ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Dramatic weekend sets up grand finale in Supporters' Shield & MLS playoff races

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Kick Off: Dramatic weekend sets up grand finale in Supporters' Shield & MLS playoff races

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

1. SEATTLE FIGHT BACK

It's still all to play for in the race for the Supporters' Shield after the Seattle Sounders fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against the LA Galaxy (HIGHLIGHTS). That comeback somewhat spoiled Landon Donovan's final regular season home game for the Galaxy, and the retiring star believes his side was too respectful of the visitors.

2. PUTTING ON THE POUNDS

"I played here for 10 years, I wanted to retire here, so this is gonna work out well for me." Those are the words of Landon Donovan, who also revealed that he's planning to "put on a few pounds" once he hangs up his boots this year. The Galaxy certainly showed the star how much they're going to miss him, and we can all reflect on his fantastic career with a six-part retrospective, compiled right here.

3. WORST TO FIRST

Mercurial all season, Eddie Johnson came good for D.C. United at just the right time, scoring and providing an assist in United's 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire (HIGHLIGHTS). The result means that United finished first in the Eastern Conference, completing their turnaround from worst to first and, as such, the Fire were pleased with their performance against the East's top team.

4. DALLAS KEEP CLIMBING

FC Dallas passed Real Salt Lake and moved up to third in the Western Conference thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over manager Oscar Pareja's former side, the Colorado Rapids (HIGHLIGHTS). The result consigned the Rapids to their 13th consecutive game without a win, but Pablo Mastroeni was proud of the effort his side put in.

5. RIMANDO DENIES THE TIMBERS

The 0-0 scoreline between the Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake (HIGHLIGHTS) did not do either team's playoff prospects any good and, while the Timbers rightfully credited Nick Rimando for preventing them from an important win, RSL coach Jeff Cassar admitted he was more than happy with the point on the road.

6. CAPS CONTROL THEIR FATE

Despite setting an unwanted club record with a 14-game winless streak, the San Jose Earthquakes said goodbye to a tumultuous week and to Buck Shaw Stadium in typical fashion: by making things difficult for their opponents. In this case, it was the Vancouver Whitecaps, who were just satisfied to escape with a 0-0 draw (HIGHLIGHTS). Their playoff destiny is still in their own hands.

7. TFC MISS OUT ON PLAYOFFS AGAIN

What started as a season full of hope once again ended in disappointment for Toronto FC, as their thin hopes at reaching the playoffs were ended on Saturday thanks to a 1-1 draw with Canadian rivals Montreal Impact (HIGHLIGHTS) and a strong performance by Patrice Bernier, making his first start since the end of August.

8. PHILADELPHIA UNION PLAY SPOILERS

The Philadelphia Union played for pride against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, and their 2-1 win (HIGHLIGHTS) proves that pride means something in Philly. Brian Brown scored for the home team and made it clear he hopes to stick around, while KC learned some valuable lessons from the defeat.

9. CREW GUNNING FOR THIRD

The Columbus Crew had secured their playoff place without even kicking a ball thanks to Toronto's draw but, with a 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls (HIGHLIGHTS), the Crew have eyes on finishing third in the East. The Red Bulls, on the other hand, may have to settle for that final spot after a result that head coach Mike Petke labelled "embarrassing."

10. YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET

Sporting KC's loss on Saturday ensured that the New England Revolution would finish second in the Eastern Conference. Having won eight of their last 10 games, the Revs have made themselves a team to fear heading into the playoffs. Yet, according to their own players, the best is still to come.

11. YEAR OF THE HOMEGROWNS?

The contributions of Homegrown Players DeAndre Yedlin and Gyasi Zardes in Sunday's Supporters' Shield showdown prompted Deadspin to consider the impact of Homegrown Players on MLS and what it means for the future.

12. INJURY WORRIES FOR NYCFC?

Frank Lampard again played a part in Manchester City's 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, but there was troubling news as the midfielder is set to undergo scans for an injury picked up in that same game. In better news for New York City FC, David Villa scored again for Melbourne City, earning the side a 1-1 draw.

13. KLINSMANN REFLECTS

With the dust settling on last week's international friendlies, US head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has offered some thoughts on what he took away from the two encounters. Meanwhile, the women's national team continued their steady march in the CONCACAF Women's Championship with a 5-0 win over Guatemala (HIGHLIGHTS), overshadowed somewhat by an injury to Alex Morgan.

14. ALTIDORE TO LEAVE SUNDERLAND?

Jozy Altidore has said he will look for a move away from Premier League club Sunderland if his playing time doesn't increase. If the latest reports are true, the USMNT striker might get his wish.

15. BECKHAM GOES SCTOCH

David Beckham is co-owner of a new scotch whisky brand, Haig Club, and he appears in its new commercial, directed by none other than Guy Ritchie.

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