Kick Off: Can DC United stay perfect in CCL? | MLSsoccer.com's 24 Under 24 rankings unveiled today

Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:


1. CAN UNITED SECURE A TOP SEED?

D.C. United play their final game of the CONCACAF Champions League group stage tonight when they travel to Jamaica to take on Montego Bay United (8 pm ET, Fox Soccer Plus). United have already clinched their group and qualified for the quarterfinals, but they are looking for a win tonight to head into the knockouts as one of the highest seeds.


2. 24 UNDER 24 LIST DROPS TODAY

It's become an annual tradition: the announcement of the 24 Under 24 rankings which takes place later today on MLSsoccer.com. To get you set for the 2015 grand unveiling, get a little more familiar with what 24 Under 24 is here and find out about the elite company that the 2015 winner will join.


3. MINNESOTA MOVES

It looks as though the final pieces could be falling into place for Minnesota United FC's search for a stadium site, with MLS Commissioner Don Garber touring the prospective location in St. Paul on Monday. One local argument suggests that the preferred location would be a great fit for MLS, while other expansion storylines in Atlanta, LA, Miami and Sacramento also made the news on Monday.


4. ROBLES GOES 90 FOR 100

Luis Robles hit an impressive milestone during the New York Red Bulls' 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers on Sunday, becoming just the second 'keeper in MLS history to go the full 90 minutes in 100 consecutive league appearances. Robles was impressive in the win, which served as a homecoming of sorts for the University of Portland product


5. BLISS OPEN TO PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

He's yet to coach his first match for the club, but Chicago Fire interim head coach Brian Bliss is open to staying on in the position should he be asked back. In the meantime, the Chicago technical director is looking to bring some stability to the club with his move to the sidelines. 


6. KAKÁ READY TO RETURN


Brek Shea played an important part in Orlando City SC’s 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire on Saturday. While the club may need to be careful in how they manage his return, they did get another good bit of injury news on Monday, as Kaká should be ready to take the field when they take on the New York Red Bulls on Friday


7. SPOTLIGHT ON THE CHAMPS

LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena was celebrating his birthday as the team flew to Trinidad & Tobago to face Central FC on Wednesday. A good performance in the CONCACAF Champions League could help the Galaxy get over their recent dip in form, which the Guardian analyzes closely here.


8. GRABAVOY TAKES THE LEAD

New York City FC have struggled to find their best lineup this year, and while the debate rages on over whether or not Kwadwo Poku should start more games, one player who seems to have cemented his place is Ned Grabavoy, who notched two goals and an assist on Saturday to emerge as a leader on the left side


9. D.C. STADIUM NEWS

It’s been a while since we spoke about D.C. United’s proposed new home at Buzzard Point. With a deadline looming at the end of the month, the latest news from Mayor Muriel Bowser indicates that eminent domain could be used in order to secure the final piece of land at the site.


10. AMATEURS GET READY

While the 2015 US Open Cup is not yet complete, the local qualifying format for the 2016 edition of the tournament was announced on Monday, with the first round set to begin next month for the 56 amateur teams looking to make their way to the full tournament.


11. EYES ON THE PRIZE

Back to this year's edition of the US Open Cup, the Philadelphia Union are looking to stay fit and focused ahead of next Wednesday's final against Sporting Kansas City. Visiting SKC isn't quite taking the same approach, with manager Peter Vermes -- who will guide his side in two MLS matches before next week's final -- barely even willing to discuss the title game


12. ANOTHER BLOW FOR MEXICO?

While it seems the Mexican national team may be closing in on a new manager, there was more tough news on Monday for El Tri ahead of next month's CONCACAF Cup game, with Rafa Marquez joining Andres Guardado on the injury list.


13. LAST CHANCE TO IMPRESS

Richie Williams has named his squad for the final US U-17 camp before next month's FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile. Included on the the 24-player roster are 11 players attached to either MLS clubs, their academies or USL affiliates.


14. YEDLIN SET FOR SUNDERLAND DEBUT

Tottenham loanee DeAndre Yedlin looks set to make his first appearance for Sunderland today, with SAFC boss Dick Advocaat telling reporters on Monday that the US international will get the start for the Black Cats in their league cup match against Manchester City


15. NO SOCCER FOR BECKHAM (JR)

While things may finally be moving in the right direction with David Beckham's potential Miami franchise, the former LA Galaxy star faced "a little bit" of heartbreak recently when one of his children confessed he didn’t want to play soccer anymore.


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