ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: CONCACAF Gold Cup schedule announced, final to be played in Philadelphia

Kick Off: CONCACAF Gold Cup schedule announced, final to be played in Philadelphia

Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:

1. GOLD CUP SCHEDULE, VENUE FOR FINAL ANNOUNCED

CONCACAF announced the draw for the 2015 Gold Cup today, also confirming that the venue for the July 26 championship game will be Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Here's the USA's path to a potential repeat and automatic qualification to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. Meanwhile, Canada are going to get to close out the group stage at home.

2. NEW STARS OF YANKEE STADIUM

New York City FC are busy getting ready for their first game at Yankee Stadium, and it will have a little extra meaning for two of the team's locals who grew up going to baseball games there. While at least one Yankees player has questions about how the field will hold up, the front offices of both clubs remain confident the ground-share will be a success. After all, soccer has been played at Yankee Stadium plenty of times before.

3. SAPONG SIDELINED

C.J. Sapong is set to miss some time following the injury he picked up in the Philadelphia Union's opening game against the Colorado Rapids. The striker was forced to leave the game after the first half, with the club now confirming Sapong has suffered a concussion and a fractured cheekbone.

4. GOALIE WARS

The fight to be the Colorado Rapids' No.1 goalkeeper was always likely to be a two-horse race involving Clint Irwin and Zac MacMath, and it appears that, for now at least, Irwin is winning, while No. 3 goalkeeper John Berner is set to join the Rapids' USL affiliate, the Charlotte Independence. FC Dallas also have a goalkeeper battle, with Chris Seitz taking the early lead over Dan Kennedy.

5. WATSON RETURNS

FC Dallas have moved to further strengthen their midfield and back line after re-signing the versatile Je-Vaughn Watson, who made 55 league appearances for the club over the past two seasons.

6. GALAXY TARGETS

While LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena has his eye on yet more MLS success, what is Edson Buddle looking forward to most now that he's returned to his former team? Teaming up with Robbie Keane, of course.

7. CHARA BACK JUST IN TIME

With the Portland Timbers set to host the LA Galaxy this Sunday, the Timbers received good news on the injury front at an opportune time as defensive midfielder Diego Chara has returned to full training. Will he play this weekend? According to head coach Caleb Porter, "He was all in, 100-percent today. We're hopeful (that he will play)."

8. IS EVANS THE ANSWER?

Is Brad Evans the permanent solution for the Seattle Sounders at center back? Sigi Schmid was certainly pleased with Evans' first competitive performance in the new role but he knows that there are still areas for improvement. Right back Tyrone Mears was also impressive in his MLS debut, while Sounders draft pick Andy Craven has signed with Seattle's USL affiliate, S2.

9. SPORTING OPTIONS

Matt Besler will not be available for Sporting Kansas City's game against Real Salt Lake this weekend following his red card against the New York Red Bulls. Yet Peter Vermes isn't worried, with the head coach confident he has enough options to adequately cover the absence.

10. KAKA'S CROWD

Following Orlando City's inaugural MLS game, Brazilian superstar Kaká says he has been inundated with calls from friends and family around the world, not talking about after his game-tying goal at the weekend, but rather the size of the home crowd. However, Kaká himself is focused on improving Orlando's attack.

11. WHEN MIX MEETS FRANK

Mix Diskerud got his New York City FC career off to a great start last weekend with the opening goal against Orlando City and, as his new side slowly comes together, the US international is excited for the day he gets to play alongside English midfielder Frank Lampard, who will join the club this summer.

12. EXPANSION TALK

The expansion chatter never ceases and there is plenty of speculation about the teams that could clinch the next spot. Plus, although they're too late this time around, could San Diego enter the fray one day with a joint NFL/soccer stadium?

13. US WIN TITLE AGAINST FRANCE, CANADA FALL

While the US women's national team enjoyed success on Wednesday, beating France 2-0 in the final of the Algarve Cup, the same couuld not be said for Canada, who lost 1-0 to England in the final of the Cyprus Cup.

14. SETTLING FOR A PLAYOFF

The US Under-17s' undefeated mark at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship is no more. Needing only a draw to win the group and secure a place at this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup, Richie Williams' side lost 1-0 to Jamaica, meaning they dropped to third in their group and now face a one-game playoff this weekend against an opponent to be determined.

15. A DIFFERENT CLASS

Ever wished you could study a business degree that focused purely on soccer, somewhere just south of Denver? Well, we have good news: Thanks to the Colorado Rapids, now you can!

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