ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: US, Canada face international tests as Portland, Seattle prep for big announcements

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Kick Off: US, Canada face international tests as Portland, Seattle prep for big announcements

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

1. US READY FOR HONDURAS

The USMNT take on Honduras tonight (8 pm ET, ESPN/WatchESPN, UniMas) and with memories of their humbling 2-1 loss in World Cup qualifying still fresh in their minds, the importance of the USA's newly arrived experienced players shouldn't be overlooked. Still, Jurgen Klinsmann believes that Michael Bradley has something to prove after Toronto FC's poor season.

2. DEPTH IN DEFENSE

Having already returned to the LA Galaxy, Omar Gonzalez won't be playing against Honduras, but the 26-year-old sees the growing competition for places in the USMNT squad as a good thing. He may even have an unexpected new rival if reports suggesting Jermaine Jones will play center back on Tuesday are true.

3. HEADING TO LONDON?

It seems as though the US might have another friendly lined up for November, but unfortunately, one player who won't play any part in that game is Joe Gyau, as Jurgen Klinsmann revealed the young star will be out of action until January after injuring his knee during Friday's 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

4. HOMECOMING

Tonight's game takes place in Boca Raton, Florida, and the USMNT have a long history in the state, in addition to several local connections on the current squad. The game will serve as a homecoming for Graham Zusi, who plans a long stay with the side, and Jozy Altidore, who's excited to be heading back home.

5. GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Tuesday's game will also have added significance for Weston, Florida native Alejandro Bedoya. Although the winger is still not a household name, it's time to learn more about the man who's gone toe to toe with Zlatan and led 38,000 Frenchmen in a chant of 'I Believe'.

6. GROUNDBREAKING NEWS

There's plenty of other news from Florida, too. Orlando City are just two days away from breaking ground on their new stadium, and reports suggest they may have found a naming rights partner. As the club prepares for their MLS debut, they're also planning a cap on the redeveloped Citrus Bowl next season. But on the field, which positions might they look to strengthen in the Expansion Draft?

7. A TOUGH TEST FOR CANADA

Following their first win under Benito Floro, the Canadian national team face a tough test against Colombia at Red Bull Arena on Tuesday (9:15 pm ET, Sportsnet World and Sportsnet.ca). The squad includes 17-year-old talent Hanson Boakai, and the FC Edmonton midfielder is confident he can help make a difference.

8. CASCADIA CALLING

Both the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers are due to make big announcements today, with many expecting them each to officially announce their plans for their own USL PRO teams. The Whitecaps, meanwhile, are still considering their own USL PRO options and former team captain Jay DeMerit knows where he'd like to see that team play.

9. REASONS TO BE CHEERUL, REASONS TO BE FEARFUL

Having retained the Cascadia Cup and with their playoff fate firmly in their own hands, Vancouver Whitecaps fans showed up to training on Monday to serenade head coach Carl Robinson on his birthday. However, the team hasn't qualified for the postseason yet and there are still plenty of reasons to be cautious.

10. TIMBERS KEEP FLYING

Their chances of reaching the postseason may be in peril right now. But off the pitch, things are going well for the Portland Timbers, as the club has signed an extension with jersey sponsor Alaska Airlines. Defensive DP Liam Ridgewell also seems to be settling nicely in his new home.

11. SOUNDERS STAYING CAUTIOUS

The Seattle Sounders and the LA Galaxy remain level on points as they count down to two massive head-to-head matchups in the final weeks of the season. However, the Sounders' better wins total means they only need to win one of the two encounters between the teams in order to secure the Supporters' Shield. That doesn't mean Sigi Schmid is taking anything for granted.

12. RED BULLS' DYNAMIC DUO

There was a time, not too long ago, when the New York Red Bulls almost looked to be in trouble. However, with a playoff space secured, that ship seems to have righted itself again and a large part of that might be due to the partnership in the middle of the field between Dax McCarty and Eric Alexander.

13. RAPIDS RELOADING?

With the Colorado Rapids' season effectively over already, Pablo Mastroeni is looking ahead to 2015. According to the Rapids head coach, that could mean major personnel changes. Will we see some players arriving on loan from English powerhouse Arsenal FC, which is owned by Rapids owner/investor Stan Kroenke? Talks on that topic are set to resume in January.

14. DEAL OR NO DEAL

Juan Agudelo is still without a club. But the US international obviously did enough to impress English side Wolverhampton Wanderers, as the club has offered him another week-long trial as they attempt to sort out a deal for the player.

15. LESSON LEARNED

The US U-23 national team's trip to Brazil ended with coach Tab Ramos' side learning a tough lesson, as well as gaining some valuable experience ahead of Olympic qualifying, as a team featuring six MLS players fell 3-0 to the Brazilian U-23 side.

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