Jack McBean is still learning how to use his size and strength to make a difference in MLS, where there's a physical dimension to the game rarely seen in Latin America.

Landon Donovan couldn't make it back from his sprained ankle, but the LA Galaxy were just fine without him Wednesday night. They put Cartaginés away in the first half-hour, cruising into the CONCACAF Champions League knockout stage with a 3-0 victory in San Jose, Costa Rica.

HOUSTON – When the Houston Dynamo drafted Jason Johnson in the first round of the MLS Super Draft this year the club talked about his potential and his athletic ability. Nearly 10 months later, Johnson is starting to put those things to good use.

HOUSTON – The Houston Dynamo made things simple regarding their CONCACAF Champions League fate with their 2-0 win over W Connection.

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Chicago Fire center back Austin Berry is one of three field players in MLS to play every minute of the 2013 season.

If only he had a partner in the middle of the defense who could say the same.

SPORTING KANSAS CITY vs PHILADELPHIA UNION
SPORTING PARK, Kansas City, Kan.
Sept. 27, 2013 (WEEK 31, MLS Game #280)
8 pm ET (NBCSN; TSN2)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Just as he had hoped, C.J. Sapong is on another late-season scoring tear for Sporting Kansas City.

The big winger has three goals in his last two games, including a pair of headers in Saturday's 2-1 away victory over Toronto FC, after netting just once in his first 19 appearances. Last year, Sapong scored four times in his final seven games.

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Like his more renowned older brother Michael, Kevin Hoyos is trying to reconnect with his past. And that may include a move back to the US national team fold and Major League Soccer, the Argentine-American claims.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is enjoying a breakout campaign for CD Victoria of the Honduran top flight while on loan from Argentine club Estudiantes de La Plata, and says his move to Central America may be a stopping-off point on his way back home.

NEW YORK – Mario de Luna's latest transgression may have gone unpunished last weekend, but it did not avoid the ire of the MLS Disciplinary Committee.