Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Acosta shines as Colombia surge past leaky US
The US national team dropped a see-saw 4-2 friendly decision to South American power Colombia in Tampa on Friday night. While Kellyn Acosta and Timothy Weah garnered top marks in our USMNT player ratings, the entire back line was hit with detention slips. READ MORE | RECAP
Meanwhile, multiple sources have informed FOX Soccer correspondent Grant Wahl that Columbus boss Gregg Berhalter is the front-runner for the USMNT's manager job. They may have competition, however, as he noted that the LA Galaxy are also hovering around the Crew SC head coach. READ MORE
LAFC shoots for second place
The weekend MLS card kicks off Friday night as Houston pays a call on LAFC (10 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Bob Bradley's crew can take possession of the the all-important second playoff spot in the West by getting revenge on the Dynamo side that knocked them out of the U.S. Open Cup on the way to winning the crown. PREVIEW
Can D.C. grab the last playoff slot?
D.C. United will use one of their games in hand on sixth-place Montreal to host West leaders FC Dallas for an important Saturday duel (4:55 pm ET | Univision – Full TV & streaming info). Though FCD have often made themselves at home in the nation's capital, this will be their first visit to Audi Field. PREVIEW
Revs, Loons host Saturday tilts
Should D.C. United drop points, New England can keep their paper thin postseason hopes alive with a victory in Saturday's home contest against Orlando City (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Lions, who haven't won for nearly three months, have managed but a single point from three previous trips to Gillette. PREVIEW
Elsewhere, Minnesota United FC will welcome Western rivals Colorado to town for a Saturday match (2 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Loons have won 6-of-7 at home, while their weekend visitors have lost seven in a row by a combined 22-1 count. PREVIEW
Warshaw: My award favorites down the stretch
Josef Martinez has had a record-breaking season. Will it win him MVP? | USA TODAY Sports Images
As we steam toward the regular-season finish line, talk about contenders for the MLS awards is sure to peak. Bobby Warshaw has offered up his favorites in each category to start the discussion in earnest. READ MORE
NYCFC extend key trio
New York City FC have moved to solidify their future by signing contract extensions with netminder Sean Johnson, backline marshal Alex Callens and midfield muscle Alexander Ring. "All three are entering the prime years of their careers, so it's fantastic to keep consistency and stability within the team," said NYCFC sporting director Claudio Reyna. READ MORE
Boehm: How far can Union climb?
Form side Philadelphia have charged up the Eastern table after a slow start to the season, compelling observers to wonder where their roll might end. Charles Boehm writes that that answer to that question may hinge on how they finish the regular season in successive games against their New York rivals. READ MORE
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