Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. THE BIG ONE
North America's titans are set to clash again as Saturday brings the CONCACAF Cup between the US and Mexico (9:30 pm ET, Fox Sports 1/Univision/UDN) as the two Gold Cup winners battle it out for a place in the 2017 Confederations Cup. The game will present an interesting tactical battle with plenty of fascinating storylines to watch out for as well. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the big game.
2. IMPACT GET ANOTHER CHANCE
The Montreal Impact may have fallen short at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, but there’s no need for fans to panic just yet, as the Impact have another chance to open a gap in the playoff race when they take on the Colorado Rapids this Saturday (6 pm ET, MLS LIVE). The Rapids locker room, meanwhile, is apparently taking a keen interest in politics.
3. WHAT DID HERNANDEZ SAY TO DONOVAN?
Back to the CONCACAF Cup. USA vs. Mexico is considered one of the world's greatest soccer rivalries. Just how heated do the matches get? In this oral history of the 2002 World Cup knockout match between the USA and Mexico, Landon Donovan heard the "worst comment I ever received from another player." Find out who said it here.
- HERNANDEZ RIDING HIGH
There are three things Mexico may want to take care of in order to improve their own chances, but the team can at least turn to Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, as the striker is playing with a newly-regained confidence following his summer move to Germany.
5. BEDOYA A DOUBT IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
An illness has put Alejandro Bedoya’s involvement in USA-Mexico in doubt, but it's done nothing to the deter the Nantes midfielder's desire to be part of MLS sometime soon. Though Nick Sakiewicz has departed the Philadelphia Union, does that club remain a valid option for the US international?
6. U-23S GET READY
Saturday will see the four remaining teams in CONCACAF Olympic qualifying battle it out for a place in Rio 2016 , with the US set to face Honduras while Canada take on Mexico in the tournament’s semifinals at Real Salt Lake's Rio Tinto Stadium (3 pm and 6 pm ET, respectively; broadcast live on NBC Universo in the US). The semi winners earn an automatic place in Rio.
7. US HAVE EYES ON THE PRIZE
As the US U-23s make their final preparations for their own big game, will the way they beat Panama help them get ready for Saturday? Emerson Hyndman has had a tough time of it with Fulham recently, but the midfielder is keen to forget all that and focus on securing a place at the Olympics. Meanwhile, two longtime Real Salt Lake teammates are also relishing their opportunity with coach Andi Herzog's side.
8. WHAT’S NEXT FOR WHITECAPS?
The Vancouver Whitecaps have secured their playoff spot this season. But now that’s taken care of, what does the road ahead look like for the Western Conference’s Canadian team?
9. RED BULLS TAKE THEIR CHANCES
Kemar Lawrence didn’t feature for the New York Red Bulls in their 2-1 win over the Montreal Impact on Wednesday but, in his absence, both Connor Lade and Sal Zizzo made the most of the opportunities presented to them, while goalkeeper Luis Robles tied another record.
- ORLANDO CHASE ANOTHER RECORD
Orlando City may have been hurt by the fact that, for much of the season, they were unable to field the same lineup consecutively. Yet even if they don’t reach the playoffs, the club can still say they broke records as an expansion side.
11. IS A MOVE BRUIN?
Will we still be seeing Will Bruin in Houston Dynamo orange next season? The St. Louis native has had another consistent, double-digit goal scoring season and has been hailed by his club for his hard work. But with his contract up at the end of the year, the striker could be on the move.
12. TIMBERS STAY POSITIVE
While Diego Valeri calls the Portland Timbers’ current league situation “frustrating”, fellow Designated Player Liam Ridgewell feels the side has the right mentality to help raise them back into the playoff places when they take the field next week.
13. CINCINNATI SHOW OFF THEIR STUFF
FC Cincinnati are wasting no time at all as they continue their preparations for their first season in USL next year, with the club unveiling the team’s inaugural kits on Thursday as well as revealing four major sponsors for the team.
14. FEEL-GOOD THROWBACK
Speaking of kits, D.C. United may not have a game this weekend, but if you get down to their home game against the Chicago Fire next weekend you can bag yourself one of these beautiful throwback shirts.
- SCHMID TALKS SHEP
At halftime of Wednesday’s game between the New York Red Bulls and the Montreal Impact, TV commentator Shep Messing shared some pretty interesting rumors regarding possible MLS coaching changes. While NYCFC boss Jason Kreis dismissed a potential move to Seattle as “ludicrous,”current Sounders boss Sigi Schmid also had a pointed response of his own.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
2-0: An oral history of the 2002 US vs Mexico World Cup game
CONCACAF Cup: Things to do in Pasadena near the Rose Bowl
ExtraTime Radio: Here’s your complete CONCACAF Cup preview
