ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: USMNT, Mexico resume rivalry

Kick Off: USMNT, Mexico resume rivalry | AT&T MLS All-Star Game announcement

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

1. USA-MEXICO: RIVALRY EXEMPLIFIED

After all the news and talk, it's time to play. The US national team takes on bitter rivals Mexico on Wednesday in San Antonio (8:30pm ET, FOX Sports 1, UniMás). There’s no doubt that USA-Mexico is one of the best rivalries in international soccer, and a number of US stars, both past and present, reflected on their favorite memories over the years. Speaking of history, how did this rivalry get to be what it is?

2. ALAMODOME FIELD CONDITIONS NOT A PROBLEM

Despite some reports in the Mexican press that the USA-Mexico game was in jeopardy due to the condition of the field at the Alamodome, U.S. Soccer confirmed that there are no issues and the field will be ready.

3. BORDER CROSSING

The US squad features a mix of veterans and newcomers, including some who ply their trade in Mexico's Liga MX, including Phoenix native Ventura Alvarado, whose interesting journey through the professional ranks could see him represent his birth country against Mexico. Going the other way is his USMNT teammate, Aguascalientes native William Yarbrough, who is also set to face the nation of his birth.

4. USWNT SQUAD ANNOUNCED

Staying with the US program, the U.S. women's national team officially unveiled its squad for this summer’s Women's World Cup. There are no big surprises. The roster includes Abby Wambach, who despite taking this year off from club competition, will still train briefly with the Seattle Reign.

5. TESHO FOR CANADA?

Although Jurgen Klinsmann has continued U.S. Soccer's efforts to convince dual-nationals to play for him, it looks like FC Dallas attacker Tesho Akindele, the reigning MLS Rookie of the Year, could be going another direction, according to Canada head coach Benito Floro.

6. ALL-STAR ANNOUNCEMENT

MLS and the Colorado Rapids are gearing up for a big announcement about this summer’s AT&T MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday afternoon.

7. HIGH PRAISE FOR ORLANDO CITY'S MOLINO

It’s been an interesting road that finally brought Trinidad & Tobago international Kevin Molino to MLS, but the midfielder has clearly done enough to impress his teammates: Kaká might even recommend Molino to an Italian powerhouse club. Orlando City, meanwhile, have officially lined up their first international friendly of the summer.

8. COOPER TO START IN THE CCL FINAL?

Having spent much of this season in limbo, Kenny Cooper has now joined up with his new club, the Montreal Impact. Could he be in line for some action in the upcoming CONCACAF Champions League final?

9. JOHNSON BACK IN TIMBERS TRAINING

If the Portland Timbers needed a boost following last week's defeat against Orlando City, they may just have gotten it. Will Johnson officially returned to training on Tuesday, although his participation is strictly non-contact at this stage. Meanwhile, Diego Valeri continues to rehab under the watchful eyes of a few video cameras.

10. TRAPP SEES A SPECIALIST

Wil Trapp’s status for Columbus Crew SC this weekend is unclear at the moment, as the midfielder is currently in Providence, Rhode Island, seeing a specialist following a recurrence of concussion symptoms.

11. RETURNING RED BULLS

The New York Red Bulls remain one of only two undefeated teams this season heading into Friday's nationally televised game against the San Jose Earthquakes (7 pm ET, UniMás), and the squad got more boosts as defenders Ronald Zubar and Roy Miller returned to training for the first time in a month.

12. FCD'S HEDGES LOOKING AHEAD

Following their 4-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas will be glad to have Matt Hedges back this week. The captain felt the pain of that defeat from the sideline, but he’s focused on righting the ship against Toronto FC this Saturday (8:30pm ET, MLS LIVE in the US, TSN5 in Canada).

13. MINNESOTA UNITED'S PRIVATE FUNDING PLAN

Minnesota United confirmed on Tuesday that they are committed to building a new stadium through private funding, laying out an estimated $150 million to do so. The plan has some saying the deal "makes too much sense."

14. HOW CONCACAF HAS CHANGED

Thursday marks the annual CONCACAF Congress, the third held under President Jeffrey Webb. With Webb running unopposed for another term as president of the confederation, how has CONCACAF changed during his short time in charge?

15. SUPERSTARS OF TOMORROW

Former Philadelphia Union coach John Hackworth, now head coach of the US Under-15 national team, has named a 20-man roster for an upcoming trip to Slovenia. Several of the boys played at the recent Generation adidas Cup, and included in the team is the son of a former World Player of the Year.

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