Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Inaugural Campeones Cup up for grabs
Wednesday night will bring a new type of North American soccer treat when Liga MX power Tigres invade BMO Field to battle reigning MLS champs Toronto FC for first Campeones Cup bragging rights (8:15 pm ET | ESPN2, Univision in the US; TSN, TVAS in Canada). As Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle notes, the Reds aren't the only championship-caliber side struggling their way toward this trophy match. READ MORE | WIEBE: TFC WOULD SET TONE | PREVIEW
The Campeones Cup is, of course, the latest game in a rivalry between MLS and Liga MX clubs that stretches back over a decade. From the old Champions Cup to the SuperLiga to Toronto's CCL final run this year, we run the rule back over some of the most memorable encounters between teams from the two leads. READ MORE
Atlanta visits shaky San Jose
There may not be a worse time for it from a San Jose perspective, but Supporters' Shield leaders Atlanta United will cruise into Avaya on Wednesday night (11 pm ET | UniMás, Twitter - full TV & streaming info). The busy Matt Doyle offered up an autopsy on the Mikael Stahre era that also serves as a list of problems awaiting the next full-time head coach. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Can Union stop Seattle?
Seattle will aim to stretch their win streak to 10 games when Philadelphia come to town for a midweek clash that holds ramifications for the playoff picture in both conferences (11 pm ET | full TV & streaming info). Union boss Jim Curtin is busy figuring out how to juggle the line-up during their intense schedule crunch, and the uncertain status of ailing playmaker Borek Dockal doesn't help. READ MORE | FREI LEADING SEATTLE TURNAROUND | PREVIEW
High stakes for POR, CLB
The latest 2015 MLS Cup rematch finds much on the line for both Wednesday hosts Portland and visitors Columbus, who happen to be sitting on identical records (10:30 pm ET | full TV & streaming info). The Timbers have yet to lose a Providence Park meeting between the two, but will need to clamp down on Federico Higuain, who has three goals and five assists in six appearances against Portland. PREVIEW
Impact power into top 10
Boosted by their runaway win at Philadelphia, Montreal have vaulted five spots up to a season-high eighth in our MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings. Atlanta United remained at the top, and you can now peruse a fresh update as we follow their record chases. READ MORE | POWER RANKINGS
Attack balance driving SKC
Sporting KC are chasing a slew of club records in their own right, thanks to an offense by committee that is producing on all statistical levels. With six games still left on the schedule, the team already has four players boasting at least seven goals and five with at least five assists. READ MORE
Bradley calm over Zlatan jabs
The buzz is still high regarding the terse late game meeting of the minds between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Michael Bradley, but the Toronto FC skipper says he's as entertained as anyone by the brash LA Galaxy superstar. "I thought we were having a good football conversation, I really did," Bradley said with a laugh. READ MORE
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