Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Davies tops 22 Under 22 list
As revealed on Thursday, Vancouver phenom Alphonso Davies is the top pick in this year's 22 Under 22 ranking. Check out the full list and see what the MLSsoccer.com crew thought of the final rankings on ExtraTime Live driven by Continental. VIEW 2018's 22U22
Shield at Stake: Atlanta, RBNY pushing for points
Supporters' Shield front-runners Atlanta United can at least temporarily go four points clear with a Saturday win over visiting New England (3:30 pm ET | Univision – Full TV & streaming info). Although record-setting strike ace Josef Martinez has just one goal in his last five games, his slump is not worrying anyone wearing the Five Stripes. READ MORE | PREVIEW
The New York Red Bulls will make their latest bid to grab the league summit with Saturday's cross-country trip to tackle San Jose (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). It's one of the least favorite fixtures for the Red Bulls, who've won but once in seven previous tries at Avaya. PREVIEW
LA sides aiming to climb West ladder
A big Western showdown will see Sporting KC shoot for the top of the conference against an LA Galaxy outfit trying to crash the playoff line (8:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). While some observers may be surprised by the Galaxy's sudden resurgence, it's coming as no surprise to their weekend hosts. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Meanwhile, third-place LAFC will try to make a move toward the top of the West when they visit slumping Colorado on Saturday (9 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Young LAFC winger Latif Blessing is also busy trying to make a difference back in Ghana by arranging a fresh new pitch for youth in his hometown. READ MORE | PREVIEW
Surging D.C. play with Fire
D.C. United midfielder Russell Canouse has provided a key foundation at the back. | USA Today Sports Images
D.C. United will attempt to continue their late playoff drive when warming spoilers Chicago comes to town for Sunday's lone MLS tilt (1 pm ET | ESPN – Full TV & streaming info). While the red-hot duo of Lucho Acosta and Wayne Rooney have been grabbing most of the recent headlines, the Black-and-Red can also thank the fine form of defensive midfielder Russell Canouse for the 7-1-4 surge that has them just two points shy of the playoff line. READ MORE | PREVIEW
TFC, 'Caps heads up for playoff lives
Desperate champs Toronto FC are facing another must-win in Saturday's home game with a Vancouver side also trying to keep slim playoff hopes alive (5 pm ET | TSN – Full TV & streaming info). The Reds need to be on alert, as the home side has not won a league match in this series since 2013. PREVIEW
RSL, Portland fight to climb in the West
Real Salt Lake and Saturday guests Portland will each be striving to improve their playoff position in an important Western scrap (9:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The trends definitely favor the hosts in this one: RSL are on a 10-0-4 run at Rio Tinto, while the Timbers are winless on the road since June. PREVIEW
FCD eye penthouse view
FC Dallas will try to keep hold of the Western penthouse when they host Orlando City for a Saturday clash (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The cellar-dwelling Lions, who have yet to beat FC Dallas in four tries, have also failed to win at home since mid-July. PREVIEW
East trio aim to boost playoff standing
Both Columbus and Montreal will be trying to hold off hard charges for their playoff slots in Saturday's key duel at Stade Saputo (3 pm ET | TSN, TVAS – Full TV & streaming info). Crew SC have taken three straight meetings and are unbeaten in the last five. PREVIEW
Elsewhere, Philadelphia will make another run at fourth place in the East in Saturday's home game against Minnesota United FC (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Union fans should love their chances in this one, as visitors have been outscored 34-12 on their current 0-11-2 away slide. PREVIEW
Report: FCC's FabJo swoop fell apart
According to Yahoo Sports' Doug McIntyre, incoming expansion side FC Cincinnati were unable to pull off an ambitious swoop for Borussia Moenchengladbach winger Fabian Johnson this summer.
In other expansion news, it seems St. Louis County may soon team up with the city in the revived effort to land an MLS franchise.
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
The Movement: How the Union are connecting with their Chester home
