The cup will feature Brazilian, Colombian and Russian teams along with an exhibition opening match from the Bundesliga.
With a crop of homegrown players and veteran goalkeeper Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake is ready for its MLS Cup Playoff clash with the Portland Timbers.
For the first time, the Thorns enter the playoffs in poor form with no momentum.
North Carolina Courage lead the pack with six nominees in all categories.
Atlanta is missing its best defender, which may limit its attack to open the MLS Cup playoffs.
The fullback in a contract year said he started talking with sporting director Olivier Renard.
Opara is the fourth player in MLS history to win the league’s Defender of the Year award multiple times.
FC Dallas has a history of struggles, especially on the road and in playoffs, against the Seattle Sounders.
DeLeon played with D.C. United for seven seasons. He’s looking forward to the reunion in the playoffs.
Coach Rory Dames thinks a few differences this year will help his team get past that barrier.