional derby to the Lions. PREVIEW
With Mercedes-Benz Stadium's full capacity set to be tested, Atlanta will take aim at MLS records for attendance, ATL UTD President Darren Eales told the ExtraTime Radio crew. LISTEN NOW | SUBSCRIBE
Shorthanded TFC visit LA
Clear East leaders Toronto FC can move closer to their first Supporters' Shield when they make a Saturday visit to the LA Galaxy (10:30 pm ET | TSN1/3/4; MLS LIVE in US). Though they've won five straight, the Reds will need to make do without hobbled hit men Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco. PREVIEW
Where do the Reds stand on Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle's list of the top five teams in MLS history? Read his column to find out. READ MORE
New West leaders Vancouver host Crew SC
Two of the hottest teams in MLS will square off on Saturday when Columbus pays a visit to West perch-sitters Vancouver (7 pm ET | TSN; MLS LIVE in US). Expect a tight contest; both teams are unbeaten in five, and they've evenly split the three previous BC Place meetings. PREVIEW
The Whitecaps have added US youth international Danny Barbir to their ranks by signing the free-agent defender to a USL deal. READ MORE
Red Bulls, Union starved for points
A pair of rivals hungry for a victory will do battle on Sunday when the Philadelphia Union make the short trip to face the New York Red Bulls (1 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; MLS LIVE in Canada). Both clubs have gone winless for over a month now. PREVIEW
With Oguchi Onyewu suspended and Joshua Yaro back on the mend, the Union could hand a first start since April to Richie Marquez. READ MORE
Jillian Sakovits explores how RBNY supporters' group Empire Supporters Club joined with local wrestlers to create the annual Forza Lucha fundraiser, which benefits the AIDS Research Foundation for Children. WATCH VIDEO
NYCFC, Houston head west
New York City FC will try to keep their Supporters' Shield hopes alive when they invade Colorado for a Saturday tussle (9 pm ET | MLS LIVE). NYCFC, who remain without top gun David Villa, were held to a scoreless draw on their only previous to Dick's Sporting Goods Park. PREVIEW
Houston will go for the season sweep against San Jose in Saturday's game at Avaya (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). It won't be easy, as the Quakes are unbeaten in their last nine competitive home matches. PREVIEW
Sporting KC welcome scuffling Revs
Western Conference title hopefuls Sporting KC will need three points from Saturday's home tilt against a bruised New England side (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE) if they want to stay in touch with the leading pack. In addition to licking wounds after a 7-0 midweek defeat in Atlanta, they'll also be missing key cogs like Antonio Mlinar Delamea, Xavier Kouassi and Kelyn Rowe. PREVIEW
Sporting KC forward Soony Saad gained the story of a lifetime on his recent visit to North Korea while on Lebanon international duty. READ MORE
Fire aim to correct home form
Chicago will try to halt a three-game win drought at home when old rival D.C. United come to town for Saturday's clash (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The Fire have also struggled to handle D.C. at Toyota Park in recent years, going 0-2-3 on United's last five visits. PREVIEW
Reports in both Turkey and the Netherlands claim that former LA Galaxy midfielder Nigel de Jong will join D.C. United in January [In Dutch—ed.) after gaining his release from Galatasaray. READ MORE
Loons fly into Montreal
The Montreal Impact will try to creep closer toward the last playoff slot in the East when Minnesota United drop by on Saturday night for the first meeting between the two teams (7:30 pm ET | TVAS; MLS LIVE in US). Something will have to give, as the hosts enter on a three-game losing skid, while the Loons have lost six of seven road games. PREVIEW
Montreal have moved to lock down striker Anthony Jackson-Hamel, signing the Canada international to a two-year contract extension with an option for the 2020 season. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
Beat The Pro: Giles Barnes takes the Crossbar Challenge against a OCSC fan
