Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Lodeiro: This season was tougher
On the eve of Tuesday night's Western Conference Championship opener at Houston (9:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports GO; TSN, TVAS), Seattle string-puller Nicolas Lodeiro admitted that his first full MLS season was tougher sledding due to an increase in tactical and physical attention from opponents. READ MORE
Kamara riding high after Norway return
Columbus striker Ola Kamara was lifted by last week's Norway duty, and he's intent on translating that buzz into goals when their Eastern Conference final tie kicks off against visiting favorites Toronto FC on Tuesday (8 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN; TSN, TVAS). READ MORE
Ricketts wants to thank TFC
As he gets set to make the most important start of his MLS tenure, Toronto FC forward Tosaint Ricketts is aiming to show his gratitude for the stability the club has brought to both his career and his life off the field. READ MORE
Exclusive: 1-on-1 with Landon Donovan
With the USMNT turning the page and a USSF election on tap, Senior Editor Andrew Wiebe sat down with Landon Donovan to discuss the state of the program and what lies ahead for the US, MLS and more. WATCH VIDEO
Meira bids farewell to Chicago
Veteran center back Joao Meira has announced that he will not be back with the Chicago Fire next season. The 30-year-old worked 58 MLS contests in two seasons with the club. READ MORE
Lining up Portland job candidates
After watching all the various reports in the wake of Caleb Porter's departure from Portland, we've complied a list of five potential successors for the club's head coaching job. READ MORE
Familiar face joining Bradley at LAFC?
Egyptian outlet Kingfut reports that 2018 expansion side LAFC have struck a loan-plus-purchase option deal for Basel right back Omar Gaber. The Egypt World Cup squad hopeful received his first international cap under LAFC boss Bob Bradley back in 2011. READ MORE
Exports: Moore, Parks enjoy debuts
Former US Under-20 right back Shaq Moore put on a solid display in his first La Liga start to help Levante post a 2-0 victory at Las Palmas on Sunday. READ MORE
Moore wasn't the only young American to enjoy a first overseas this weekend, as Benfica's Keaton Parks worked a 19-minute debut in their Taca de Portugal win over Vitoria Setubal on Saturday. Wearing No. 55, the midfielder took part in the late insurance tally that sealed the holders' place in the Round of 16. WATCH VIDEO
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
