Have we moved two steps closer to avoiding an MLS work-stoppage? The league and the players’ union have come to an agreement on a pair of the biggest issues in the CBA negotiations, according to the 24th minute.

The Toronto blog claims _ despite Snowmageddon delaying negotiations _ the two side hashed out an agreement on the issue of both guaranteed contracts and an increase in the cap.

In the first case, veteran players would get some protection, and in the latter the cap will jump 13% from its present $2.3 million up to $2.6 million. That leaves the biggest bone of contention as free-agency, with the league adamantly against any type of free movement for fear that it will boost salaries.

The original CBA was to expire at the end of last month, but negotiations were extended through tomorrow. With the inclement weather, ostensibly they could be extended even further if there is progress being made _ and according to this report, there clearly is.