Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. TOUGHER TEST FOR USMNT
Coming off a 3-2 loss to Denmark, the US national team will be looking to close out the March international window with a win. However, with Jurgen Klinsmann hoping to build chemistry while also testing his players against some of the world's elite sides, things won’t get any easier when the US face Switzerland today (12 pm ET; Fox Sports 1, UniMas, Univision Deportes).
2. BRADLEY'S MIDFIELD PARTNER
Michael Bradley is relishing his role as captain of the US national team, but who should partner with him in the center of midfield? The answer, in this camp at least, is Alejandro Bedoya, who is more than willing to play utility man.
3. US DUAL NATIONALS KEEN TO IMPRESS
Tuesday’s game against Switzerland could also offer the USMNT's latest dual nationals a chance to impress. Goalkeeper William Yarbrough is keen to make the most of his opportunity, and Ventura Alvarado’s experiences so far have him ready to fully commit to the US.
4. QUESTIONS FOR (AND ABOUT) KLINSMANN
Questions remain about the US national team’s best backline. Who would you play across the back in Zurich? Meanwhile, Jurgen Klinsmann has come in for some criticism recently from former US youth team coach Thomas Rongen, who wondered on Monday if Klinsmann might not be the best man to lead the team.
5. CANADA KEEP ROLLING
The Canadian national team earned another confidence-boosting win on Monday, defeating Puerto Rico, 3-0. The match saw Orlando City striker Cyle Larin score his first goal for the senior team.
6. SEATTLE GETTING STRONGER
There’s no denying that the Seattle Sounders were not at their strongest last weekend. While some players used that opportunity to impress the coaches, this weekend the Sounders expect to have a fuller squad. And there's other good news: Osvaldo Alonso is back in full training.
7. IKE OPARA: BETTER THAN EVER?
Sporting KC defender Ike Opara was sidelined for most of the 2014 season after suffering a serious ankle injury, but he has returned this year seemingly better than ever.
8. MISSING MAURO
Many were puzzled to see Mauro Diaz’s name missing from the team sheet for Saturday's FC Dallas’ game against the Sounders. The absence, combined with an alternate training regime, have some people wondering: what is going on with the young star?
9. INNOCENT COMMENTS
The Chicago Fire made Victor Perez’s loan official on Friday, and head coach Frank Yallop confirmed that he won’t count as a Designated Player. Meanwhile, one of the San Jose’s DPs says there’s not much difference between the level of MLS and that of Serie A or Ligue 1.
10. TOP OF THE TO-DO LIST IN ATLANTA?
There’s less than two years now until Atlanta makes their MLS debut, so what are the most pressing issues the club is working on? Well, according to President Darren Eales, the team name and a training facility are among the top priorities.
11. HOMES IN THE CITY
New York Red Bulls II made their USL debut at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, but that won't be the new team's home, as the club finalized a deal to play at Columbia University. Speaking of new homes, here's an update on the New England Revolution's stadium plans in Boston.
12. XAVI: WILL HE OR WON'T HE?
Looks like the Xavi saga isn’t quite as finished as we thought last week. The Barcelona star stated that his recent trip to Qatar was personal, not professional, and that there is no deal in place with Al Sadd.
13. MEXICO DRESS TO IMPRESS
The Mexican national team is also back in action Tuesday when they take on Paraguay in Kansas City (9 pm ET, ESPN 2). With manager Miguel Herrera making a number of changes to the squad that defeated Ecuador on Saturday, this game offers many relatively untested players their chance to impress.
14. HONDURAS MAKE IT THROUGH
There were some shaky moments, but Honduras secured their Gold Cup berth, thanks to former D.C. United player Andy Najar's brace in a 3-0 win over French Guiana, overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit to ensure a 4-3 aggregate victory. Check out this golazo by the Anderlecht star.
15. US SOCCER COMMUNITY MOURNS
Monday marked a sad day for the US soccer community, which lost one of its own after it was revealed that missing Cal freshman midfielder Eloi Vasquez was killed after being struck by a car.
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