Kick Off: Altidore lifts TFC to MLS Cup | Seattle aim to push Dynamo aside

Edgar Castillo - with US national team vs. Guatemala

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


Altidore fires TFC back to MLS Cup

Toronto FC will have another chance to claim MLS Cup glory in front of their home fans following Wednesday's decisive 1-0 victory over Eastern Conference FInal second leg guests Columbus. Jozy Altidore bagged the lone goal of the tie on the hour mark to give the Reds a shot at BMO Field redemPtion. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS


Charles Boehm paid postgame tribute to Altidore, who played the hero while grinning and bearing an ankle knock to put a rough personal patch in the rear-view mirror. READ MORE


The loss left Columbus to dwell on how agonizingly close they came to booking an MLS Cup return. READ MORE


Can Houston upend the series in Seattle?


MLS Cup holders Seattle and Houston will reunite at CenturyLink Field on Thursday (10:30 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN; TSN, TVAS) to decide the Western Conference Championship. The Dynamo will arrive trailing in every conceivable way; not only do they trail 2-0 on aggregate, but they've never won in Seattle, haven't scored on their last five visits and the champs are on a 17-match home unbeaten run. PREVIEW


Though they'll miss suspended center back Roman Torres, the Sounders are intent on staying stingy to extend their league-record 557-minute playoff shutout streak. READ MORE


Meanwhile, Houston coach Wilmer Cabrera knows his side must turn aggressive in limiting Seattle's wide possession if they have any hope of staging a successful rally. READ MORE


Hudson arrives in Colorado, Castillo next?


The rumored became the real on Wednesday, as Colorado named Anthony Hudson as their new head coach. The 36-year-old arrives from a stint guiding New Zealand's national team to the brink of World Cup qualification. READ MORE


In other Rapids news, Monterrey's veteran US left back Edgar Castillo has reportedly sewn up a switch to play for the new boss. READ MORE


Garza seals permanent Atlanta move


Atlanta United have locked down 2017 loan standout Gregory Garza, securing him on a full transfer from Liga MX side Tijuana before inking the US left back to a multi-year deal. READ MORE


Expansion race down to final four

Kick Off: Altidore lifts TFC to MLS Cup | Seattle aim to push Dynamo aside  - https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/2017-Expansion-Map-DL-1280x553.jpg

Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento have been selected as finalists for the two expansion spots that will be handed out next month. Reps from each of the cities will make final presentations to the MLS Expansion Committee on Dec. 6 in New York. READ MORE


MLS ref duo in for WC18 assignments


Major League Soccer referees Mark Geiger and Jair Marrufo were chosen to take part in this week's FIFA seminar in Abu Dhabi that began the selection process for World Cup 2018 match officials. READ MORE


Adams makes Crain's U-20 cut


Young New York Red Bulls ace Tyler Adams has been honored with a place on the annual 20 Under 20 list put out by Crain's New York Business magazine. READ MORE


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