Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Celebrity Deathmatch
The US national team will be facing a must-win scenario far sooner than they expected on the road to Russia when Guatemala pay a Tuesday visit to Columbus' MAPFRE Stadium. Our ExtraTime Radio crew has broken down the particulars to get you ready, while US legend Landon Donovan sounded an optimistic note, claiming the US will win out in its qualifying group and make the Hex.
Who, Me?
On the heels of widespread criticism of the way he manned the formation in Friday's loss to Guatemala, US boss Jurgen Klinsmann insists he didn't play anyone out of position.
Welcome Aboard
The key Guatemala duo of Hamilton Lopez and Carlos Ruiz have been granted travel approval to join their teammates in Columbus for Tuesday's tilt.
Instant Nostalgia
Geoff Cameron and Graham Zusi have recalled a similar nervy circumstance the USMNT faced in this round leading to the hexagonal four short years ago.
This Mortal Coil
Fans shouldn't be taking an eighth consecutive World Cup appearance for granted, warns USMNT midfielder Michael Bradley. He noted after the team's loss to Guatemala on Friday that, some fans “turn on the television every four years and watch World Cups and see us there and think we have a divine right to be there. Obviously anybody who is in it every day understands that is not the case. These nights are part of it.”
Back In The Saddle
United States Under-23 netminder Ethan Horvath is available again after leaving the away leg of their do-or-die Olympic qualifying tie with an injury on Friday. It remains unclear, however, whether he will get the start when Colombia visit Texas for the deciding match.
Down Mexico Way
Canada ace Tesho Akindele says he's not intimidated by the prospect of performing at Mexico's venerable Estadio Azteca when the two teams reunite for another round of World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night.
Looking Ahead
All eyes are focused on the USMNT's upcoming qualifier with Guatemala Tuesday night, but a report on Jacksonville.com indicates that EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida has been selected as the site of the USA's September 6 home qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago. US Soccer later confirmed the news, also revealing detail on upcoming friendlies against Ecuador (May 25 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas) and Bolivia (May 28 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas).
Short-Stacked
The abbreviated slate from Week 4 has ended with victorious sides FC Dallas and Vancouver dominating our Team of the Week.
The Kids Are Alright
Speaking of FC Dallas, how have they managed to greatly improve in each of the past three season? By developing and playing the youth.
Fire Fighters
Chicago boss Veljko Paunovic has given positive updates on three recovering Fire attackers, including top gun David Accam.
Cricket, Anyone?
In our latest "10 Things" feature, we learn that Orlando City's Kevin Molino could have been a cricket star – yes, that says cricket.
Aird Ranger
The Vancouver Whitecaps' Fraser Aird, who is on loan from Rangers, says he is growing comfortable at right back.
Cowboys Boost
A few Dallas Cowboys players sent out video support for FC Dallas' Kellyn Acosta and the US Under-23 national team ahead of their Olympic qualifying decider in nearby Frisco on Tuesday night.
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