ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: LA Galaxy, New England Revolution set for MLS Cup showdown on Dec. 7

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Kick Off: LA Galaxy, New England Revolution set for MLS Cup showdown on Dec. 7

1. DONOVAN'S MLS CUP FAREWELL

The LA Galaxy continued on their mission of giving superstar Landon Donovan a perfect retirement send-off, advancing to MLS Cup on Sunday despite losing 2-1 to the Seattle Sounders (HIGHLIGHTS). Juninho's first goal of the year and a combination of other events ensured the Galaxy came away with the critical away goals tiebreaker. Now the LA Galaxy will host MLS Cup for the third time in the last four years.

2. OH, SO CLOSE

The Seattle Sounders were one 45-minute half away from their first MLS Cup final, and the loss was almost too much for head coach Sigi Schmid to bear, as he fought back tears whileapologizing to fans in his post-game press conference. Brad Evans also faced the music after the match, and he's already looking forward to next year.

3. SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Take in all the atmosphere and color from CenturyLink and then listen to what Donovan had to say after the match as well his midfield teammate Juninho, who continues to do some of his best work against the Sounders. The Coach, Jesse Marsch, wonders what the Sounders could have done differently, while LA defender Omar Gonzalez celebrates yet another MLS Cup final.

4. REVOLUTION RETURN TO MLS CUP

Two goals from Charlie Davies were enough to see the New England Revolution to a hard-earned 2-2 second-leg draw with the New York Red Bulls (HIGHLIGHTS) on Saturday, meaningthe Revolution advance to the MLS Cup final, 4-3 on aggregate, for the first time in seven years.

5. DAVIES DRIVING THE REVOLUTION

It's been a difficult five years for Davies, but his impressive comeback capped by hisperformances in New England's playoff run, have given his team something to rally around. Equally important at the other end of the field has been goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth, who's still adapting to being the regular starter.

6. AU REVOIR, TITI

Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls confirmed on Monday that Saturday was the French legend's final game for the club. While his teammates were full of praise for their captain, he had fewer words to spare in his final post-game interview. Also, while Henry might only have only won one league-wide trophy during his time in the Big Apple, he can at least look back on these five things he accomplished.

7. READY TO RETIRE?

Two other MLS players are also eying retirement. At 36 years old, Shalrie Joseph is considering whether this season or next will be his last, while former UEFA Champions League winner and current Seattle Sounder Djimi Traoré, is planning to call it a day this offseason.

8. RED BULLS REBUILD

So, what's next for the New York Red Bulls? Head coach Mike Petke seems to have a plan but, as he looks to build a winning team, he noted that it will require some understanding from the fans. Will the future include the other RBNY designated player, Tim Cahill? The Australian international isn't talking about it just yet.

9. NO COMMENT

Garth Lagerwey has recently been linked with the president's role at Toronto FC but, the Real Salt Lake general manager wasn't elaborating much on that story or the reported disagreement with defender Carlos Salcedo.

10. LAMPARD LATEST

New York City FC star Frank Lampard came off the bench on Sunday to score yet another goal for Manchester City while on loan. After the match, the English press were pressing for a specific date he would be returning to the States and here's what ManCity manager Manuel Pellegrini had to say about it.

11. READY FOR A REMATCH?

The US national team could be set for a rematch against Germany next summer as, according to the German Football Federation, the two sides will meet in June.

12. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As the US national team continue to plan for the future, part of the next generation of talent is already on display in Florida, as the US U-17s got their International Friendlies series off to a great start with a 3-1 victory over England and continued on Sunday with a 2-1 win against Australia.

13. MEXICO AND TORRES GO ALL THE WAY

Mexico's U-21s have been crowned champions of the Central America and Caribbean Gamesthanks to a 4-1 win over Venezuela in which MLS star forward Erick "El Cubo" Torres scored twice to be crowned joint top scorer at the tournament.

14. IMPACT MAKE SIGNING

Armed with years of experience from Serie A, the Montreal Impact are hoping that new holding midfielder Marco Donadel can be a difference maker as they get ready to do battle on multiple fronts in 2015, beginning with the CONCACAF Champions League.

15. NEXT GENERATION OF CAPOS

They're starting them young these days. One young New York Red Bulls supporter shows off some precocious capo skills which he put on display during the New York Red Bulls road trip to Gillette Stadium. Watch the video here.

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