Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
New England braces for Impact
Juan Agudelo and the Revs look to continue rolling against Montreal. | USA TODAY Sports Images
A pair of warming Eastern sides will open the weekend slate when New England tackles guests Montreal under Friday night lights (7:30 pm ET | TSN, TVAS – full TV & streaming info). The Impact once held a big edge in this matchup, but the Revs have won four straight to even the all-time series. PREVIEW
LA stories
It will be a test of strength against strength when LAFC visits fellow transition killers Atlanta United for the first time on Saturday afternoon (5 pm ET | ESPN – full TV & streaming info). On the heels of their collapse derby loss, Bobby Warshaw writes that LAFC should now have learned their lesson about reading game situations better when nursing a second-half lead. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Meanwhile, the LA Galaxy are hoping to get key regulars back in time for Sunday's visit from West leaders Sporting KC (9 pm ET | FS1 – full TV & streaming info). Though Giovani dos Santos likely remains out, both his brother Jonathan and Romain Alessandrini resumed full training this week. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Chicago, Columbus renew rivalry
Columbus will want to recover quickly from their first loss of the season as they travel to face a hungry, winless Chicago side on Saturday for a Midwestern matchup (8:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Though Crew SC wins in Chi-Town have been few and far between, they are a respectable 1-1-2 in their last four league games there. PREVIEW | HIGUAIN IS ALL BUSINESS
Western scraps at FCD, RSL
Unbeaten FC Dallas get back to league work in Saturday's home tilt against Colorado (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info). While the Rapids have traditionally struggled at Toyota Stadium, they're actually 2-1-1 on their last four visits. PREVIEW
Early Western front-runners Vancouver must make one of their least favorite road trips when they pay a Saturday night visit to Real Salt Lake (9:30 pm ET | TSN – full TV & streaming info). The Whitecaps have suffered back-to-back shutout losses at Rio Tinto, where they've won just once in nine tries to date. PREVIEW
East-meets-West in Philly, Orlando
Both Philadelphia and visiting San Jose will be trying to get back on the winning track when they meet up on Saturday (7 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Union are 11-2-2 (with eight clean sheets) at Talen Energy Stadium over the last 11 months, the most dominant home run in franchise history. PREVIEW
Two sides looking to leave slow starts behind will clash on Sunday when Orlando City welcomes Portland to town (4 pm ET | ESPN – full TV & streaming info). The Lions haven't won consecutive home games in nearly a year, while Diego Valeri & Co. are winless in their last seven road games. PREVIEW
eMLS Cup Playoffs open Saturday
The eMLS Cup preliminary round opened on Thursday at PAX East in Boston with 19 clubs sending representatives, and the inaugural tournament's playoffs open Saturday with matches streamed on MLSsoccer.com through Sunday's Conference Champions and Final. MORE INFO
Atlanta in crowd around M'Bia?
According to beIn Sports France commentator Julien Chaput, Atlanta United is among several MLS suitors for free agent defensive midfielder Stephane M'Bia. The 31-year old, who won consecutive Europa League crowns at Sevilla, originally made his name during long Ligue 1 spells with Rennes and Marseille. READ MORE
Stejskal: USMNT have talked to Stewart, Curtis
It seems Philadelphia sporting director Earnie Stewart and former New York Red Bulls exec Ali Curtis are the latest candidates for the general manager job with the US national team. Sam Stejskal reports both have been interviewed by the federation search committee for the newly created position. READ MORE
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