ExtraTime Radio Podcast
LISTEN: It's Wednesday night and there are eight games on MLS LIVE ... that's what the ExtraTime boys call heaven. Andrew, David and Matt banter through a wild slate of games, then talk 24 Under 24 Top 10 before US U-20 coach and US youth technical director Tab Ramos joins to add his expertise (38:07). Subscribe now and "Like" our Facebook page so you never miss a show! Download this episode!
Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Atlanta's Almiron tops 2017 24 Under 24
The top 10 of our MLS 24 Under 24 list was unveiled on ExtraTime Live driven by Continental on Thursday, with Atlanta United's Miguel Almiron taking the top spot for 2017. FULL LIST
To honor the occasion, we offered up a fresh "10 Things" feature to get you better acquainted with the outstanding Paraguay playmaker. READ MORE
Can TFC wrap up the Shield?
Bearing the weight of their first two-game losing skid in nearly 18 months, Toronto FC will attempt to clinch the Supporers Shield in Saturday's home game against the New York Red Bulls (7 pm ET | TSN; MLS LIVE in US). While the Big Apple bunch have often played rude BMO guests, they are winless in their last four league matches there. PREVIEW
Though Reds running mate Sebastian Giovinco remains in doubt, Jozy Altidore has proclaimed himself ready to return from injury on Saturday. READ MORE
West leaders Vancouver make tricky KC trip
Vancouver will have its work cut out if they wish to remain atop the West after Saturday's key match at Sporting KC (9 pm ET | TSN; MLS LIVE in US). The Missouri Azzurri are just one point back in the standings and unbeaten at home in MLS play since May – of 2016. PREVIEW
Whitecaps boss Carl Robinson has a simple message for his charges in the wake of Wednesday's 3-0 derby defeat at Seattle: forget it and move forward. READ MORE
NYCFC invade Chicago
The Chicago Fire will try to stay within reach of second in the East when they host New York City FC the MLS LIVE Free Match of the Week on Saturday (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Patrick Vieira's boys, who scored a 4-3 victory in Chicago last season, are unbeaten in their last four away from home. PREVIEW | MORE INFO
This month's Michigan Avenue magazine features an interview and ritzy fashion shoot with Fire star Bastian Schweinsteiger. READ MORE
Columbus shoot for clincher
The Columbus Crew can lock down a playoff return with a win in Saturday's home match against D.C. United (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The Mapfre Stadium boys are 5-0-1 in their last six at home, and haven't lost to D.C. in their friendly confines since 2007. PREVIEW
Crew SC boss Gregg Berhalter would love to have young midfield ace Artur back next year, but admits he's unsure what will happen when the Brazilian's loan deal expires at season's end. READ MORE
Champs aim for first MLS "W" in Philly
Seattle will try to get back to the top of the Western hill when make a Sunday afternoon visit to potential spoilers Philadelphia Union (1 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; MLS LIVE in Canada). Though they did raise the 2014 US Open Cup at Talen Energy Stadium, the Sounders have yet to win there in four league tries. PREVIEW
With midfield general Ozzie Alonso again out for the Sounders, Gustav Svensson just carries on demonstrating that he's been one of the most integral pickups made by any MLS team this year. READ MORE
Shaky Quakes welcome the Timbers
Portland will take a shot at reclaiming the Western penthouse when they visit San Jose for an important Saturday clash (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). With their playoff hopes on the line, the stumbling Earthquakes will take heart in the fact that the home team has won five straight league meetings between the two. PREVIEW
In case you were wondering how Diego Valeri seems to be getting stronger as the season wears on, he revealed to The Oregonian that an offseason change in diet has played a big part in that phenomenon. READ MORE
Streaking Atlanta tries New England
Form side Atlanta United will try to avoid a slip when they pay a Saturday visit to New England (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Not only must the Five Stripes tackle a Revs side that has taken six straight games at Gillette by a combined 15-4 tally, but they will also need to fear revenge payback for the 7-0 drubbing they inflicted on their weekend hosts in Atlanta two weeks ago. PREVIEW
One might accuse Atlanta boss Tata Martino of being biased, but he says midweek stand-in playmaking hero Julian Gressel would definitely have his vote for the Rookie of the Year prize. READ MORE
FC Dallas enters the Lions den
A pair of teams intent on boosting their playoff chances will lock horns on Saturday when Orlando City hosts FC Dallas. (4 pm ET | Univision, facebook.com/MLSenUnivision; MLS LIVE in Canada). Having halted a 10-game winless slide on Wednesday, the Supporters' Shield holders will now try to end their five-game road losing streak. PREVIEW
Since the Lions have lost all three previous meetings with their weekend guests, they'll surely hope to recreate some of the magic from Wednesday's 6-1 rout of New England. It was a game of firsts for Orlando City, most importantly because it marked their first home win in nearly four months. READ MORE
Rising RSL roll into LA
Real Salt Lake will try to continue their meteoric climb up the Western table when they visit LA for Saturday's key contest (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Back in July, they snapped a five-game losing streak at StubHub with the 6-2 triumph over the Galaxy that started their playoff drive. PREVIEW
The Salt Lake Tribune has detailed how the Royals morphed from the team that started the season 2-7-2 into one that appears to be racing toward the postseason. READ MORE
Slumping Houston take on warming Loons
Postseason hopefuls Houston will be eager to snap a six-game win drought when Minnesota United comes calling for a Saturday tilt(8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The visitors, who've already battled the Dynamo to a pair of draws the season, arrive having earned consecutive victories for the first time in club history. PREVIEW
The Dynamo are looking to regain the focus lost in the wild 3-3 home draw with LA that saw them drop below the playoff line. READ MORE
Can Impact close ground in Colorado?
The Montreal Impact will try to boost their playoff hopes when they make a Saturday visit to West cellar dwellers Colorado (9 pm ET | TVAS; MLS LIVE in US; TVAS in Canada). Though they've lost five of six, the Impact could potentially pull to within a point of the playoff line with a victory. PREVIEW
There was huge news out of Montreal on Thursday, as the club agreed to a contract extension with star man Ignacio Piatti. READ MORE
Exports: McKennie inks fresh Schalke deal
He's only made two Bundesliga starts thus far, but obviously that was enough for Schalke to hand a contract extension to FCD academy product and US youth international Weston Mckennie on Thursday. READ MORE
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