ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Kaká leads Orlando into Houston on UniMás | NYCFC set for historic Yankee Stadium debut

Kick Off: Kaká leads Orlando into Houston on UniMás | NYCFC set for historic Yankee Stadium debut

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

1. READY FOR THE ROAD

As Orlando City get ready for their first MLS road game, Friday night's meeting with the Houston Dynamo (7 pm ET, UniMás in the US and in English via SAP, MLS LIVE in Canada) will also see a matchup between two old friends on the coaching side. Owen Coyle and Adrian Heath are set to renew a relationship that dates back to their time in England.

2. BUILDING THE FIRE

The Chicago Fire could be on the verge of boosting their midfield following reports they're set to sign Spanish midfielder Victor Perezm (pictured at right, defending Lionel Messi) on a short-term loan from Levante. However, he won't arrive in time to help them against the Vancouver Whitecaps (Saturday, 6 pm ET, MLS LIVE in the US, TSN1 in Canada) who themselves are looking to move on from their 3-1 loss to Toronto FC.

3. REPLACEMENTS AND RECRUITMENTS

As Columbus Crew SC get set to host Toronto FC in the first installment of the Trillium Cup on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, TSN2 and MLS LIVE), they'll have to find a replacement for Tony Tchani, who was among those suspended by the MLS Disciplinary Committee on Thursday. Toronto, meanwhile, have announced the first signings for TFC II.

4. TO THE BEAT OF THE DRUM

With Matt Besler's red-card appeal rejected, ascendant FC Dallas striker Fabian Castillo will look to take full advantage of that absence when his side host Sporting Kansas City on Saturday (8:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE). The team in red might also draw some motivation from an unlikely source: the fans' drumline.

5. UNION'S YOUNGEST

While the Philadelphia Union signed 2015 SuperDraft selection Eric Bird to a contract on Thursday, Zach Pfeffer, one of MLS's youngest ever signings back in 2010, has grown to a point where he's challenging for a starting role with the team. Could it come this Saturday against Real Salt Lake? (9:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE)

6. PAPPA'S PLAY

With Osvaldo Alonso hoping to resume training next week, the Seattle Sounders will have to make do without him when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes (10 pm ET, MLS LIVE). However, with Marco Pappa bringing something different to the Sounders midfield, can he help his side find a way past San Jose's impressive new center back Paulo Renato?

7. FOCUSED ON THE PRESENT

While New York City FC get set for their big home opener against an injury-hit New England Revolution side on Sunday (5 pm ET, ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes in the US, MLS Live in Canada) it seems that NYCFC's plans for a third DP are on the back burner for now.

8. KEANE GETS CALLED UP

With the Portland Timbers taking on the LA Galaxy (Sunday, 7 pm ET, Fox Sports 1 & Fox Deportes in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada) the big question for Timbers fans is whether Darlington Nagbe can fill Diego Valeri's role for the side. The Galaxy, of course, will be looking to Robbie Keane for more magic. But the champions may soon have to make do without their MVP for at least one game.

9. A UNITED FUTURE

With a new contract securely in hand, D.C. United general manager and vice president of soccer operations Dave Kasper is looking forward to leading the club into a new generation. Yet what exactly will that involve?

10. IMPACT INJURY UPDATE

Following a number of offseason changes, the Montreal Impact have gone from finishing last in 2014 to being the last MLS team standing in the CONCACAF Champions League. Yet while the injured Justin Mapp is definitely missing their semifinal series against Alajuelense, head coach Frank Klopas has moved to ease concerns over Ignacio Piatti's fitness.

11. GOING FOR GOLD

On the same day they climbed one spot in the FIFA rankings, Canada got a relatively kind draw for this summer's Gold Cup. But head coach Benito Floro is still taking a pragmatic approach to his preparations. The US, on the other hand, have been dealt a much tougher hand. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is unfazed by this, as he plans to bring his strongest team possible.

12. INSIDE KLINSMANN'S MIND

Klinsmann also had a lot of other interesting things to say on a variety of subjects including analytics and fitness levels. But when it came to the subject of dual nationals, the US head coach believes that, if he gets his citizenship, Gedion Zelalem is already at a level where he can contribute to the US national team.

13. YEDLIN SIGHTING

Speaking of promising talent in North London, where is DeAndre Yedlin? Following those questionable reports earlier in the week Tottenham Hotspur have let us know he's still kicking, while Klinsmann preaches patience.

14. PLAYOFF BOUND

Although Canada's U-17 team suffered a 1-0 loss to Panama in their final group game at the CONCACAF Championships, they had already secured a place in the playoffs for a potential World Cup spot. With the draw now final, the US will face Jamaica again, while Canada will once more square off against Costa Rica in do-or-die matches.

15. WORLD CUP QUALIFYING HAS BEGUN

Did you know that, for some, World Cup qualifying began on Thursday? While CONCACAF teams were not among them, the games did see Bhutan, ranked as the lowest team in the world, get a result against Sri Lanka. But one team you won't see in qualifying for 2018 is Zimbabwe.

MLSsoccer.com Musts

MLS NOW l Selfie revenge and more at NYCFC media day

ExtraTime Radio: Ballparks and Birds with Third Rail Prez and THAT 'caps fan

MLS Fantasy: Rough first week? You only live once, use that wildcard!