Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. SEATTLE, DALLAS BATTLE FOR FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP SPOT
With an away goal in the bank, the Seattle Sounders take an advantage into Monday’s Western Conference Semifinal second leg against FC Dallas (10:30pm ET, NBCSN, UDN in US, TSN2, RDS2 in Canada). The home side, however, will approach the tie with caution, while FCD will look to unleash the returning Mauro Diaz. Regardless of the result, FCD's youth-driven turnaround has certainly been impressive.
2. DONOVAN COMES TO LIFE FOR LA
The LA Galaxy proved any doubters wrong on Sunday, as their attack opened up on Real Salt Lake in a resounding 5-0 win (HIGHLIGHTS). Landon Donovan was in legendary form, scoring the third playoff hat trick in MLS history and leaving RSL head coach Jeff Cassar to hold his hands up and accept, “We ran across a team that was fantastic.”
3. TALKING ABOUT A REVOLUTION
While some unfortunate injuries meant that the Columbus Crew had to face the New England Revolution without their main attacking threats, the New England Revolution pulled a tactical switch and once again dominated the visitors in a 3-1 win (HIGHLIGHTS). The Crew had two players sent off, as the Revs advanced to their first Conference Championship since appearing in six straight from 2002-07.
4. RED BULLS TOO MUCH FOR UNITED TO OVERCOME
East #1 seed D.C. United were left “gutted” after their playoff campaign came to an end against the New York Red Bulls. For while United won the second leg 2-1 on Saturday (HIGHLIGHTS), their 2-0 first-leg deficit, combined with Peguy Luyindula away goal for the Red Bulls, proved too much to overcome. For New York, they may have taken a beating, but they're proving themselves tougher this postseason than ever before.
5. THE EAST IS A TALE OF TWO STRIKERS
The New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls are now set to face off in the Eastern Conference Championship, and both teams feature a striker with a compelling story. For the Revs, it’s Charlie Davies's incredble comeback season, and for the Red Bulls, it's Thierry Henry drive for a trophy in what could be his swan song.
6. RAISING THE CURTIN IN PHILLY
After one of the longest auditions on record, Jim Curtin was finally confirmed as the Philadelphia Union’s new head coach at a press conference on Friday in which the Pennsylvania native confirmed his goal is to, “get this team back in the playoffs -- where we belong.”
7. KLINSMANN’S CALLS
Jurgen Klinsmann is expected to announce on Monday his US national team roster for the upcoming international friendlies. Reports on Sunday say it will include a call-up for New England's Lee Nguyen, the head coach has talked about what the team can expect against James Rodriguez and Colombia.
8. BRADLEY WANTS A FEW (MORE) GOOD MEN
Following a disappointing end to their 2014 season, Toronto FC star Michael Bradley is under no illusion as to what his team need next season to help them improve, stating, “we need more good players.” That seems simple enough. So who might some of those players be?
9. JOY(A) TO THE WORLD
Benji Joya, who has been with the Chicago Fire on loan from Santos Laguna, looks to be on the move, as the Fire reportedly declined their option to buy the US youth international. He reportedly has other options in MLS and in Argentina.
10. HOW I MET YOUR FOUNDERS
It’s been just over a week since Los Angeles FC and their large ownership group were officially unveiled to the public. Curious how such a collective of wealthy individuals came together? It certainly makes for an interesting story.
11. DISPERSING CHIVAS USA'S TALENT
MLS has set the date and process for the Chivas USA dispersal draft. The date is November 19. The process includes a weighted lottery. However, the future of star forward Erick Torres is likely to be decided, separately, by mid-December.
12. U-20S FEATURE PLENTY OF MLS PLAYERS
In addition to the senior national-team camp this week, the US U-20s will play a three game tournament in Spain, with seven current MLS players named to cocach Tab Ramos’ squad. One of the US’ opponents will be Canada, who named nine MLS players to their side.
13. ORLANDO WILL ENTER MLS WITH STYLE
As former Benfica player Rafael Ramos prepares for his first season in MLS, the Orlando City signee has an upcoming camp with the Portuguese U-20s to look forward to. But he's also excited about the style of soccer we can expect from the Lions next year.
14. FOR LOVE OR MONEY?
Vancouver Whitecaps defender Andy O'Brien is currently out of contract for next season, but he hopes to return to BC Place in 2015. He has so much respect for the Caps, he has praised their supporters as examples for European fans to learn from.
15. LEARNING FROM SOCCER FANS
First the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks wanted to attempt to replicate the atmosphere brought by MLS supporters. Now the NHL's Ottawa Senators want to, as well. Understandable, actually. MLS supporters were definitely enviable over the weekend, with tifos at RFK Stadium and Gillette Stadium.
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