Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Altidore ready to shake rust, annoyances
Due to his first leg suspension and the international break, it's been three weeks since Toronto FC hit man Jozy Altidore took the field. While some may worry about rust, the striker insists he'll be ready to put a frustrating time to bed and help the team return to MLS Cup. READ MORE
Can Higuain match Schelotto for Crew SC?
Over at ESPN FC, Jason Davis writes that Crew SC ace Federico Higuain is an MLS Cup triumph away from rising to the local legend level of countryman Guillermo Barros Schelotto. READ MORE
Dinged Dynamo need second leg chess
Heading to Seattle for their Western Conference Championship decider with a two-goal deficit, the Houston Dynamo know their chance of staging a rally depends on how they deal with the key absences on both sides. READ MORE
Your 2017 MLS Coach of the Year
Thanks to a huge advantage in the club portion of the balloting, Toronto FC boss Greg Vanney took home the MLS Coach of the Year prize on Monday. READ MORE
Red Bulls complete Murillo capture
The New York Red Bulls kept hold of loan defender Michael Amir Murillo, enacting their buy option on the Panama international. The 21-year-old worked 17 contests this season, starting nine of the club's last 10 matches. READ MORE
Contract Deadline Day: Breaking down big moves
That was far from the only move to go down on Monday, which saw 14 of the 18 teams not still involved in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs announce their decisions on contract options. READ MORE
Sneijder leaving Nice for LAFC?
According to Algemeen Dagblad, veteran playmaker Wesley Sneijder is ready to cut his Nice tenure short to make a long-rumored move to join Bob Bradley at LA FC. READ MORE
Meanwhile, Norwegian outlet Hegnar reports that out-of-contract Aalesund FK striker Mustafa Abdellaoue has some MLS suitors [in Norwegian—ed.). The 29-year-old netted 18 times across all competitions this year. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
