ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: The "red line" race | US-Canada in Olympic qualifying

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Kick Off: The "red line" race | US-Canada in Olympic qualifying | Changes in Philly

Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about today:

1. CAN D.C. WEATHER THE STORM?

Despite concerns over Hurricane Joaquin, D.C. United's game against New York City FC on Friday night (7 pm ET, UniMás in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada) is set to go ahead as planned. NYCFC will be without a couple of important players but is the club already eyeing an offseason acquisition?

2. PLAYOFF SCENARIOS

The race to be above the "red line" and make it into the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs is hotter than ever. Here are the potential scenarios.

3. UNION LOOK TO MOVE PAST HEARTBREAK

The Philadelphia Union will look to get over their heartbreaking midweek U.S. Open Cup loss when they visit Toronto FC on Saturday (5 pm ET, MLS LIVE), but it may be tougher for some players than others. As for TFC, while he may not be stealing headlines, Josh Williams has proven a solid addition to the team.

4. CHANGES IN PHILLY

In the wake of the Open Cup defeat, the Union are reportedly prepping to make a change in the front office. CBSlocal.com reported on Thursday that CEO Nick Sakiewicz has been let go, which was confirmed by Sakiewicz in comments to ESPN's Jeff Carlisle.

5. BATTLE FOR THE EAST

The New York Red Bulls host Columbus Crew SC on Saturday (7 pm ET, MLS LIVE) in what could be a battle for first place in the Eastern Conference. Anatole Abang is reportedly out for the Red Bulls through injury. Crew SC are looking to make a run in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, but they need to stop conceding so many goals.

6. DROGBA IN DOUBT VS. ORLANDO CITY?

Orlando City SC may have gotten a boost ahead of their game against the Montreal Impact (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE) as reports suggest that Didier Drogba might not play on the Citrus Bowl's turf. The Lions, meanwhile, are fending off reported interest in young striker Cyle Larin.

7. HERRERA STOKES THE FIRE

The Chicago Fire do not plan to begin their coaching search until their new GM takes over later this month, but former Mexico boss Miguel Herrera isn’t quashing the rumors about himself. First though, the Fire will face the New England Revolution (Saturday, 8:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE). The Revs' Kelyn Rowe is drawing inspiration from a special “crew” of fans.

8. TIMBERS LOSE JOHNSON

The Portland Timbers playoff hopes have been dealt a blow following the news that Will Johnson has undergone surgery and the remainder of his season is now in doubt. The Timbers take on Sporting Kansas City on Saturday (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE), who have been quickly celebrating their midweek U.S. Open Cup victory.

9. WHITECAPS SET TO LOSE WASTON

Just one point behind the Portland Timbers, the San Jose Earthquakes continue their playoff chase when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday (10:30 pm ET, TSN in Canada, MLS LIVE in the US). The Caps meanwhile face losing Kendall Waston at a crunch time following this game.

10. TEXAS SHOWDOWN

FC Dallas will see their young players put to the test once again when they take on the Houston Dynamo in the latest installment of the Texas Derby on Sunday (5 pm ET, ESPN2 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). FCD have also just promoted a new Academy director but, for the Dynamo, the focus is completely on trying to make the playoffs.

11. PLAYOFF PUSH IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN CUP

Real Salt Lake take on the Colorado Rapids on Sunday (7 pm ET, FS1 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada) with both teams, depending on results, facing official elimination from the playoff race. RSL will do all they can to keep their hopes alive, with an open competition developing between Sandoval and Jaime.

12. UPDATE ON CHAD MARSHALL

Seattle Sounders defender Chad Marshall is out of the hospital after being diagnosed with a neck sprain, but it is highly unlikely he will miss Sunday's game against the LA Galaxy (9:30 pm ET, FS1 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). Osvaldo Alonso has been enjoying his reunion with his father, whil LA's Giovani dos Santos is enjoying life in Los Angeles.

13. GIO IN MEXICAN SQUAD

It wasn't a sure thing, but dos Santos has been included in Mexico’s matchday squad for the CONCACAF Cup. Meanwhile, potential El Tri manager Juan Carlos Osorio has hinted a decision is coming on his future very soon.

14. US U-23S TOP CANADA

Two goals from Jordan Morris and a third from RSL’s Luis Gil saw the US Under-23s begin Olympic Qualifying with a 3-1 win over Canada. The Canadians' goal came from Queens Park Rangers' Mike Petrasso.

15. KANSAS CITY WITH ANOTHER TITLE

FC Kansas City completed an impressive week for the city, beating Seattle Reign FC 1-0, to earn a second consecutive NWSL title.

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