Kick Off: US & Mexico to kick off Hex | Jordan Morris honored

Greg Seltzer

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

Ready to rumble

The US national team will open the final round of CONCACAF 2018 World Cup qualifying Friday, when Mexico come calling to Columbus (7:45pm ET; FS1, Univision). To get the boys amped up for the 67th meeting between these two rivals, Crew SC head coach Gregg Berhalter brought along fellow former USMNT players Josh Wolff and Frankie Hejduk for a heartfelt pep talk. Regarding more tangible matters, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle offers up his tactical preview of the match.

Back in style

US net star Tim Howard says his self-imposed international hiatus and the move back to MLS combined to get him back to his best.

Other side

He's already worked US-Mexico clashes, but on Friday, Senior Editor Andrew Wiebe will experience one from the stands.

Leading the charge

As Canada looks ahead to the next World Cup cycle, Orlando City ace Cyle Larin will plow the road as their youth movement takes over.

Finest freshman

Seattle forward Jordan Morris bagged the AT&T Rookie of the Year award on Thursday.

Drogba dispatch

Montreal star Didier Drogba has put controversy behind him to have a playoff Impact off the bench. Meanwhile, the 38-year-old is talking as if retirement is far from his thoughts at this time.

Looking back, moving forward

Because he was fresh off attending his grandfather's funeral, Colorado winger Marlon Hairston went through the emotional wringer when the Rapids beat the LA Galaxy in Sunday's Western Conference Semifinals decider.

More from Morales

After sending a moving social post, Javier Morales held a press conference on Thursday to discuss his Real Salt Lake departure, and revealed that he could stay in MLS next season or head south.

Forging a future path

Nearly a week after being knocked out of the playoffs by Montreal, the New York Red Bulls are still smarting from it. Looking ahead to next season, the clubs are already shaping the attack (as well as their wage scale); Gonzalo Veron will be back, while fellow Designated Player Omar Damari will not.

Carlito's Way?

A Univision column suggests that Boca Juniors strike star Carlos Tevez could be lured by an MLS club this winter.

Slim pickin'

Sporting KC have loads of offseason decisions ahead, as they have only seven players under contract for next season - and one of those is retiring attacker Brad Davis.

Meeting staff

New Houston boss Wilmer Cabrera has added two coaches to his staff, including erstwhile D.C. United midfielder Davy Arnaud.

Tick tock

Local blog Five Fifty One reports that incoming MLS franchise Minnesota United are running out of time to re-sign NASL Golden Boot man Christian Ramirez.

The fine line

The New York Times looks at the difficulties endured by young players that are eligible to play for both the US and Mexico, who must make early decisions with long-lasting implications.