Kick Off: Conf. Championships field set | Caligiuri for USSF president?

Paul Caligiuri poses with his jersey at Wednesday's press conference.

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:


Remick's Rocket: Dynamo shock West No. 1 Timbers


Houston are in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Championships for the first time in five years following their 2-1 comeback victory over injury-decimated second leg hosts Portland on Sunday night. Dylan Remick and Mauro Manotas scored late in each half to erase a one-goal deficit. RECAP


In his weekend review of all three contests, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle noted the major contributions offered by Dynamo midfielder Eric Alexander. READ MORE


TFC advance amidst Altidore, Kljestan fracas

Despite posting a 1-0 win in the away leg of their Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinal, the New York Red Bulls were eliminated by Supporters' Shield winners Toronto FC on away goals. A Bradley Wright-Phillips deflection gave his side hope by leveling the aggregate score early in the second half, but the visitors were unable to conjure a winner. RECAP


The game on the field was but one of the bouts on the day, with TFC's Jozy Altidore and Red Bulls skipper Sacha Kljestan each ejected after a wild halftime scuffle in the tunnel near the home locker room. As is often the case, both sides were telling a different story in the aftermath. READ MORE


Crew SC survive NYCFC fightback


New York City FC made a game attempt to overturn a large first-leg deficit to visiting Columbus on Sunday, but fell just short in a 2-0 vicotry that left them trailing 4-3 on aggregate. Andraz Struna's deflected strike on 53 minutes put the hosts one goal away from flipping the tie, but they were unable to do so despite near-constant pressure on the Crew SC goal. RECAP


After playing four games in 14 days, Gregg Berhalter's charges are eager to enjoy the breather during the upcoming internationl break before tackling Eastern Conference Championship foe Toronto FC. READ MORE


Kaká says bye to OCSC in friendly win


Orlando City star Kaká captained his last game for the club in Sunday's benefit friendly win over Puerto Rico. The Brazilian superstar notched a first-half assist for the hosts, who broke open a tie game with five second-half strikes. READ MORE


Report: Newcastle jump in for Almiron

Kick Off: Conf. Championships field set | Caligiuri for USSF president? - https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/styles/image_landscape/s3/images/almiron-martinez.jpg

Italian outlet CalcioMercato claims that DeAndre Yedlin's Newcastle have joined the crowd of suitors forming around Atlanta United string puller Miguel Almiron. READ MORE


Caligiuri throws hat in the USSF race


The US Soccer presidential race got more crowded this weekend, when "Shot heard 'round the world" author Paul Caligiuri announced he will run in February's election. READ MORE


Matthaus: Bayern should grab Pulisic


After watching young Borussia Dortmund star Christian Pulisic shine on Saturday, Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus declared that the club should move to acquire the US international when it comes time to replace either Franck Ribery or Arjen Robben. READ MORE | WATCH VIDEO


MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch



Playoff Central reviews Sunday's Conference Semifinal tripleheader