Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning, starting with the MLS Cup Playoffs, presented by AT&T:
1. DON’T MESS WITH NEW ENGLAND
Charlie Davies scored twice as the New England Revolution made a great start to their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Columbus Crew with a 4-2 win on the road (HIGHLIGHTS). While the Crew did pull a few back, they were stunned by the number of goals they conceded against the dominant Revolution.
2. LA OR RSL: WHO HAS THE EDGE?
Both the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake seemed quite content with the scoreline following a 0-0 draw (HIGHLIGHTS) in the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal. The Galaxy return home without conceding, while RSL just need a non-scoreless draw to advance now. So, which team has the edge in the second leg?
- HENRY STEALS THE SHOW IN NEW YORK
Following the New York Red Bulls' 2-0 win over D.C. United (HIGHLIGHTS), the Big Apple squad did nothing but marvel at the magnificence of Thierry Henry, as their game plan worked to perfection. Meanwhile, United midfielder Chris Rolfe declared it was his side’s worst game of the season. However, with a second leg still to come, the Black-and-Red also know the series isn’t over.
4. SOUNDERS GET WHAT THEY NEED
Following a scrappy game at Toyota Stadium, the Seattle Sounders were more than pleased with a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas (HIGHLIGHTS). While the visitors played it tight, they’re confident they can finish the job back home. FC Dallas, however, insist they’re not afraid to play anyone anywhere.
5. IMPACT MAKE SOME CUTS
On Friday the Montreal Impact announced that they would not be taking up the options on four of their players, including Matteo Ferrari and Futty Danso. Ferrari later held his own press conference in which he discussed his future, including the fact that "there is something" brewing with another MLS side.
6. DYNAMO CONSTRUCTION
The Houston Dynamo are still finalizing their plans for their own USL PRO team, potentially based in the Rio Grande Valley. But there might also need to be a new stadium for the Dynamo development side.
7. BRING BACK DJALO?
Yannick Djalo certainly impressed at times during his spell with the San Jose Earthquakes last season, but with that deal at an end, the club and new head coach Dominic Kinnear need to decide whether or not they want to bring the Portuguese forward back in 2015.
8. WHAT NOW FOR THE WHITECAPS?
The Vancouver Whitecaps lost in the Knockout Round, but it was still a promising season for the 'Caps. Will Sebastian Fernandez’s loan become a permanent move? Will out-of-contract veterns Andy O'Brien and Mauro Rosales be back? Those are just some of the issues the club needs to address in the offseason, says one veteran observer.
9. MLS 2015 PRESEASON PLANS TAKING SHAPE
The 2014 season isn't over quite yet, but for a number of teams, their 2015 preseason plans are taking shape. Here are the dates and clubs involved in next February’s Desert Diamond Cup.
- LIONS COME A LONG WAY
Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath is currently preparing his side for their inaugural MLS season, including a potential preseason in Brazil. With Brazilian superstar Kaka on board, Heath knows he’s come a long way since his time in England. But will Kaka actually be there in time for the start of the season?
11. MINNESOTA EXPANSION
Currently, there seem to be two groups in Minnesota vying for an MLS expansion spot. While Minnesota United are looking at stadium options, the Minneapolis City Council president discussed the difficulty of having two new stadiums downtown.
12. SCORPIONS TAKE NASL TITLE ... AND EYE MLS MOVE
The San Antonio Scorpions won the NASL Fall Championship over the weekend amid news that a group of Japanese investors is looking to help the club make the jump up to MLS at some point.
13. BLAZER AN FBI INFORMANT?
An incredible story came out over the weekend, claiming that former general secretary of CONCACAF Chuck Blazer has been helping the FBI gather information on the global soccer industry.
14. ENGLISH RUMORS
Could we see an influx of English players in MLS next year? Well, if the UK tabloids are to be believed (ahem), then former England stars Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand could both make the move across the Atlantic.
15. HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
There were some awesome Halloween costumes doing the rounds this year, but perhaps none quite as impressive as these kids.
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