Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
MLS sides join Open Cup fray
Three Eastern Conference clubs will start MLS involvement in the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by facing USL opposition on Tuesday. Both D.C. United and Philadelphia will host their Fourth Round matchups, while New England must hit the road. PREVIEW
Vieira's Cup message: No days off!
New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira has made it explicitly clear how his charges should be approaching their midweek U.S. Open Cup derby with the Red Bulls. With last month's rough away loss to their rivals in mind, the Bronx boss is drilling his side to bring a tougher presence to RBA. READ MORE
Week 14 Team of the Week
Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron, named to his fourth MLS Team of the Week, racked up the highest Audi Player Index score of the season to date, 1,692 points.
Atlanta United, FC Dallas and New England each put two players on our MLS Team of the Week. Real Salt Lake's Danny Acosta was the lone holdover from last week's XI, while Atlanta's Miguel Almiron earned his fourth nod of the season. READ MORE
Vanney looking for lost TFC grit
Toronto FC boss Greg Vanney has reacted to Saturday's stunning collapse draw against Columbus by wondering what has happened to their ability to grind out victories when necessary. "The difference between today and a year ago is we win this game a year ago," he stated. READ MORE
Roldan calls out the Sounders
In the aftermath of a third straight loss leaving Seattle level with the bottom of the West, midfielder Christian Roldan decided to read the riot act to his teammates. The US international questioned the level of passion and commitment shown by the two-time defending conference champs. READ MORE
Atlanta sizing up River DM?
According to Argentine scribe Leonel Cerrudo, Atlanta United could be a suitor for 24-year-old River Plate defensive midfielder Ivan Rossi. READ MORE
USMNT taking lessons from loss
As they prepare to jump up a couple of weight classes by facing World Cup-bound and loaded France in Friday's friendly, interim coach Dave Sarachan and his young US national team group are trying to gain experience from their defeat in Ireland so they can avoid blowing second-half leads in the future. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
Andrew & Bobby hit Instant Replay on the Philly freak-out in Atlanta
