Kick Off: NYCFC set to build new training facility | MLS mascot rankings

Greg Seltzer

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

Looking ahead

It's turning into a season to remember for New York City FC, but the club is already thinking about the future, announcing plans on Wednesday to build a brand new training facility in Orangeburg, New York.

Eyes on Cuba

As the US national team gets set for a historic friendly in Cuba (Friday at 4 pm ET on ESPN2, UniMás), Sam Stejskal has come up with four questions the USMNT needs to answer in the match. After the trip to Cuba, defender John Anthony Brooks will return to Hertha Berlin to ensure he's fully fit when they return to Bundesliga action.

Award show

After a decisive double in their weekend win at Toronto FC gave Lamar Neagle six goals and two helpers in his last 272 minutes of action, the D.C. United attacker was named MLS Player of the Week

Power moves

Not only are Seattle the hottest team in the league, but they've also now jumped into the top five of the MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings.

Path to Swansea

New Swansea boss Bob Bradley has traveled a professional career trajectory that started in MLS and his son Michael is very proud of him.

Blake of fire

In case you missed this edition of The Word, Dave Zeitlin looks at the rise of hotshot Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.

Recovery period

The New York Red Bulls are hoping to have their squad at or near full strength when the international break ends next week.

Gio-dynamics

In Los Angeles, it is being noticed how head coach Bruce Arena has helped Giovani dos Santos become a complete player.

The choice is made

Though he had been holding up hope of a US youth international call-up, Red Bulls defender Derrick Etienne will now pledge allegiance to Haiti by turning out for them in Caribbean Cup qualifiers.

Seven to grow on

Daniel Squizzato has offered up seven potential candidates for the next Canada head coach.

Newman!

Michael Lewis has produced a special bit for The Guardian that looks back at the early impact on American soccer had by original Kansas City Wizards head coach Ron Newman.

Home address

Washington D.C. has officially handed over the site that will become the home for D.C. United's new stadium that is set to open in 2018.

Jordan vs. Jordan

In the latest edition of the real-life EA FIFA 17 skills challenge, MLS Rookie of the Year candidate Jordan Morris does battle with young Real Salt Lake midfielder Jordan Allen.