Kick Off: How Maxi Moralez fits in NYC | CONCACAF U-20 Championship opens

Greg Seltzer

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

The 411 on Moralez

We chatted up Mexico-baed scribe Tom Marshall to get a scouting report on new NYCFC Designated Player Maxi Moralez. Find out why he thinks adding this "highly technical, tricky" attacker is an exciting signing for NYCFC. READ MORE

Though our Matt Doyle has yet to work out how Moralez will fit into NYCFC's lineup, but that didn't stop him from offering an update on his vision for every club's starting XI. READ MORE

Curtis, Red Bulls wave goodbye

After Ali Curtis and the New York Red Bulls agreed to part ways on Thursday, their former GM admitted it was the right end to their time together. Curtis’ two-year tenure began controversially, with the firing of club icon Mike Petke in favor of current head coach Jesse Marsch, but proved successful: a Supporters’ Shield in 2015, the best regular-season record in the Eastern Conference in 2016 and a berth in the 2016/17 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, which begins next Wednesday against Vancouver. READ MORE

The heat is on for Kinnear in SJ

ESPN's Jeff Carlisle writes that, with San Jose unable to make the playoffs in recent years, the pressure is on boss Dom Kinnear to get them back to the postseason. Kinnear led the Houston Dynamo to two MLS Cup victories (four appearances) in the domestic final, along with a Supporters' Shield for the 'Quakes in 2005. READ MORE

Revs enjoy Kouassi's (delayed) debut

Xavier Kouassi missed all of last season after signing with New England as a Designated Player in February 2016, but they finally got to see him in action on Wednesday. The 26-year-old defensive midfielder had served as captain for FC Sion in the Swiss Super League prior to joining the Revs. READ MORE

Morgan heads to TFC shelf

Toronto FC defender Ashtone Morgan will miss 6-8 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot. The 25-year-old is TFC's longest-tenured player, having made 123 appearances across all competitions through six seasons, and recently reupped with the Reds despite an injury-plagued 2016 campaign. READ MORE

Another Black Star to MLS?

According to reports out of Africa, Ghana defender Edwin Gyimah is in line for a move to a mystery MLS club. Gymiah, who has earned 10 caps for the Black Stars, recently parted ways with the South African Premier Soccer League's Orlando Pirates. READ MORE

Preview: CONCACAF U-20 Championship

The CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, which also decides the four teams who will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, begins on Friday. Will Parchman is here to give you the lowdown and even a few predictions, as the US chase their first title in the competition. READ MORE