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Kick Off: Seattle Sounders round out MLS Cup Playoff final four as away goal takes them though
Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about today:
1. AWAY GOAL ENOUGH FOR THE SOUNDERS
While FC Dallas held the Seattle Sounders to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Conference Semifinal series, the Sounders did one better in Monday's second leg and secured a 0-0 deadlock (HIGHLIGHTS), meaning that their away goal in Frisco was enough to take them through to the Western Conference Championship. Even with Mauro Diaz, FC Dallas' offensive struggles proved to be their downfall, but for the Sounders, the shutout helped quell their own defensive demons.
2. HOW OBA FOUND HIS WAY
While the Sounders couldn’t score a goal against FC Dallas on Monday, they might not have made it this far if not for the fine form of Obafemi Martins (right) this season. So just how did the former Nigerian international become so important to the team?
3. ROLL CALL
The USMNT have officially begun training in London and on Monday manager Jurgen Klinsmann revealed his 25-man roster for the USA’s upcoming international friendlies. It’s a strong squad featuring 10 MLS players, of which only three are still involved in the MLS Cup Playoffs, presented by AT&T. While DeAndre Yedlin made the squad, his Seattle teammate Clint Dempsey will be staying with his club team.
4. BESLER REFLECTS
While Matt Besler could probably do with a long rest, that’s going to have to wait, as the Sporting Kansas City defender has been called into the latest USMNT squad. Yet you won’t hear Besler complaining: He’s thrilled to be a part of the team.
5. KNOW THY ENEMY
The Republic of Ireland have also named their squad for their games against both the US and Scotland, and it's confirmation that the USMNT backline will face the difficult task of keeping LA's MVP candidate Robbie Keane at bay in Dublin.
6. IN THE KNOW
If there was one thing Orlando City were missing on their coaching staff, it was any significant MLS experience. But the club has seemingly addressed this with the pickup of former San Jose Earthquakes boss Mark Watson (right) as an assistant to head coach Adrian Heath.
7. STAFFING UP
As the Colorado Rapids make moves to try and rectify their disappointing season, part of that involves hiring new members of the coaching staff to help support head coach Pablo Mastroeni. Team president Tim Hinchey reveals that the process is already well underway.
8. SEARCHING FAR AND WIDE
It seems the Houston Dynamo still hope to have a new head coach in place by the Expansion Draft on December 10. With Dynamo president Chris Canetti confirming that the club will be looking beyond just those with MLS backgrounds, would a foreign coach be a good fit for Houston?
9. RETIREMENT CAN WAIT
With performances like the one against Real Salt Lake on Sunday, the cries are emerging for Landon Donovan to postpone retiring at season's end. While it doesn't look like that will happen, Donovan is in no mood for the year to end just yet.
10. NO MILLER? NO PROBLEM
When the New York Red Bulls face off against the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Championship in just under two weeks (Nov. 23 at 1:30 pm ET on NBC), they’ll have to do it without Roy Miller, as the left back is suspended for both games. With that in mind, it seems the Red Bulls are planning to turn to Ambroise Oyongo to fill the gap.
11. SI, ERA PENAL
With Javier Hernandez, Giovanni Dos Santos and now Carlos Vela all in the latest Mexico squad, does Miguel Herrera face a selection headache trying to keep them all happy? On Wednesday El Tri face a rematch against the Netherlands, who controversially knocked them out of the World Cup, and fans won’t be pleased to learn that Arjen Robben is still insisting itwas actually a penalty.
12. BRADLEY NEEDS TO STUDY
Bob Bradley has finished his first season with Norwegian club Stabaek and, while the former US head coach is planning for an even better campaign next year, it seems as though he’s also got some studying to do.
13. REPRESENTING IRAQ
While the Columbus Crew may have exited the playoffs, there’s no opportunity for Justin Meram (right) to relax just yet. The midfielder has been called up to the Iraq national team that will play in the Gulf Cup. As a dual national, Meram was also eligible to represent the US, but it seems Iraq was always his first choice.
14. HONORING THE TROOPS
On this Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the USA, we honor those who have fought for our freedom around the world and San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch is doing his part, raising $29,000 for the Navy SEAL Foundation. Over the past weekend, soccer teams across England also took time to remember those who fought and died for their country.
15. NATIONAL ANTHEM TO REMEMBER
If you're feeling a little extra patriotic today, why not give a listen to the US national anthem as played by Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready at CenturyLink on Monday night (WATCH IT HERE).
MLSsoccer.com Musts
ExtraTime Radio: MVLee keeps on Nguyen-ing, MLS Cup Playoff review
MLS Fantasy: How this year’s champion claimed the title on the final day
CONTEST: Win a trip to MLS Cup |
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