Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
MLS, Liga MX join forces
Major League Soccer and Liga MX announced a long-term partnership on Tuesday, designed to strengthen the sport in North America. The alliance will focus on creating new competition to fuel the rivalry between the countries on the field as well as sharing best practices and prioritizing social responsibility efforts. READ MORE
Campeones Cup set for September
The first annual Campeones Cup match, pitting the champions of the respective leagues, will take place on September 19 at BMO Field. Toronto FC will host the winner of a match in mid-July between Liga MX 2017 Apertura champion Tigres UANL and the winner of the 2018 Clausura season (Currently in progress). READ MORE
Red Bulls close out CCL tie at home
The New York Red Bulls and Club Tijuana square off at 8 p.m. ET | MLSsoccer.com
Though fresh off an opening day romp over the weekend, the New York Red Bulls must get right back to CONCACAF Champions League work. The home side will try to make good on a 2-0 first leg advantage in Tuesday's quarterfinal decider against Tijuana (8 pm ET | UDN, UnivisionDeportes.com; go90.com for English audio). RBNY are unbeaten in their last six CCL home matches, a span that includes four shutout victories. PREVIEW
Though it's early in the settling process, Red Bulls boss Jesse Marsch says new playmaker Kaku is fitting in fast with the team's modus operandi. Making his first start for the club, the 23-year-old set up Ben Mines' early winner to punctuate a strong all-around display. READ MORE
Toronto FC with a chance to close out Liga MX champs
Holding a one-goal advantage over Liga MX Apertura champs Tigres UANL, MLS treble holders Toronto FC head to Monterrey for Leg 2 of their CCL quarterfinal (10pm ET | UDN, UnivisionDeportes.com; go90.com for English audio). Eduardo Vargas scored a crucial away goal for the Mexican side at BMO in the opening leg, which means a one-goal margin for Tigres sends them along on the tiebreaker. PREVIEW
Week 2 Team of the Week
Expansion darlings LAFC led the way by earning three nods on our MLS Team of the Week presented by Audi. New England and New York City FC each placed two players in the Week 2 Best XI. READ MORE
Loons ace Molino lost for season
Minnesota United's weekend win at Orlando City came at a mighty large cost, with attack engine Kevin Molino ruled out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. The Trinidad & Tobago international was off to a fast start, notching two goals and an assist before being forced early in the second half of Saturday's contest. READ MORE
Baer: Goals coming fast and furious
After crunching the early numbers, Ben (The Research) Baer notes that MLS clubs are scoring at a pace that far exceeds the usual output during the first two weeks of league play. READ MORE
Warshaw: Larentowicz shift pays off
Jeff Larentowicz was at the center of a crucial decision for Atlanta. | MLSsoccer.com
Following their weekend win over D.C. United, Atlanta United got the thumbs up from Bobby Warshaw for moving Jeff Larentowicz back defensive midfield, a move he says subtly keyed their attack output. READ MORE
U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame ballot released
Twenty-six players with MLS ties are among those on the 2018 National Hall of Fame ballot, with Atlanta United techincal director Carlos Bocanegra, New England head coach Brad Friedel and Thierry Henry among the first-time nominees. READ MORE
CanMNT Roster: 10 MLSers in selection
Canada boss John Herdman has called 22 players ahead of Sunday's camp gathering to prepare for his first game in charge, a March 24 with friendly with New Zealand in Murcia, Spain. Four Toronto FC players and three from Montreal are among the 10 summoned from MLS clubs. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
