Efrain Alvarez is no stranger to this space. Earlier this year we called him the most exciting MLS prospect ever. The 16-year-old Los Angeles native has scored some absolute worldies playing for LA Galaxy II in the USL. Alvarez is now scoring golazos for the Mexico U-17 team.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time leader in caps and goals, was again not chosen to represent his country in international fixtures this fall, with Portugal set to face Poland and Scotland later this month.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos confirmed the selection on Thursday in the wake of rape allegations against Ronaldo. 

The 2018 Concacaf Women's Championship schedule kicks off Thursday in Cary, North Carolina, with the USWNT facing off against Mexico. The tournament doubles as qualifying for the 2019 World Cup. It’s kind of a big deal, with two of the world’s top five teams involved, fighting for three and a half World Cup berths. 

Here’s everything you need to know, from the Concacaf Women's Championship schedule and preview to why it matters and how to watch it.

Handed the unenviable task of leading the USMNT forward following its worst result in program history, interim boss Dave Sarachan has named the 24-player pool for a pair of October friendlies that could mark the end of his stint as caretaker manager. The U.S. will host Colombia in Tampa, Florida, and Peru in East Hartford, Connecticut, and then it's rumored that USMNT General Manager Earnie Stewart could make his final selection by the time a pair of November friendlies against England and Italy roll around.