Kick Off: US, Canada national teams in final prep for Friday's WCQs

Greg Seltzer

Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:

That Time Again

With focus temporarily shifting from MLS to this weekend's round of World Cup Qualifying, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle takes a look at the tasks awaiting the United States and Canada on Friday.

Ale Up

Nantes midfielder Alejandro Bedoya is back in form and ready to help the USMNT forget a disappointing 2015.

The Dude Advises

Former MLS and USMNT ace Frankie Hejduk has personally penned an open letter to the current national team group with advice for Friday's business trip to Guatemala.

Choices, Choices

United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann is not tipping his hand as to which goalkeeper will get the nod for Friday's World Cup qualifier in Guatemala.

Future Net Worth

Though he's currently with the US under-23 national team preparing for a do-or-die Olympic qualifying tie with Colombia, MK Dons netminder Cody Cropper admitted he would one day like to suit up in MLS for one of two franchises who have yet to begin play: Atlanta and Minnesota.

Fresh Eyes

Also currently on international duty with the US U-23 squad, former Real Salt Lake midfielder Luis Gil says he's enjoying the scenery change that has come with his winter move to Liga MX side Queretaro.

Fear Is A Four-Letter Word

Canada skipper Julian de Guzman says the team will enter Friday's key World Cup Qualifier against Mexico on Friday with no fear.

Keane Interest

Though he has started the new season by bagging two goals in three games, Galaxy star Robbie Keane says he needs more touches.

Calling the Bull-Pen

With half his projected starting back line injured and the other half away on international duty, Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch has brought free agent Amobi Okugo into training.

Poku Playing?

With all of NYCFC's midfield absences, one might assume Kwadwo Poku will finally make his season debut against New England on Saturday. But boss Patrick Vieira says Poku will need to earn it in training.

Home Sweet Home

The story of Phiily Union's hometown boy wonder Keegan Rosenberry keeps getting better and better.

Kids' Allowance

The Portland Timbers are raising their academy investment with the goal of becoming able to supply the first team with a new prospect every season by the end of this decade.

Talent Pipline: Untapped?

Per UK outlet The Guardian it seems that with focused scouting, MLS could be positioned to tap into a talented pool of Asian and Australian players.

Fashion Sense

Sporting KC have enjoyed some March madness, and not just because they've opened the season with three straight wins. The "Missouri Azzurri" came out on top in the Ultimate Sports Uniform Bracket, a 64-team fan-vote tourney spanning all team sports run by USA Today.