Kick Off: How should the US line up? | Vote now to decide Goal of the Year

Greg Seltzer

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

Chess pieces

There has been plenty of chalk talk ahead of Friday's CONCACAF World Cup qualifying hexagonal opener against arch rivals Mexico (7:45pm ET; FS1, Univision). Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle ponders which formation should get the call, while Benjamin Baer demonstrates why the most important tactical indicator revolves around where Michael Bradley is stationed in midfield.

History lessons

Considering they've won all four of their World Cup qualifiers against Mexico in Columbus, it will come as no surprise that the current US squad believes this fixture belongs to the city. Also, ride the time machine back to 1980, the year of the USMNT's first victory over El Tri.

United we stand

With a contentious Presidential election in the rear-view mirror, USMNT players are hoping they can play their part in bringing the country together.

Vengeance, thy name is Rafa

Having already suffered three WCQ hex losses in Columbus, Mexico veteran – and former MLSer – Rafa Marquez is eager to exact revenge on Friday.

All the rage

Hotshot US attacker Christian Pulisic has been a popular interview subject across the airwaves this week. Men In Blazers' Roger Bennett profiled him for Vice, and he also had a chat with ESPN's Colin Cowherd.

Toon town

US right back DeAndre Yedlin says his loan spell with local rivals Sunderland has helped him settle quickly at Newcastle.

New Jozy

Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus writes about how Toronto FC strike ace Jozy Altidore is now ready to lead the way to glory for both club & country.

The past is prologue

The Seattle Times notes how this year's Conference Finalists are writing new chapters after years of postseason failures.

Break ranks

With the MLS Playoffs taking a quick hiatus before kicking off the Conference Finals, ESPN FC's Arch Bell runs down the list of players that each final four club must hope can stay healthy over the international break.

Hater debater

Colorado Rapids forward Kevin Doyle has aired a rebuttal to European observers that look down on MLS, saying the league is often under-rated across the pond.

Pick a side

With the Goal of the Year field down to NYCFC rookie Jack Harrison and Colorado's Shkelzen Gashi, our staff weighs in with their choices.

Staying and going

Real Salt Lake are bringing back head coach Jeff Cassar in 2017. Meanwhile, recently departed ace Javier Morales has revealed that he's not retiring (and that leaving the club wasn't his call).