Kick Off: Making sense of Tata's ATL exit | MLS player salaries revealed

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

Kicking around Tata's ATL exit

For those wondering why Atlanta United chose Tuesday to announce that head coach Tata Martino would not return in 2019, Sam Stejskal has a rather simple answer: they wanted to control how much the news could affect their MLS Cup chase. READ MORE

So what happens next for the Five Stripes? Bobby Warshaw attempts to spell out the tests awaiting them next year as they transition from the highly successful Martino regime. 

Galaxy jump in Power Rankings

The LA Galaxy made the biggest jump in this week's MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings, rising three spots. They rejoined the top 10 at the expense of Columbus, who fell three rungs for the largest drop of the round. 

Weighing Decision Day prospects

With the MLS regular season heading toward the tape, the probability wizards over at FiveThirtyEight have sorted through all potential outcomes on Decision Day. READ MORE

In case you need a refresher, here is a rundown of how all those possible results would affect playoff berths and seeding. 

MLSPA salary guide out

It's that time of year again. The MLS Players Association has released 2018 salary info on every player in the league. 

Rumor: MLS, Liga MX to play in Libertadores?

According to Argentine journalist Javier Lanza, MLS and Liga MX are close to sealing inclusion in the 2020 Copa Libertadores. He says the two North American leagues are holding out for the chance to play a final in the US and eligibility to claim the Club World Cup invite that comes with winning the trophy.

Toffees coming to Audi Field in '19?

Washington Post scribe Steven Goff reports that D.C. United are in discussions to arrange an Audi Field friendly with Wayne Rooney's former club, Everton, for next year. The clubs have met before, with the Toffees taking a 3-1 friendly decision in the summer of 2011. 

Mendez signs for Freiburg

LA Galaxy Academy midfielder Alex Mendez has announced he's hopping the pond after inking a deal to join Bundesliga outfit Freiburg. READ MORE

Also on Tuesday, Mendez was among 20 players called into US Under-20 national team camp ahead of the Concacaf U-20 Championship, which also serves as that age group's World Cup qualifying.