ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Friday MLS doubleheader | Red Bulls, Galaxy prep for Sunday clash

Kick Off: Friday MLS doubleheader | Red Bulls, Galaxy prep for Sunday clash | Seattle-Portland. Period.

Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:

1. CAN THE FIRE STAY HOT AFTER LONG BREAK?

The Chicago Fire will finally return to the field on Friday, hosting New York City FC (8 pm ET, UDN) to kick off the first of five-straight Friday night UDN doubleheaders. It's the first match in nearly three weeks for the Fire, who are looking to make it three wins in a row. They'll be up against an NYCFC side with something to prove in NYCFC, who are riding a five-game winless streak.

2. REVENGE ON THE RAPIDS?

The Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas will face off in Friday night's second contest (10 pm ET, UDN), with FCD out for revenge after falling 4-0 to Colorado at home two weeks ago. With a new striker rumored to join the team and Dillon Powers' continued growth, can the Rapids find the belief for another solid result ?

3. MAKING PLAYS

The Friday night matches features three of the best young American midfielders, Harry Shipp, Mix Diskerud, and Dillon Powers. MLSsoccer.com's Armchair Analyst says the trio are centerpieces of a new vanguard of American playmakers.

4. GRANA LEADS CREW SC VS. PHILLY

Columbus Crew SC host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE), and first-year Crew SC defender Hernan Grana will play a big role after establishing himself in the lineup. The Union, still disappointed by last week's result, are psyched to have their midfield playmaker back and healthy. Meanwhile, the club's charitable continues to do good work.

5. REVS STILL IMPROVING

Neither the New England Revolution nor Real Salt Lake will be full strength for their match on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE), with both sides dealing with some injuries. But the Revs say they "still haven't hit our max potential." Meanwhile, Revs attacker Teal Bunbury has been musing on the national team choice facing FC Dallas star Tesho Akindele, a choice Bunbury himself had to make not too long ago.

6. DERIC'S ROLE WITH HOUSTON

Houston goalkeeper Tyler Deric will be vital in Saturday's game against Sporting Kansas City (8:30pm ET, MLS LIVE). While these two sides have had plenty of big matchups over the years,

7. FEILHABER IS NOT A FAN OF . . .

Sporting KC's Benny Feilhaber was in rare form on Thursday during a pregame press conference, sounding off about the one club he "hates the most."

8. TECHERA TO TAKE TIME FOR CAPS

Although Cristian Techera may feel he's ready to start when the Vancouver Whitecaps take on D.C. United on Saturday (10:30 pm ET, TSN1 in Canada, MLS LIVE in the US), the Caps insist they won't rush their new addition, especially not with Matias Laba in such fine form. United, meanwhile, will have highlight-reel attacker Fabian Espindola back from suspension.

9. SPOTLIGHT ON ALWAYS FUN NY-LA CLASH

While a number of New York Red Bulls players continue their race to be fit in time for Sunday's big game against the LA Galaxy (5 pm ET, ESPN2 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada), there are no concerns about midfielder Sacha Kljestan, who has come into his own as a veteran presence in the lineup. The defending MLS champions also have injury issues to worry about, which could present another opportunity to the quickly improving Bradford Jamieson IV.

10. RACHEL BONNETTA VS. DAN GARGAN

The age-old bicoastal rivalry between New York and Los Angeles gets the "Off Topic with Rachel Bonnetta" treatment this week -- a little help from Galaxy defender Dan Gargan.

11. ORLANDO CITY FRONT-OFFICE CHANGE

Although Toronto FC have been in the news recently about potential turnover, it's Orlando City who have actually reshuffled their front office. On the field, Orlando's game against TFC (Sunday, 7 pm ET, Fox Sports 1 in the US, TSN2 in Canada) might give Tyler Turner a chance to shine, while TFC remain optimistic, despite the tough results lately.

12. SEATTLE-PORTLAND. PERIOD.

The Seattle Sounders host the Portland Timbers in Sunday's final game (9:30 pm ET, Fox Sports 1 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada), the first meeting this year between the heated rivals. There are some differences in consistency between the two clubs' coaches. The Sounders will be missing Chad Marshall, who was suspended by the MLS Disciplinary Committee on Thursday, and the Timbers will still be without Will Johnson and Diego Valeri, who are getting closer to returning.

13. CLUB WORLD CUP LOCATION ANNOUNCED

The Montreal Impact now know where they would go next if they CONCACAF Champions League trophy next week: Japan, who will host the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Club World Cup. The Impact will also find a familiar CCL face refereeing the second leg of the final.

14. ALL-STAR GAME TICKETS

Making a trip to this year's AT&T MLS All-Star Game? Tickets are on sale now.

15. A DAY WITH BOB BRADLEY

Ever wondered what a day in the life of Stabaek coach and former USMNT boss Bob Bradley looks life? Wonder no more.

MLSsoccer.com Musts

New York vs Los Angeles: Off Topic with Rachel Bonnetta

MLS Insider: Sacha Kljestan's career comes full circle

ExtraTime Radio: NY-LA trash talk with Dan Gargan