Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Vancouver holds the Sounders at nil
The Western Conference semifinals got underway on Sunday night, with hosts Vancouver holding defending MLS Cup champs Seattle to a scoreless draw at BC Place. The Cascadia rivals combined for just one shot on goal, the lowest one-game total in MLS Playoff history RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
Though some observers will scoff at the Whitecaps failing to fire a single shot on goal, coach Carl Robinson says it was all part of their plan to keep Seattle from scoring an away goal. READ MORE
That strategy led to a lively Playoff Central debate between Matt Doyle and Andrew Wiebe. They'll rejoin host Susannah Collins and the crew tonight at 6:30 p.m. on MLSsoccer.com to preview the evening pairings, then breaking them down after the action. WATCH VIDEO | SUBSCRIBE
TFC attempt to storm the gates at RBNY
The New York Red Bulls will begin the unenviable task of taking on Supporters' Shield winners Toronto FC when their Eastern Conference Semifinal duel kicks off on Monday night (7 pm ET | FS1; TSN4, TVAS). The underdogs will host the opener at Red Bull Arena, where the Toronto have dropped 7-of-10. PREVIEW
Though set for his first playoff contest, Toronto FC netminder Alex Bono insists he's ready for the pressure thanks to all the growth he's enjoyed this season. READ MORE
Timbers travel to stymie Dynamo
Portland and Houston will kick off their Western Conference Semifinal matchup with Monday night's BBVA Compass clash (9:30 pm ET | FS1; TVAS). Though the teams head into this matchup even in their all-time series (4-4-4), the Timbers have yet to win in Houston in six tries. PREVIEW
Timbers coach Caleb Porter says he isn't interested in over-thinking a strategy for this tie. He'd rather have his boys just win both games and be done with it. READ MORE
MLS Playoffs crème de la crème
Writing for FourFourTwo, Sam Stejskal has compiled a list of his top five MLS Playoff matches of all-time. Without giving too much away, his No. 1 choice came from last year. Hmmm … READ MORE
Report: Rapids closing on new boss
Goal.com's Ives Galarcep is reporting that the Colorado Rapids are close to landing New Zealand manager Antony Hudson to fill their vacant head coaching job. READ MORE
Transfer talk: Barca's Mascherano, Malmo's Berget
According to local outlet Sport, Barcelona veteran Javier Mascherano could make the move to MLS next summer. The 33-year-old Argentina skipper can operate as a defensive midfielder or in central defense. READ MORE
Over in Sweden, Fotbolls Kanalen reports that Malmo's Norway forward Jo Inge Berget will make a free transfer to join Orlando City when his contract expires at year's end. The 27-year-old has bagged nine goals in 24 games across all competitions this term. READ MORE
OCSC excited for Puerto Rico benefit
Orlando City players are eager to give back in Wednesday's friendly with the Puerto Rico national team. Proceeds from the match, which will be Kaká's last in a Lions shirt, will benefit the island's hurricane victims. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
