Welcome back from the holiday break! Here's everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Prep for a flurry – it's Contract Deadline Day!
It will be a big day for a host of league players, as 14 of the league's clubs must declare contract option intentions on by end of day. READ MORE
Cyber Monday: Your 2017 MLS Holiday Gift Guide
'Tis that season once again, so we've come up with some holiday gift suggestions for the discerning MLS fan on Cyber Monday. READ MORE
Will bans affect Conference Championships deciders?
Columbus, Houston and Seattle will all need to deal with key suspension absences if they hope to escape the week with a 2017 MLS Cup invite. Nicholas Rosano explains how each club might do that in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Championships deciding legs. READ MORE
TFC plotting with Altidore, Giovinco returning
The one remaining MLS Cup hunter not saddled with a Conference Championship Leg 2 ban, Toronto FC, is much more focused on the attack possibilities offered by the return of strike stars Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco from one-game suspensions. READ MORE
Castillo: Best soccer culture moments of 2017
As we continue reviewing the season that was, Senior Editor Arielle Castillo offers up her ranking of the top 10 moments from the culture surrounding the game this year. READ MORE
Mikael Stahre takes San Jose reins
The San Jose Earthquakes made a change on the sideline on Sunday, turning to Swedish coach Mikael Stahre for their top job. Interim Chris Leitch returns to his previous role as Technical Director. READ MORE
Union coach Curtin pivots to youth
Fully aware that he erred on the side of caution with playing youngsters this season, Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin has vowed to give more responsibilities to the kids in his drive to host a playoff game at Talen Energy Stadium in 2018. READ MORE
Who is on the Galaxy's GK browsing list?
Among several changes expected to the LA Galaxy roster this season, they're shopping to upgrade in goal. Last Word in Soccer demonstrates that they have plenty of tempting options available right here in MLS. READ MORE
USMNT: How Bono, Steffen fit in at GK
While Toronto FC netminder Alex Bono and Columbus Crew SC opposite Zack Steffen battle it out for an MLS Cup invite, Sam Stejskal takes a look at their standing in US national team picture moving forward. READ MORE
Exports: Former RBNY defender Miazga comes clutch
On a weekend that also saw fellow US internationals Terrence Boyd and Julian Green find the net in Germany, Matt Miazga snapped home the late winner as Vitesse blanked Sunday guests ADO Den Haag. WATCH VIDEO
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