Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Toronto flex muscle in 1st leg
Supporters' Shield winners Toronto FC got a leg up in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series with a 2-1 away win over the New York Red Bulls on Monday night. Sebastian Giovinco broke a 72nd minute deadlock with one of his trademark free kicks. RECAP
Reds stars Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, who each got their pro starts with New York, shrugged off the constant jeering from Red Bull Arena fans to help their team post the victory. READ MORE
No breakthrough for Dynamo, Timbers
Houston and Monday night guests Portland opened their Western Conference Semifinal duel by playing to a scoreless draw. Though chances were few and far between, each side did have a penalty shout rejected by the referee. RECAP
Timbers boss Caleb Porter was delighted with how his team battled for the draw despite a spate of key injuries suffered before and during the contest. READ MORE
NYCFC, Crew SC open at MAPFRE
The last Conference Semifinal first leg in these Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs will get underway tonight when Columbus Crew SC host New York City FC (8 pm ET | ESPN in USA; TSN and TVAS in Canada). Greg Berhalter's squad is winless in the last four meetings between the two clubs, which have seen the teams ring up 22 goals. PREVIEW
Ahead of the first leg, NYCFC boss Patrick Vieira had nothing but compliments for a Crew SC side he says excels as a team. READ MORE
Be sure to tune into the MLS Playoff Centralpregame (7:30 pm ET) and postgame shows (10 pm ET) for the full breakdown and live reaction from MAPFRE. WATCH HERE
Robinson: Reyna, Techera still in doubt
Vancouver coach Carl Robinson admits to being pessimistic over the return of dinged up attack aces Yordy Reyna (above) and Cristian Techera for Thursday's decisive 2nd leg against Conference Semifinal rivals Seattle. READ MORE
Meanwhile, Seattle boss Brian Schmetzer has allayed Emerald City fears that defender Chad Marshall might miss the second leg. READ MORE
Kamara unsure over Revs future
Still disappointed by New England's failure to reach the postseason and ever-eager to finally claim an MLS Cup crown, Kei Kamara admits to being unsettled about his future despite the club holding an option for next season. READ MORE
Bradley scouting in Costa Rica
LAFC head coach Bob Bradley was spotted taking in this weekend's Saprissa vs. Alajuelense match with former MLS player Kurt Morsink, now an agent that has brought several Costa Rican players to MLS. READ MORE
Fingers crossed for a call-up
Already making an impact in his first full pro campaign in Germany, FC Dallas academy product and current Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie is hoping to see his name on the call-up list for the USMNT's November friendly in Portugal. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch:
