Kick Off: Buzz building for USA vs. Mexico | Philadelphia making moves

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


On to the last one


The Conference Semifinals are in the books, which means attention now can turn to the final round of World Cup qualifying, which kicks off with Friday's CONCACAF Hexagonal opener between the US national team and arch rivals Mexico. For US fans, this matchup conjures up "Dos A Cero" chants – and we're here to explain how that came to be.


Ins & outs


Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has shared his thumbs up and thumbs down when it comes to the latest US national team roster. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klinsmann explained some of his squad choices, such as why he called Jermaine Jones and not Kyle Beckerman.


Forward swap


One player who will miss Friday's match is Seattle Sounders rookie ace Jordan Morris, who is dealing with a hamstring injury picked up in Sunday's Conference Semifinal second leg against FC Dallas. He was replaced on Tuesday by LA Galaxy forward Alan Gordon.


Setting the scenes


Of course, the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs will resume after the international break, and Will Parchman gets you ready early with his Conference Championship previews.


Who ya got?


The ESPN FC panel of experts go out on a limb to submit their picks to reach MLS Cup.


Ooh, Canada!


Either Montreal or Toronto FC will become the first Canadian club to make it to an MLS Cup final, and Andrew Wiebe says it's high time north-of-the-border clubs stepped up to the playoff plate. While the Reds are busy rewriting their history, the Impact are enjoying their underdog role.


Picks of the bunch


Our editorial staff has weighed in on the awards race, offering their choices for all the major prizes.


See you next year!


Soccer America reports that the Philadelphia Union have picked up nine player options for next season, including those of key cogs Andre Blake, Chris Pontius and Keegan Rosenberry.


Frank-ly speaking


The BBC says New York City FC have until the end of the year to decide whether to extend Frank Lampard's contract for next season.


In the crowd


Meanwhile, according to local blog NYCFC Nation, the Yankee Stadium outfit are the third MLS team showing interest in Dundalk midfielder Daryl Horgan.


Fashion line


Atlanta United FC will unveil their first kit at a free ticket event next Tuesday.


Meet and eat


Though they won't start MLS play until 2018, LAFC owner Larry Berg is already getting to know the fans over some snacks and brews.


Goody two boots


With boots culture on the rise, we catch up with Kicks to the Pitch founder Curtis Brown for a cleats Q&A.


MLSsoccer.com Musts:


Taylor Twellman visits ExtraTime Radio
Watch: The latest edition of This Week In MLS
Instant Replay: Reviewing the weekend's close calls