Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
The Most Important Match in US history?
The US national team's most important game since World Cup 2014 has arrived, as they can all but clinch a World Cup 2018 place with a victory in Friday's home qualifier against Panama (7:30 pm ET | ESPN2, Univision, UDN). Los Canaleros, who enter the match one point ahead of the hosts for CONCACAF's last automatic qualification ticket, have held the USMNT to 1-1 draws in their last four meetings. READ MORE | WATCH VIDEO
Bobby Warshaw opines that this is actually the most important match in USMNT history. READ MORE
With so much on the line, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle offers up his tactical preview of Friday's vital clash. READ MORE
ETR: USA-Panama Preview, MLS banter & the Mailbag
ExtraTime Radio Podcast
LISTEN: Friday against Panama is a must-win game. Don't let anyone tell you any different. The guys preview the US national team's second-to-last World Cup qualifier from top to bottom, then invite Panamanian journalist David Sakata (18:49) on to re-live the national nightmare ushered in by San Zusi's goal in 2013. Stick around for MLS banter and the mailbag. Subscribe now and "Like" our Facebook page so you never miss a show! Download this episode!
Can Yordy Reyna help guide Peru to the World Cup?
With Vancouver ace Yordy Reyna receiving an emergency call to Peru camp ahead of crunch CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Colombia, Franco Panizo writes about the role he may play as his nation seeks its first trip to the finals since 1982. READ MORE
MLS Week 31: High playoff stakes for RBNY, 'Caps, SKC, FCD
The New York Red Bulls host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday (5pm ET | UniMás, facebook.com/MLSenUnivision; TSN1), with much on the line: a Red Bulls victory locks them into the Eastern Conference's final Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs slot, while a 'Caps win clinches a Knockout Round bye for the surprise West leaders. PREVIEW
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, expansion side MNUFC welcome Sporting Kansas City (8pm ET | MLS LIVE), who can clinch a postseason berth and eliminate the Loons with a victory. That would be a tough result for the spunky hosts, who will be closing their inaugural home slate. PREVIEW
The league slate capper is a mile-high matchup between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas. This is the first of three closing matches in which the Rapids can severely damage the playoff positioning – and outright hopes – of Western Conference foes. PREVIEW
Top 11 injury setbacks of 2017
Nick Sabetti offers up his list of the top 11 setbacks of the season, breaking down the impactful injuries. READ MORE
One that could well have made the cut: Columbus will be forced to make do without rookie defender Alex Crognale for 6-8 weeks following a successful sports hernia operation performed this week. READ MORE
MLS records made to be broken in 2017
Toronto FC aren't the only ones making an assault on the record books this year. We've got the rundown on all the league standards that have fallen or are set to in the final weeks of the season. READ MORE
Will Kaká return in 2018? What of RSL's vets?
Orlando City are reportedly in negotiations to bring skipper Kaká back next season. READ MORE
Per Sam Stejskal, Real Salt Lake have begun extension talks with veteran mainstays Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando, who are currently set to become free agents at season's end. READ MORE
Rapids striker Badji inks fresh deal
Colorado have signed a two-year extension with runaway top scorer Dominique Badji. The 24-year-old speedster has struck 17 times in 76 MLS appearances (4 postseason) since joining the Rapids in 2015. READ MORE
US U-17s open World Cup play vs. India
Also Friday, The US Under-17 national team will begin World Cup play against host nation India. As such, Travis Clark is here with your tournament primer for following a team loaded with MLS prospects. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
