Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. US BRACED FOR BRAZIL
The US national team is set for another tough test tonight against Brazil at Gillette Stadium (8 pm ET, ESPN2, UniMas and UDN) and while the USMNT back line remains the biggest question mark to many observers, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is viewing the match as an important step in the learning curve for his team's younger players.
2. STAYING WITH THE SENIOR SIDE
Tuesday's match against Brazil will no doubt serve as a great warm-up for the US as they continue their preparation for next month's Confederations Cup playoff match against Mexico. The American Under-23s will be in action during that same window, as they attempt to qualify for next summer's Olympics. While some senior players are eligible to suit up for the U-23s, Klinsmann confirmed Monday that DeAndre Yedlin and John Brooks will remain with the senior team in October.
3. PLAYERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
One of the most promising signs for the US national team this year has been the development of the LA Galaxy’s Gyasi Zardes, with the 24-year-old confident he’s starting to see the game differently. Meanwhile, as the New England Revolution's Jermaine Jones gets ready to suit up for the national team on his home turf, what role does Stanford University's Jordan Morris have with the national team?
4. ALTIDORE ON THE VERGE OF A LANDMARK GOAL
It's been a big few days for Jozy Altidore, who scored two goals while wearing the captain's armband in the USMNT's win against Peru on Friday and now stands on the verge of an exclusive milestone for the national team.
5. KAKÁ WILL FEATURE
Kaká was thrilled to return to the Brazilian national team over the weekend and, while he was held out of training on Monday, the Orlando City star is still expected to feature against the US national team tonight.
6. WILL CANADA FINISH THE JOB?
Canada are in Belize tonight for the second leg of their World Cup qualifying series (9 pm ET, EuroWorld Sport, CanadaSoccer.com), looking to close out the Central American side following their 3-0 first leg win in Toronto last week. Canada head coach Benito Floro is looking for some better finishing to put the series beyond any doubt early on Tuesday night.
7. MEXICO NOT AFRAID OF MESSI
The USA aren't the only CONCACAF nation taking on a South American power tonight, as Mexico and Javier Hernandez are set to lock horns with Argentina in Dallas. While they may be facing one of the world’s best players in Lionel Messi, Mexico’s interim boss insists they have no fear of their opponents.
8. COULD ROSELL RETURN TO SKC?
According to reports out of Portugal, former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Uri Rosell could be on his way out at Sporting Clube de Portugal. The Spaniard is apparently eyeing a move back to MLS, with SKC reportedly showing interest.
9. SAURO RECOVERING
Columbus Crew SC’s 3-0 loss to FC Dallas on Sunday was made even worse by the fact that Gaston Sauro suffered an injury in the third minute of his Crew debut. Thankfully, the Argentine was released from the hospital on Monday, but he might not be completely out of the woods yet, with head coach Gregg Berhalter not assigning an exact date for his return just yet.
10. BEDELL OFF THE MARK
Things may be looking a bit rough for Orlando City at the moment, but it's not all bad news for the Lions. Recently loaned out striker Adam Bedell has made a strong start to his time in Denmark, having already tallied four goals in two games for HB Koge.
11. US U-20s FINISH WITH A WIN
The US U-20s finally got a win under their belts in the Stevan Vilotic-Cele Tournament on Sunday, with Real Salt Lake’s Sebastian Saucedo notching a brace to help secure a 2-0 victory over Israel, giving the US a sixth-place finish at the tournament.
12. CAN THE U-23s DO THE SAME?
The US U-23s play their final friendly ahead of Olympic qualifying today, with Andi Herzog’s side set to meet Qatar for the second time this year (2:45 pm ET). Can the US head into qualifying on the back of a morale boosting win?
13. RHINOS WIN THE TITLE
Congratulations are in order for the Rochester Rhinos, who secured the USL regular season title over the weekend following a 0-0 draw with the Richmond Kickers. Winning the regular season crown marks an impressive turnaround for the club, who missed the playoffs for the first time in their history in 2014.
14. GERRARD ENJOYING THE QUIET LIFE
What’s one of the things Steven Gerrard is enjoying most about his new life in LA? The former Liverpool FC star is enamored with the quality of life he's experiencing in LA.
15. DEDICATED FOLLOWERS
When the US take to the field tonight, one thing they can be guaranteed of is intense support from the American Outlaws, the US supporters' group described by the president of the Boston chapter as “a lot like a traveling circus.”
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