Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Rivalry Week has arrived!
Time has arrived to claim bragging rights: Heineken Rivalry Week returns with a stacked menu of tasty Week 26 matchups chock full of playoff line implications. READ MORE
David Villa is ready for the latest edition of the New York derby (7pm | FS1 – Full TV & streaming info). Per NYCFC.com, he and his teammates are ready to keep "creating our history – 90 minutes at a time." WATCH VIDEO
Timbers say Seattle match "perfect time to bounce back"
Thanks to three straight losses, Portland's club record-tying 15-game unbeaten streak has become a distant memory. The team has had a few experiments go awry during this losing skid, but head coach Giovanni Savarese says they'll correct those mistakes in time to tackle arch rivals Seattle this weekend. READ MORE
Could LAFC's Rossi re-ignite?
The season started hotter than the sun for LAFC winger Diego Rossi, but he ended up sliding into an extended cold spell that saw him bag just one goal in an 11-game span. With six tallies in their last five games across all competitions, LAFC boss Bob Bradley says the youngster is finally finding consistency as the postseason approaches. READ MORE
On the other side of El Trafico, Sebastian Lletget and the LA Galaxy – smarting from a 5-0 spanking by streaking Seattle – are calling this a "must-win" on Friday (10:30pm ET | ESPN — Full TV & streaming info). They're feeling the pressure to stay above the suddenly tight Western Conference playoff line. READ MORE
Olsen hails Lucho's maturity
D.C. United boss Ben Olsen has paid tribute to the growth of playmaker Luciano Acosta. Not only has the 24-year-old found a new gear for end product, but his game has become more rounded this season. READ MORE
Four aces repeat in Team of the Week
RSL midfielder Jefferson Savarino led the Week 25 Audi Player Index with 1,178 points. | MLSsoccer.com
Four of the players named to our MLS Team of the Week were able to retain their places. The Seattle duo of Nicolas Lodeiro and Chad Marshall repeated as honorees, as did D.C. United's Luciano Acosta and Jack Elliott of Philadelphia. READ MORE
Joao Pedro loaned to Greek side
Across town, the LA Galaxy have sent midfielder Joao Pedro out on loan to Apollon Smyrnis. The 25-year-old will run with the Greek Super League outfit, who kick off their season by hosting Larissa on Saturday, until next summer. READ MORE
Ascues ready to help Orlando City
New Orlando City defensive handyman Carlos Ascues has enjoyed settling in with his new teammates and is ready to contribute to some wins. Among other things, the Peru international (who can operate in central defense or as a midfield stopper) is aiming to provide safer ball movement out of the back. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
Instant Replay: Andrew & Bobby review the weekend's tough calls
