Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Top 25 MLS jerseys in 2017
The list of the hottest selling jerseys this year has a solid dose of Atlanta United and Seattle Sounders players on it, including a few other names that might surprise you. READ MORE
MLS players in World Cup playoffs today
One day after Montreal's Blerim Dzemaili helped Switzerland move one step closer to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Seattle's Gustav Svensson will look to do the same for Sweden when they face Italy (2:30 pm ET on FS1). READ MORE
Meanwhile, a trio of Houston stars will look to help Honduras overcome Australia in the first leg of their playoff (4:50 pm ET on beIN Sports), while Orlando's Yoshimar Yotun and Vancouver's Yordy Reyna will represent Peru in the opener of their series against New Zealand and their MLS-heavy contingent (10 pm ET on beIN Sports). READ MORE
Revs turn to Friedel
New England made the reports official on Thursday, naming Brad Friedel as their new head coach. Though the former USMNT star has minimal managerial experience, Revs GM Mike Burns pointed to the 46-year-old's "competitive character" as the main reason for his hiring. READ MORE
Opara claims top defender prize
Sporting KC center back Ike Opara has won the Defender of the Year award, outpacing runner-up Justin Morrow in the voting by a considerable margin. READ MORE
Crew SC won't get chippy with TFC
Although the Red Bulls came close to knocking Supporters' Shield winners Toronto FC out of the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs with a confrontational, physical style of play, Columbus Crew SC insist they won't be copying that game plan as it simply doesn't fit their team personality. READ MORE
Playoff questions abound
While the remaining MLS Cup chasers use the international break to fine tune for the Conference Championships, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has identified a key area of concern for each of the final four clubs. READ MORE
Alicia Rodriguez has another question for Houston to answer: will the Western Conference finalists be negatively affected by attacking trio Alberth Elis, Boniek Garcia and Romell Quioto spending their international break on Honduras' taxing World Cup playoff against Australia? READ MORE
Mapp, Rolfe hang 'em up
A pair of former USMNT attackers called time on their careers on Thursday, with longtime Chicago teammates Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe each announcing their retirements. READ MORE
Report: MLS crowd forming for Ibarra
Metro's Kristian Dyer says it seems unlikely that Miguel Ibarra will return to Minnesota United, a dynamic that has the LA Galaxy, NYCFC, Portland and Seattle all interested in snaring the winger. READ MORE
Busquets eyes MLS future
Barcelona midfield mainstay has poured cold water on talk of an English Premier League move, reiterating that he'd prefer an MLS move (in Spanish) when it comes time to leave Nou Camp. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch:
