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).
Suggestion blocks
The LAFC supporters' groups are having their say in the team's stadium design.
Shop-up
To help the locals dress for the big game, US Soccer has magically made a temporary gear shop appear in Columbus this week.
Friends in high places
To put it mildly, Toronto mayor John Tory is showing support for the Reds in their quest to reach MLS Cup.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Club & Country: Which MLSers will play in WCQs?
Remembering Juan Carlos Osorio's MLS experiment
Watch: A day with Caps GK David Ousted