ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Landon Donovan equals assist record, Toronto get epic win, Sacramento lift a trophy

Kick Off: Landon Donovan equals assist record, Toronto get epic win, Sacramento lift a trophy

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

1. THE BEST OF THE BEST

The New York Red Bulls could do nothing but hold their hands up and offer praise to the LA Galaxy following a 4-0 loss on Sunday evening (HIGHLIGHTS). The game also saw Landon Donovan move level with Steve Ralston atop the league's all-time assists standings and, with just four games to go in the season, Donovan finally admitted he wants the record.

2. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Jermaine Jones sure picked a good time to score his first goal in MLS, hitting the winner in the New England Revolution's 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City (HIGHLIGHTS). The result means the Revs move above SKC into second in the Eastern Conference, but having nearly earned a draw, Sporting are focusing on the positives.

3. GET WELL WILL

Could Toronto FC have really turned a corner? In a game that was marred by a horrific injury to Will Johnson, TFC came back from two goals down to beat the Portland Timbers 3-2 (HIGHLIGHTS) as the visiting team's defense fell apart yet again. While Toronto celebrated, they also sent well wishes to Canadian international Johnson, who has since undergone successful surgery on his broken leg.

4. MAKING THE MOST OF THE MOMENT

With the Timbers having already lost, the Vancouver Whitecaps had an opportunity to move back above the red line, which they proceeded to do, coming from a goal behind to beat Real Salt Lake 2-1 (HIGHLIGHTS). However, with two penalties called against them, RSL were feeling a little down on their luck.

5. HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

With Toronto FC breathing down their necks, the Columbus Crew strengthened their playoff position with a 2-0 win over the Montreal Impact (HIGHLIGHTS), their fifth consecutive win at home. On the other side, Frank Klopas was so unhappy with one penalty call that the Impact coach was ejected from the game.

6. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED?

7. GETTING IT DONE

It's felt like a long two months for D.C. United, but the Black-and-Red once again did what they had to, beating the Philadelphia Union 1-0 (HIGHLIGHTS) to open a six-point gap at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The result also makes the Union's playoff chase that little bit harder and Jim Curtin was not impressed with his team's perceived lack of commitment.

8. GOOD GOING FORWARD

While Chivas USA made an encouraging start to their game against the Seattle Sounders, the team in Rave Green proved too much, running out eventual 4-2 winners (HIGHLIGHTS). Yet while the Sounders attack impressed once again, the same can't be said of their defense.

9. DIFFICULT DRAW

Colorado Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni described it as "probably one of the most difficult results I've experienced" after seeing his side concede a stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes (HIGHLIGHTS). The Quakes are now winless in 10, but hailed the return of Matias Perez Garcia as a potential game changer.

10. DYNAMO STYLE

Despite an attack-oriented lineup, the Chicago Fire saw their playoff hopes all but ended by a 2-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo (HIGHLIGHTS). The Dynamo are only five points out now, with a game in hand, and owe their latest win to simply doing what the Dynamo do best.

11. MOVING ON?

Could Dominic Kinnear's time in Houston be coming to an end? According to the Houston Chronicle, the head coach of the Houston Dynamo has been given permission to leave should the San Jose Earthquakes call to offer him a job. Hang on, though: the Quakes already have a head coach.

12. DOMESTICATING THE LIONS

13. ONE REPUBLIC

Sacramento Republic FC completed a remarkable year by capturing the USL PRO title in just their first season in existence. In front of a sellout crowd at Bonney Field, the Republic beat the Harrisburg City Islanders 2-0 to walk away with the trophy and perhaps further strengthen their case to become an MLS expansion franchise.

14. YOU BETTER RECOGNIZE

The Copa América Centenario was already confirmed for the US but, with FIFA voting to recognize the tournament as an official date on the international calendar, national team fans can now look forward to seeing all the best players on display.

15. THE INFLUENCE OF FIFA

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