Kick Off: High-flying DC United host champs on NBCSN tonight; Union playoff hopes take a hit

News  |  Videos  |  Schedule & Stats  |  Clubs  |  Fantasy  |  Shop Forward To A Friend Kick Off: High-flying DC United host champs on NBCSN tonight; Union playoff hopes take a hit Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning: 1. QUICK ON THE DRAW The Philadelphia Union's playoff hopes took a hit on Thursday after their late lead was cancelled out by an even later equalizer in a 1-1 draw with the Chicago Fire (HIGHLIGHTS). And although a flubbed kick by Rais Mbolhi led to the tying goal, Union interim manager Jim Curtin says it's not entirely the 'keeper's fault. The result also marked the Fire's 17th draw of the season, setting a new MLS record. 2. BEASTS OF THE EAST Having lost five of their last six games, Sporting Kansas City will be looking to get back on track when they visit D.C. United tonight (8 pm ET, NBCSN) and goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen is doing his part to help motivate his former teammates. But if they're going to stop the slide, SKC have to find a way to deal with United's grizzled veteran and ex-KC player Davy Arnaud.  3. RED BULLS' BIG CHANCE The New York Red Bulls will look to take advantage of the Philadelphia Union's misstep when they take on the Houston Dynamo this Saturday (6 pm ET, NBCSN). While their chances will be helped by the return of Lloyd Sam, the Red Bulls will be missing influential defender Jamison Olave. 4. SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER It will only help Obafemi Martins' MVP chances that he was voted the Etihad Airways Player of the Month for September after his five-goal binge. And it's hard to argue he's not the most important player on the league-leading Sounders, after you see these numbers. 5. WHITECAPS RIDING HIGH With the Vancouver Whitecaps back in control of their own playoff destiny, Designated Player Pedro Morales is feeling upbeat heading into this Saturday's game against FC Dallas (7 pm ET, UDN). Teammate Darren Mattocks also has a positive vibe, hoping he can shine for both club and country during this final stretch run. 6. WILL FORTUNE FAVOR REVS? Depending on Friday's result between DC and SKC, the New England Revolution could potentially take a big step toward securing a postseason berth when they play the Columbus Crew on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE). To do that though, the Revs will have to get past a defense that has suddenly become very hard to beat. It's also a chance for Lee Nguyen to continue to prove he deserves another US national team call-up. 7. TORONTO'S BIG TEST Toronto FC will be looking to build on their renewed playoff hopes following their massive win last weekend when they visit the LA Galaxy (Saturday at 10:30 pm ET, TSN). Not an easy job for any team, but TFC may get a boost from the return of Jermain Defoe. 8. DONOVAN LOOKS AHEAD With his final game for the US national team just around the corner, and his pending retirement coming shortly after that, Landon Donovan has been talking about what he might be doing next. Commentating? Coaching? College courses? How about making up with Jurgen Klinsmann? 9. WHO GETS ARMBAND? The Portland Timbers travel to Northern California for what feels like a must-win game against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday (11 pm ET, NBCSN) and while the Timbers fans made a get-well-soon tifo for Will Johnson, he won't be the only absentee for the all-important match. 10. MAKING HIS CASE Zat Knight effectively has just four games to prove to the Colorado Rapids they should take up his option for 2015 and, as such, the 34-year-old Englishman is keen to jump straight in against the Seattle Sounders this Sunday (3 pm ET, UniMas), where he'll face the unenviable task of stopping Clint Dempsey & Co. 11. IMPACT PLANNING AHEAD Following their 1-1 draw with the Union on Thursday, the Chicago Fire face a short turnaround to get ready for the Montreal Impact on Sunday (5 pm ET, MLS LIVE). Both teams have little left to play for at this stage but Impact coach Frank Klopas has been using the scenario to his advantage. 12. JUST WIN, BABY Real Salt lake visit Chivas USA on Sunday (7 pm ET, MLS LIVE) with a chance to secure a playoff spot and, as such, the team from Utah plan to go all out for the win. They can thank Joao Plata for helping to get them in this position: After watching this MLS Insider video, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for Platita. 13. FRIENDLY FOCUS The US roster is due over the weekend and, unlike the women's national team, there hasn't been an accidental leak of the squad. Whoever's named to the team will take part not only in Landon Donovan's final game but also a friendly against Honduras, which so far has sold approximately 7,000 tickets. 14. THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT The future continues to look bright for the US national team, as the Under-17's cruised to victory over Costa Rica in the opening game of a tournament being played in Panama, with the LA Galaxy's Haji Wright scoring a hat-trick in the 5-2 victory. Meanwhile, is another promising young American set to join La Liga? 15. RANKING ROOKIES While FC Dallas launched Tesho Akindele's Rookie of the year campaign, last year's winner, Dillon Powers, has just been rewarded with a new contract from the Colorado Rapids. Perhaps that can help Powers recapture some of the fine form he showed in his debut season. MLSsoccer.com Musts MLS Insider: Plata stands tall ExtraTime Radio: Carl Robinson on Goalscoring DP's and the Cascadian playoff race Is Robbie Keane MVP frontrunner?  Galaxy Captain happy either way