ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Sacramento Republic FC beef up investor group, LA Galaxy plan post-Landon Donovan era

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Kick Off: Sacramento Republic FC beef up investor group, LA Galaxy plan post-Landon Donovan era

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

1. SACRAMENTO BEEFING UP

Sacramento Republic FC continue to make their case to become an MLS expansion team, announcing announcing a host of new investors on Monday, including UFC fighter Urijah Faber.

2. KLINSMANN'S KIDS

Jurgen Klinsmann named his roster for the US national team's upcoming friendly against Ecuador, and it includes six MLSers as well as Minnesota United FC winger Miguel Ibarra, the first player to be called up from the NASL in the modern era. There could be more players on the way, though, as Klinsmann indicated the group may well change for the second October friendly against Honduras. There's no doubt the veterans remain a big part of his plans moving forward.

3. GALAXY'S SHIELD CHASE

While Landon Donovan feels he'll be back in time from Friday's farewell game to play for the LA Galaxy on Sunday, Robbie Keane definitely won't be available after the Irish striker was called up to play for the Republic of Ireland. But whatever happens against FC Dallas, the Supporters' Shield will be decided during two encounters with the Seattle Sounders at the end of the month.

4. IRREPLACEABLE DONOVAN

With Donovan set to retire at the end of the season, how will the LA Galaxy replace their record-breaking superstar? According to LA president Chris Klein, "you can't replace Landon Donovan," but the Galaxy do remain committed to having three Designated Players.

5. INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP

Plenty of MLSers boarded planes this week for international duty. The Columbus Crew's Kevan George is meeting up with Trinidad and Tobago, two of Orlando City's youngsters, Rafael Ramos and Estrella, are on their way to join up with Portugal's U-20 side, and a whole host of other call-ups will affect just about every team in MLS as well (get the complete list here).

6. NO NGUYEN SITUATION

The USMNT camp might be in his backyard, but Lee Nguyen won't be joining up with the red-white-and-blue. Nguyen's having a fantastic season, but with the New England Revolution still needing a few points to make their playoff place secure, he's completely focused on his club's success.

7. WHITECAPS WINNING WAYS

Sebastian Fernandez's two goals against FC Dallas were enough to earn the Uruguayan the MLS Player of the Week award, but with the Portland Timbers still snapping at their heels, Erik Hurtado could play an even bigger role in deciding the Vancouver Whitecaps' playoff fate.

8. DI VAIO'S FINAL GIFT?

With Marco Di Vaio set to hang up his boots soon, the Montreal Impact made him a touching tribute. Yet, with the Impact already planning for 2015, could one of Di Vaio's last gifts to the club be convincing midfielder Marco Donadel to join the Canadian side? The Italian is set to train with the Impact for one week as he visits his long-time friend.

9. R.I.P JOHN BEST

The Pacific Northwest lost one of its soccer icons on Sunday when John Best, the Seattle Sounders first head coach, passed away at the age of 74. Best also coached the Vancouver Whitecaps, and won an NASL title as a player with the Dallas Tornado.

10. RED BULL CALL-UP?

After going back and forth between the Red Bulls and Cosmos, it appeared Connor Lade would stay on loan with the second-division side until the end of the NASL season. However, with a raft of international call-ups forcing the Red Bulls' hand, could Lade be on his way back to Red Bull Arena?

11. BLUE IVY

Loyalty runs deep in Kansas City. Sporting KC won't be searching for a new jersey sponsor anytime soon, as just two years into a five-year deal with current sponsors Ivy Funds, the two parties agreed to a five-year extension.

12. ATLANTA TAKING SHAPE

The new MLS franchise in Atlanta continues to build its staff ahead of its 2017 launch with the hire of Rob Geoffroy as chief financial officer. It is very much an in-house move as Geoffroy was formerly the vice president of finance for the Atlanta Falcons.

13. LAMPARD DROPPING HINTS

Will Frank Lampard arrive in time for the start of New York City FC's first MLS season? It's not the first time the question has been asked, and the Englishman is again dropping hints that his loan deal with Manchester City could be extended.

14. REMEMBER YOUR TRAINING

In other NYCFC news, it looks like the new club may have found a temporary solution to their search for a training ground, with the club apparently set to develop an unused portion of the SUNY Purchase campus for 2015 and beyond.

15. FIFA ON FILM

C'mon, admit it. You've been dying to watch the officially licensed film dedicated to the history of FIFA. No? Turns out you're not the only one.

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