Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Lions visit struggling TFC
Slumping MLS Cup holders Toronto FC will try to continue their series domination over Orlando City when the Eastern rivals lock horns at BMO on Friday night (8 pm ET | TSN – Full TV & streaming info). For the visitors (who are 0-3-2 in five prior trips to Toronto), it will be a chance to return to winning ways after last week's tough loss in Atlanta. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Will it be Atlanta or Red Bulls on parade?
The biggest matchup of the weekend will take place on Sunday, when Supporters' Shield pace-setters Atlanta United open the gates for the streaking New York Red Bulls (7 pm ET | FS1, TSN – Full TV & streaming info). In advance of the showdown, The New York Times took a look at how the Five Stripes are building a tight community from the cultural sprawl of Atlanta. READ MORE | PREVIEW
With Atlanta steamrolling nearly every comer since opening weekend, Bobby Warshaw hit the tape to map out how to beat ATLUTD, and thinks he hit on a two-point plan. READ MORE
LAFC face Portland test, SKC off to Twin Cities
Portland will put its league-best four-game winning streak on the line when fellow form side LAFC drop by on Saturday (3 pm ET | FOX – Full TV & streaming info). The home side have excelled despite missing midfield muscle David Guzman for several weeks, in large part because of the increasing influence of young newcomer Cristian Paredes. READ MORE | PREVIEW
They're both in hot pursuit of West leaders Sporting KC, who will hit the road Sunday to tackle Minnesota United FC (2 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Missouri Azzurri are 3-1-1 on the road this season, have managed but one point from their two previous league visits to Minnesota. PREVIEW
NYCFC, Revs in friendly confines
New York City FC will be looking to reclaim second place in the East in Saturday's home match with slumping Colorado (1 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Rapids, who have lost four straight, suffered a 5-1 lesson the only other time they traveled to Yankee Stadium. PREVIEW
Meanwhile, Columbus will also try to grab sole possession of second when they make Saturday's visit to a New England outfit that is on an 11-1-2 run at Gillette Stadium (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Gregg Berhalter's boys are unbeaten in five, but they've also won just once in their last six trips to New England. PREVIEW
FC Dallas, Chicago smell home cooking
On Saturday, FC Dallas will wager a 12-game unbeaten run at home when Vancouver comes to town (4 pm ET | CTV, TSN – Full TV & streaming info). The Dallas Morning News says recent outings by offseason catch Santiago Mosquera demonstrate he's starting to get the hang of MLS life. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Chicago will welcome fellow roller coaster side Houston on Sunday (4 pm ET | UniMás – Full TV & streaming info). Though the Dynamo have fared pretty well at Toyota Park over the years, they have fallen on their last two visits. PREVIEW
Union, Quakes host East vs. West duels
Both Philadelphia and Real Salt Lake will be aiming to build off skid-snapping wins when they meet at Talen Energy Stadium on Saturday (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Claret and Cobalt have yet to lose to Philly, with last year's 2-1 win logged along with four draws. PREVIEW
Also Saturday, San Jose returns home to host a D.C. United side that has leaked 13 goals during a five-game road losing streak (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The big discussion around D.C. these days involves their reported pursuit of Wyane Rooney, and former teammate Tim Howard backed the Everton star to have the desired impact if he comes to MLS. READ MORE | PREVIEW
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