Kick Off: Everything you need to get ready for Decision Day

Decision Day - 2018 - generic

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:


All set for Sunday?

Decision Day presented by AT&T kicks off Sunday, and you can join MLSsoccer.com for a drama-filled Week 35 with “Decision Day Central”. Tune in for an hour of in-depth pregame coverage (3:30 pm ET) and an hour of postgame expert analysis (7 pm ET) – all streaming live on MLSsoccer.com and MLS social platforms. READ MORE


And if you think you've got a good read on the action, pick your Winning 11 presented by AT&T for a chance to attend MLS Cup 2018. PICK NOW


Will ATL hold off RBNY's Shield charge?


For Atlanta United, Decision Day comes down to one thing and thing alone: breaking their Toronto FC hex to earn the road win needed to clinch the Supporters Shield (4:30 pm ET | TSN – Full TV & streaming info). As if the visitors didn't have enough to think about, recovering star man Miguel Almiron has now been linked with a big offer from Tottenham. READ MORE | PREVIEW


Should the Five Stripes fail to lock down the Supporters' Shield, the New York Red Bulls can claim the prize with three points in Sunday's home clash with Orlando City (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). RBNY enter this one having chalked up four straight clean-sheet victories at Red Bull Arena. PREVIEW


Top spots in West up for grabs


Sporting KC can clinch the top seed in the West with as much as a share from Sunday's match against visiting LAFC (4:30 pm ET | FS1 – Full TV & streaming info). One of the weekend matchups to watch on Tom Bogert's top five list will be in this game, with SKC defender Matt Besler trying to throw a net on physical LAFC strike ace Adama Diomande. READ MORE | PREVIEW


As long as LAFC don't win in Kansas City, FC Dallas could swoop in and claim second place – along with a Knockout Round bye – scoring a victory in Sunday's game at Colorado (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). FCD are unbeaten in their last five at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, but the last four meetings there have been 1-1 draws. PREVIEW


Win-or-bust for Galaxy


It's quite simple: either the LA Galaxy record a win over Sunday visitors Houston or they miss the playoffs for the second season in a row (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Of course, Galaxy superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be expected to provide some heroics, making him one of the top five under-pressure figures ahead of Decision Day. READ MORE | PREVIEW


Can Crew SC lock down sixth in the East?


Columbus will try to clinch their postseason berth in Sunday's home game with Minnesota United FC (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The trends look good for home side; they have taken five of their last six at MAPFRE, while the Loons are 0-12-2 on the road since mid-March. PREVIEW


Should Columbus drop any points, Montreal will have a chance to steal the last playoff spot in the East with a win at New England (4:30 pm ET | TSN, TVAS – Full TV & streaming info). The Impact once dominated this series, but have dropped three straight at Gillette (by shutout each time) and five of six against New England overall. PREVIEW


Settling home-field in the East


New York City FC and Sunday guests Philadelphia will meet to decide third place in the East (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Union, who need a win to leapfrog their nearby rivals, are 5-1-2 in their last eight away from home. PREVIEW


Regardless of what goes down in the Bronx, D.C. United can secure a Knockout Round home game by winning Sunday's closing day contest at Chicago (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Of course, the Black-and-Red haven't won away in five months and have posted just one win from their last six trips to Toyota Park. PREVIEW


Wrapping up the season in Cascadia


Seattle will shoot for its fifth straight victory – and with some help, the second spot in the West – when they welcome San Jose to town on Sunday (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). With awards season on the horizon, local blog Sounder At Heart makes a Defender of the Year case for veteran Chad Marshall. READ MORE | PREVIEW


Meanwhile, Portland will hit the road for Sunday's Cascadia derby at Vancouver holding an outside shot at earning a knockout round home game (4:30 pm ET | TSN – Full TV & streaming info). The Timbers have often been rude guests at BC Place, logging five wins and two draws in 10 visits. PREVIEW


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