(author's note: Throughout the MLS season we shared a weekend MLS gamethread together in this space. Let's use that format today and use the second section to highlight Sounders in action around the world.)
Three Big Storylines:
- Today starts the final stage of CONCACAF qualifying for World Cup 2018. Six teams have made it to Round 5, affectionately called The Hex. USA, México, Panamá, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras and Costa Rica will each play home and away over 10 matches between now and October 10th, 2017. The top three teams will qualify for Russia 2018 with the fourth place team qualifying for a playoff against the fifth place team from Asia for a World Cup berth.