Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Dynamo, Union vie for Open Cup
One of the Dynamo or Union will lift the Open Cup trophy for the first time. | USA Today Images
We will have a first-time U.S. Open Cup champion on Wednesday night, when Philadelphia visit Houston for the 2018 title match (8 pm ET | ESPN2). The Union insist they're more suited to wear the crown than in their two previous final appearances, while Dynamo skipper DaMarcus Beasley has implored his teammates to leave everything on the field because you never know when another chance to claim silverware will present itself. UNION IMPROVED | BEASLEY | PREVIEW
And after the final whistle, be sure to join Andrew Wiebe, Calen Carr and David Gass for a post-game wrap show featuring analysis, interviews and clubhouse celebrations. READ MORE
NYCFC return home to face Fire
There's also a key league contest set for Wednesday night, with New York City FC aiming to halt a six-game winless slide and clinch a postseason berth against visiting Chicago (7 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Cityzens will be counting on captain David Villa, who has scored four times in the last four meetings between the two. PREVIEW
Whitecaps cut Robbo loose
After nearly five years in charge in Vancouver, Carl Robinson saw his tenure end on Tuesday after a second straight home loss. The news left Whitecaps skipper Kendall Waston less than pleased (video). READ MORE
While Waston was unhappy with the decision to let the longtime coach go, 'Caps president Bob Lenarduzzi laid out his rationale for the decision, saying that both the team's long-term future and playoff push were taken into account. READ MORE
Galaxy, Sounders trending opposite ways
The LA Galaxy made the biggest jump in our MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings, climbing four rungs. Conversely, Seattle fell hardest, dropping five spots. READ MORE
Lawrence inks fresh Red Bulls pact
The New York Red Bulls have locked down left back ace Kemar Lawrence to a multi-year contract extension. Meanwhile, RBNY boss Chris Armas is poring over his options for replacing suspended strike star Bradley Wright-Phillips in Sunday's monster showdown with Atlanta United. KEMAR RE-UPS | REPLACING BWP
Jozy, Seba expected back this weekend
With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Toronto FC are confident that injured strike stars Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco will be fit and ready for Saturday's all-important visit from New England. On the other hand, it looks as though defender Drew Moor will remain on the mend after Tuesday's failed attempt at a return to training. READ MORE
Barrett announces retirement
Though he hasn't appeared in an MLS contest for 18 months, Chad Barrett has officially called it quits on his 14-year pro career due to knee problems. The San Diego native, who scored 59 league goals for seven MLS teams, celebrated two MLS Cups, two Supporters' Shields, two U.S. Open Cups and two Canadian Championships. READ MORE
Galaxy source bins Klinsi rumor
In a report sure to calm many and disappoint others in the City of Angels, ESPN's Jeff Carlisle has poured cold water on talk that former USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann could be up for the LA Galaxy's coaching and/or GM jobs. Though regular StubHub visitor Klinsmann was spotted seated next to Galaxy exec Chris Klein this past weekend, it turns out the men are friends who live in the same neighborhood. READ MORE
Ballou Tabla makes Canada pledge
The sound you just heard was a massive sigh of relief from north of the border. After a long and nervy wait, news dropped that Barcelona prospect and Montreal academy product Jean-Yves Ballou Tabla has pledged his international future to Canada. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
