Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Crew SC stare down Toronto with East in balance
Having already knocked favored foes Atlanta United and New York City FC out of the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, Columbus will now take aim at Supporters' Shield winners Toronto FC when they host Leg 1 of the Eastern Conference Championship on Tuesday night (8 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN; TSN1/3/4/5, TVAS). The MAPFRE Stadium bunch are 7-0-1 in their last eight home matches and once dominated the Reds there, but Greg Vanney's boys have managed a 3-2-2 run in Columbus over the last four seasons. PREVIEW
For Crew SC midfielder Wil Trapp, this tie will be a chance ot make his name by out-dueling veteran TFC counterpart Michael Bradley. READ MORE
Seattle invade Houston with return to Cup at stake
Houston will open the gates to MLS Cup holders Seattle for Tuesday's Western Conference Championship opener (9:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports Go; TSN1/3, TVAS). While the Dynamo are unbeaten in nine home games against Seattle (5-0-4), they will need to find a way to end the champs' 467-minute postseason shutout streak. PREVIEW
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle writes that Houston's best shot at an upset involves pulling Seattle center backs Chad Marshall and Roman Torres out of the middle. READ MORE
Atlanta scores again: Newcomer of the Year
Atlanta United's Miguel Almiron was named as MLS Newcomer of the Year on Monday, outpacing probably the finest field in the award's history by a fair margin in the voting. READ MORE
Kenwyne Jones announces retirement
On a day when his contract option was declined by Atlanta United, veteran striker Kenwyne Jones announced on Twitter that he was hanging his boots to cap a 16-year career that saw him score 159 goals. READ MORE
Report: Club America eyeing Rubio
A report on Univision indicates Club America has interest in Sporting KC forward Diego Rubio. READ MORE
Red Bulls pair out of the pen?
According to Metro reporters Kristian Dyer, the New York Red Bulls are ready to move on from defenders Gideon Baah and Damien Perrinelle. READ MORE
Tim Howard, American idol
Young Manchester United and England attacker Marcus Rashford has revealed his rather surprising yet familiar childhood idol as none other than Colorado netminder Tim Howard, who played for the Red Devils from 2003-07. READ MORE
