Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Altidore expected ready for MLS Cup rematch
Though he's been left to the side of training for the last two days, Toronto FC expect a full fitness recovery by strike ace Jozy Altidore for Saturday's MLS Cup final. The US international is nursing an ankle knock suffered just prior to striking the decider in last week's tight Eastern Conference Championship victory over Columbus. READ MORE
Schmetzer: No bulletin board material needed
For a while this weekend, it looked like the two MLS Cup coaches could kick up genuine pregame dust through the press. However, Seattle boss Brian Schmetzer took no offense at comments from Toronto FC counterpart Greg Vanney asserting that the Sounders had an easier road to the title rematch. READ MORE
JLab Audio named official audio partner of MLS
Major League Soccer on Monday announced a multi-year sponsorship deal with rapidly-growing headphone brand JLab Audio, a partnership that will focus on connecting players and fans with JLab’s wireless products and getting both excited about the game. READ MORE
Artur may be done in Columbus
On the same day that Artur expressed a public goodbye to Columbus before hopping a plane out of town, several Brazilian reports stated that Crew SC efforts have failed to yield a permanent transfer fee agreement for the Sao Paulo midfielder. READ MORE
Columbus did accept the options on eight other players, and have made an offer to out-of-contract attacker Kekuta Manneh. READ MORE
A Mauro Diaz dilemma in Dallas?
In attempting to solve FC Dallas's Mauro Diaz riddle, local blog Big D Soccer comes to the conclusion that it might be best to move on from the playmaker. READ MORE
Report: Zardes exiting Galaxy, Cole primed for re-entry
The LA Galaxy are reportedly ready to ship out attacker Gyasi Zardes. Various reports indicate several MLS teams showing interest. READ MORE
Meanwhile, veteran left back Ashley Cole is in extension talks with the Galaxy. The 36-year-old has worked 62 games in two seasons at the StubHub. READ MORE
The Galaxy coaching staff are keeping busy early in the offseason. Following a 10-day trip holding reserve team trials in South Korea, they're sharing their knowledge during a visit to the Phillipines. READ MORE
Report: Impact scouting Argentine CB
According to Montreal scribe Nilton Jorge, the Impact are taking a long look at Newell's Old Boys defender Nehuen Paz. He says club reps were on hand to see the 24-year-old face River Plate last week. READ MORE
Picking Liga MX targets for Vancouver
With Vancouver boss Carl Robinson on a scouting trip to Mexico, local blog Eighty Six Forever has offered a few suggestions for players that ably fit the bill as transfer targets. READ MORE
Jermaine Jones, radio host?
Ladies and gentleman, start the engine on your hot-take meters. Out-of-contract LA Galaxy midfielder Jermaine Jones is seeking an LA-based co-host to join him on a new radio show created by the opinionated veteran. READ MORE