Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Donovan headlines CountDown to Decision Day
US national team legend and MLS all-time leading scorer Landon Donovan highlights a jam-packed slate of coverage on Sunday as part of "The Countdown to Decision Day presented by AT&T." Donovan, Carlos Ruiz and Jay Heaps will join MLSsoccer.com's Calen Carr, Andrew Wiebe and Susannah Collins for pregame coverage beginning at 4 pm ET (before the early matches), and then postgame analysis at 9:30 pm ET (following the late games). READ MORE
MLS LIVE is the best way to watch all the out-of-market action on Decision Day and this weekend (October 15). You can watch multiple games on multiple devices or watch four games on one screen with your laptop. Subscriptions are only $7.99 (or $4.99 if you use our iOS app). Some blackout rules apply. MORE INFO
FC Dallas straddling the playoff line in Seattle
Early-season favorites FC Dallas will try to hang on to a playoff spot when they pay a massive Sunday visit to Seattle (7:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes; MLS LIVE in Canada). The Sounders, who stand to clinch a postseason appearance with a victory while eyeing a Knockout Round bye, are 8-0-3 with six shutouts in their last 11 home games. PREVIEW
As strange as it may sound, it appear as though MLS Cup holders Seattle are flying under the radar heading toward the postseason despite arguably being better equipped for a title run than they were last season. READ MORE
RSL needs another Rocky Mountain win
Real Salt Lake will go for the season sweep over rival Colorado Rapids in Sunday's vital derby at Dick's Sporting Goods Park (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The Claret and Cobalt, 3-2 in their last five at Colorado, could jump back into the playoff places with a victory. PREVIEW
The sterling form of playmaker Albert Rusnak has been the driving force behind Real Salt Lake's transformation from also-ran to playoff contender. READ MORE
401 Derby rubber match on tap
Toronto FC will continue their pursuit of MLS season records when they square off against arch rivals Montreal in Sunday's derby at BMO Field (5 pm ET | TSN1/4, TVAS; MLS LIVE in US). After road wins in the first two meetings, this contest will decide the season series. PREVIEW
In the aftermath of the US national team's crushing World Cup qualifying failure, Reds captain Michael Bradley insists he will have clear focus on club matters come Sunday. READ MORE
Vancouver can clinch West No. 1
West leaders Vancouver can clinch the conference crown with a win in Sunday's crunch clash with San Jose (7:30 pm ET | TSN1; MLS LIVE in US). The Earthquakes, who scored their first win in eight tries at BC Place last season, need a victory to keep their postseason hopes alive. PREVIEW
Veteran Quakes winger Shea Salinas has shown the importance of versatility during this playoff drive by ably shifting to left back. READ MORE
Timbers aim to extend home run
Portland will wager a four-game home win streak when D.C. United come to town for a Sunday duel (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Should Vancouver drop points against San Jose, the Timbers could set up a closing day showdown for first place with their Cascadia rivals by defeating the capital crew. PREVIEW
Timbers talisman Diego Valeri is among 53 players nominated for the MLS MVP award. READ MORE
Quick rematch for SKC, Houston
Following a 2-1 home win in midweek, Houston must now travel to Sporting KC on Sunday for another important game in the Western playoff race (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The hosts can stay ahead of three chasers for a Knockout Round bye, including a warming Dynamo side that is 1-0-2 in their last three at Children's Mercy Park. PREVIEW
Both Houston and Sporting KC have important cogs on the nomination list for the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award that was released on Thursday. READ MORE
Playoff preview at Red Bull Arena?
ExtraTime Live: from AtlantaThe guys are talking the upcoming weekend live from Atlanta. Driven by Continental Tire.
Posted by ExtraTime Live on Tuesday, October 10, 2017
In a potential Knockout Round preview, the New York Red Bulls will host Atlanta United on Sunday (8 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes; MLS LIVE in Canada). The team haven't met since the season opener, when RBNY boys escaped Bobby Dodd with three points. PREVIEW
Ben Baer examined Atlanta's "Four Horsemen" looking to identify the most important player to their attack, only to realize each of them is vitally important to the team's success. READ MORE
ExtraTime Live driven by Continental headed south Thursday to visit Atlanta United, at their vaunted new training facility, where David Gass and MLSSoccer.com's Arielle Castillo caught up with rising team stars like Anton Walkes, Chris McCann, and others to break down their first race to the post-season. WATCH NOW | LIKE EXTRATIME LIVE
NYCFC aim to lock down No. 2 slot
New York City FC can secure a Knockout Round bye with a victory in Sunday's game at New England (5 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Something's gotta give in this one; while the Cityzens are unbeaten in five on the road, the Revs are 6-0-1 with five clean sheets in their last seven at Gillette. PREVIEW
Meanwhile, NYCFC have announced a venue change for closing day, with next weekend's potentially important home contest against Columbus shifted to Citi Field in Queens due to the New York Yankees involvement in the MLB playoffs. READ MORE
Orlando City set for Kaká send-off
Orlando City will take the field Sunday against streaking playoff side Columbus in what will be the final home game for star skipper Kaka (5 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The visitors, who will enter play unbeaten in eight, need another victory to have a shot at securing home advantage in the Knockout Round. PREVIEW
Now that they know Kaká won't be back, the Lions have quickly gotten busy searching for a DP replacement who can act as the team's playmaker. READ MORE
Fire chasing Knockout Round bye
Chicago will attempt to stay in for the second spot in the East when Philadelphia visits for Sunday's contest (5 pm ET | MLS LIVE). Though the Fire have taken just one of their last five home games, they've also posted three straight shutout wins against the Union at Toyota Park. PREVIEW
Fire striker Nemanja Nikolic is enjoying his status as the leader of the Golden Boot race heading into the final two games of the season. READ MORE
Loons fly into LA
Out in LA, the Galaxy host expansion side Minnesota United FC (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The hosts, who won in Minnesota back in May, will be trying to end a six-game win drought. PREVIEW
Loons boss Adrian Heath has been toying with a two-striker set with an eye toward next season. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
