Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Uncapped: Dempsey double bounces Vancouver
Clint Dempsey returned from suspension to produce a pair of second-half strikes that gave defending MLS Cup champs Seattle a 2-0 home victory. The victory, which mirroered the aggregate score, brushed aside rival Vancouver from the Sounders' path to the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Championship. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
After the game, Charles Boehm hailed Dempsey for remaining the dependably dangerous man Seattle can always turn to in times of need. READ MORE
TFC aim to pen Red Bulls
Boosted by a 2-1 away win in the opening leg, Toronto FC will try to close out their Eastern Conference Semifinal tie with the New York Red Bulls in Saturday's home return (3 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; TSN1/4, TVAS). While Greg Vanney's boys are 13-1-3 at BMO Field this season, they've traditionally endured some struggles when the Red Bulls come to town. PREVIEW
One of Toronto FC's unsung heroes this season has been defender Chris Mavinga, who has proven he can get the job done after arriving in an offseason transfer. READ MORE
Can NYCFC rally at home vs. Crew SC?
New York City FC return home with the tall task of overturning a 4-1 aggregate deficit against Columbus in Sunday's Conference Semifinal second leg (5 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes; TSN1, TVAS). The Cityzens, who have won just one of their last eight games, have been held to an even split in Crew SC's three previous visits. PREVIEW
With crunch time now firmly on, Columbus have been lifted by the emergence of a fruitful right side partnership between Pedro Santos and Harrison Afful. READ MORE
Also, Ben Couch writes the whole reason they're in this position is a commitment to playing their way, rather than adjusting to the format or opponent thus far. READ MORE
Everything to play for in Portland
Sunday's nightcap will feature Portland and visiting Houston, who will decide their scoreless Conference Semifinal tie at Providence Park (7:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes). The Timbers have won six straight at home, and they've gone 4-0-1 on the last five visits from Houston. PREVIEW
Late season addition Philippe Senderos has come up big for the Dynamo when they needed it most. The veteran has stepped in as an injury replacement to help the team log four straight shutouts. READ MORE
PKs: To practice or not to practice?
With plenty of talk about spot kick during the playoffs, Bobby Warshaw gives an ex-player's perspective on how to handle the pressure of penalties, both before they come up and when it's time to convert. READ MORE
RSL complete Savarino transfer
Real Salt Lake have moved to shore up their attack for the future by using their purchase option on loan standout Jefferson Savarino. The young Venezuela winger notched six goals and five assists in 22 games this season. READ MORE
Report: Martino rebuffs USMNT approach
According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Atlanta United boss Tata Martino has said thanks, but no thanks after receiving interest from US Soccer about the men's national team head coach position. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
Playoff Central: Boswell & Gordo on Dempsey coming up clutch for Seattle
