Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Under Friday night lights in Vancouver, Philly
Orlando City will shoot for their first three-game win streak in about a year in Friday's road tilt against Philadelphia (8 pm ET | ESPN – Full TV & streaming info). The Lions will want to tame CJ Sapong, who scored three times in last season's two meetings. PREVIEW
In the nightcap, Expansion darlings LAFC will aim to snap a two-game slide when they make their first visit to Vancouver on Friday night (10 pm ET | TSN – Full TV & streaming info). It won't be easy; the Whitecaps are 6-0-5 in their last 11 at BC Place. PREVIEW
Galaxy face the Fire, who could chase Torres
Former Manchester United teammates Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Bastian Schweinsteiger will reunite when the LA Galaxy visit Chicago in Saturday's spotlight contest (3:30 pm ET | Univision – Full TV & streaming info). Could help be on the way for the Fire, who finally broke their duck last week? Paul Tenorio reports that they have both interest and a discovery claim for impending Atletico Madrid freebie Fernando Torres. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Conference leaders work Sunday
One of the biggest clashes of the young season will go down on Sunday when Atlanta United opens the gate for East table-toppers New York City FC (6 pm ET | FS1 – Full TV & streaming info). The Five Stripes are concerned about the availability of injured strike star Josef Martinez, but he did make a quick training return on Thursday wearing an air cast on his left arm. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Two-time defending West champs Seattle are still in search of their first goal and point of the season as they brace for Sunday's match away to fast starters Sporting KC (4 pm ET | ESPN – Full TV & streaming info). The shorthanded Sounders were hit with a midweek blow, as attack ace Clint Dempsey will serve an additional one-game ban for a violent conduct incident against FC Dallas last month. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Rapids, Revs host league powers
Colorado's new look side will get another shot at the team that ousted them from the Concacaf Champions League back in February when MLS Cup holders Toronto FC come to town on Saturday (3 pm ET | CTV, TSN – Full TV & streaming info). The Rapids are 4-0-1 in the last five meetings at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, with four shutouts. PREVIEW
Early season surprise package New England will be faced with a stern Saturday test against unbeaten guests FC Dallas (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Revs, who haven't lost at home since last July, have lost seven in a row against FCD. PREVIEW
Eastern parade
The New York Red Bulls will try to get over their CCL disappointment when Montreal drops by for a Saturday duel (1 pm ET | TVAS – Full TV & streaming info). It has not been happy road trip for the Impact, who've managed but one win and one draw in 10 tries at Red Bull Arena. PREVIEW
Over in the nation's capital, winless D.C. United will host Saturday's clash with a Columbus side that has dropped consecutive games after a strong start (7 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Gregg Berhalter's boys have won three straight in this series, as well as two of the last three away meetings. PREVIEW
The wild, wild West
Two teams that have struggled since opening day wins, San Jose and Houston, will meet up on Saturday at Avaya (10:30 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info). It's been an even match-up in San Jose this decade, with each side winning four times. PREVIEW
On the heels of last weekend's late collapse at Orlando City, Portland will again try to post their first win of the season in Saturday's home opener against Minnesota United (10:30 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info). The Timbers have won six straight regular-season games at Providence Park. PREVIEW
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