Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
First Conference Championship slot on the line in Seattle
Rivals Seattle and Vancouver will reunite at CenturyLink Field to decide their Western Conference semifinal tie on Thursday night (10:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes; TSN5, TVAS). The Sounders come into the game having amassed a 13-game unbeaten run (10-0-3, with eight shutouts) at home. PREVIEW
Back from a one-game ban, Seattle star Clint Dempsey is raring to go help his team clear the Whitecaps from their path to the conference final. READ MORE
Moor, Vazquez in doubt for return
Toronto FC boss Greg Vanney says his important duo of Drew Moor and Victor Vazquez are improving daily, but remain questionable for their Conference Semifinal Leg 2 against the visiting New York Red Bulls on Saturday. READ MORE
Can Dynamo earn away win No. 2?
The Dynamo head to Portland on Sunday attempting to earn their second away win (though a scoring draw puts them through), they'll have to do so without 'keeper Tyler Deric, who has been suspended by MLS pending investigations after being arrested on Tuesday. READ MORE
Curtin to remain in Philly
Playoff spectators Philadelphia have announced that Jim Curtin will be returning to the helm next season. The local product has compiled a 43-53-28 record since taking the reins in June 2014. READ MORE
Some things will be changing in Philly, however, with the club declining contract options on nine players, including Maurice Edu, Ilsinho and Oguchi Onyewu. The club also picked up 11 options, with Andre Blake and Jack Elliott among that crowd. READ MORE
Quakes locking down Godoy, Imperiale?
Soccer By Ives reports that San Jose have inked an extension deal for midfield ace Anibal Godoy, and could soon close another with defender Andreas Imperiale. READ MORE
Report: Whitecaps sign Nigeria defender
According to the Vancouver Herald, the Whitecaps have inked a deal to land Kano Pillars Nigeria center back Jamiu Alimi. READ MORE
Over in Minnesota, reports indicate the Loons are in transfer discussions concerning goal-getting playmaker Thomas Abbey of Ghanaian side Hearts of Oak. READ MORE
USMNT: Gonzalez can't be turned
There's no need to worry over the international preference of Monterrey standout Jonathan Gonzalez. Mexico's program director Dennis te Kloese told ESPN Deportes that the young defensive midfielder won't be flipping his allegiance to El Tri - and he knows because they tried to bring him in multiple times. READ MORE
In other national team news, current US Soccer vice president Carlos Cordeiro has sprung a surprise by joining the federation's presidential election to challenge current boss Sunil Gulati. READ MORE
The one way to unite Cascadia fans
While their clubs continue to duel it out for the West, supporters from Portland, Seattle and Vancouver have teamed up in the name of charity. On Saturday, fans from all three sides will meet up for a 24-hour game-a-thon to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. READ MORE
