ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Massive showdowns in MLS Week 24

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Kick Off: Massive showdowns in MLS Week 24 | Minnesota announcement tonight

Here are the top soccer stories everyone's talking about this morning:

Minnesota Announcement

There's big news coming from Minnesota on Friday night as MLS Commissioner Don Garber will be in attendance for an announcement on the "next chapter" for soccer in the state. A livestream of the event will be available beginning at 7 pm ET / 6 pm CT.

Let's Get It On

A big weekend of MLS Week 24 action kicks off on Friday night as the San Jose Earthquakes continue their playoff push in the West when they host a dangerous Houston Dynamo team at Avaya Stadium (11 pm ET on UniMás, MLS LIVE in Canada).

The Other Side

Having recently come over from the New York Red Bulls in a trade, D.C. United winger Lloyd Samsays he won't be holding any grudge when the two resume their rivalry at RFK on Sunday (3 pm ET on ESPN in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada). For those either uninitiated with the heated Atlantic Cup or wishing for a review, we've compiled a list of the derby's top 10 moments.

Put A Lid On It

With the LA Galaxy headed to town for Saturday's big clash (3 pm ET on ESPN in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada), New York City FC boss Patrick Vieira is imploring his side to tighten things up at the back. Meanwhile, the club is asking the city to fill up Yankee Stadium.

New View

Though Seattle interim coach Brian Schmetzer has taken part in numerous tilts vs. Portland, the weekend brings a new experience as he will call all the Sounders' shots when the Timbers make the trip to CenturyLink Field on Sunday (9:30 pm ET on FS1 in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada).

Un-Jermaine

The Rapids will remain without nicked midfield star Jermaine Jones when they put out the welcome mat for Orlando City on Saturday (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE).

Shuffle The Deck?

As FC Dallas prepare to invade Real Salt Lake (10 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the crew at Big D Soccer asks the question: Should Dallas boss Oscar Pareja shuffle the line?

A Chris-ened Ship

With the Philadelphia Union set to host Toronto FC in an Eastern Conference heavyweight clash on Saturday (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE and SN360), Soccer By Ives notes how Chris Pontius has led the Union's charge up the table.

Fresh Catch

Ahead of welcoming Columbus Crew SC on Saturday (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the New England Revolution clinched the capture with US youth international Cody Cropper on a free transfer.

Rally, Caps?

As Vancouver hit the road to face Sporting Kansas City (Saturday, 10 pm ET on TSN1, RDS2, MLS LIVE in USA), the Whitecaps are relying on skipper Pedro Morales to re-ignite their playoff drive. The two teams will see each other just three days later in a CONCACAF Champions League rematch.

Drogba Sidelined

The Montreal Impact will be forced to go without ill star Didier Drogba when they host the Chicago Fire on Saturday (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE).

New Frontiers

Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus offers a comprehensive update of the full MLS expansion picture. Meanwhile LAFC get set for the groundbreaking ceremony for their new stadium on Tuesday.

European Rumor Mill

Aston Villa are the latest club linked with a move for Tottenham right back DeAndre Yedlin. Also in EPL news, Chelsea have reportedly offered to send defender Matt Miazga on a season-long loan to Sunderland. Meanwhile, the father of Christian Pulisic has shot down rumors that the young attacker is looking for a move away from Borussia Dortmund.

The Wright Stuff

German magazine Bild continued their series looking at hot Bundesliga prospects by profiling American teen striker Haji Wright.

Medal-lica Show

The Canadian women's national team is set to tackle hosts Brazil in the Olympic bronze medal match today (noon ET on CBC in Canada, NBCSN in USA).

Rapids Remix

The Our Favorite Chant series looks at the hows and whys of Colorado supporters group C38's re-working of the John Denver hit "Country Roads Take Me Home."