ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Montreal Impact gearing up for epic Champions League clash

Kick Off: Montreal Impact gearing up for epic Champions League clash | #USAvMEX part II

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

1. IMPACT ARE FOCUSED

The Montreal Impact take on Club America tomorrow (9 pm ET, Fox Sports 2 and UniMas) in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final. While the Impact are relaxed ahead of the all-important game, they know they need to concentrate on their defense if they want to remain in contention when they travel home for the second leg. MLSsoccer.com's team is on the ground and will have all the coverage from Mexico City.

2. WHICH CLUB AMERICA WILL SHOW UP?

Although a sellout crowd is expected at the Estadio Azteca, questions remain over exactly which Club America will show up on Wednesday, as there has been a significant contrast between some of the Liga MX side’s recent performances. However, Montreal aren’t too interested in their opponents' recent form.

3. VANNEY NOT IN DANGER

Having lost four games in a row, talk of pressure building around Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney is not surprising. Yet, despite rumors doing the rounds on Monday, it seems the TFC coach's job is not in question just five games into the 2015 campaign.

4. SCHULER SIDELINED

Real Salt Lake’s Chris Schuler has suffered another injury setback, as the defender has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks following a meniscectomy in his right knee.

5. CHANGING THE CREW

As things start to click once again for Columbus Crew SC on the field, what’s next for the recently rebranded club off the pitch? Owner-investor Anthony Precourt talks about that, as well as the changes made thus far, in a revealing interview.

6. SILVA GIVES BACK

There’s an old proverb that reads, "from small beginnings come great things" and perhaps no MLS player embodies that more than D.C. United’s Luis Silva. Having come from a humble background himself, the striker now goes out of his way to give back to others.

7. STARTING ON SUNDAY?

While New York Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch is hoping to have both Ronald Zubar and Roy Miller fit ahead of Sunday’s game against the LA Galaxy (5 pm ET, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN), the defending champions could see a returning player of their own, as Edson Buddle continues to work his way back to fitness.

8. LESSONS LEARNED FOR ORLANDO CITY

Orlando City’s 3-0 loss to Columbus Crew SC may have been their toughest to date. But looking on the bright side, the club has vowed to learn lessons from their defeat so that it doesn’t happen again. It also seems that the club’s USL affiliate, Louisville City FC, is taking other lessons from their MLS partner.

9. THE RETURN OF THE FIRE

The Chicago Fire are finally back in action this Friday when they take on New York City FC (8 pm ET, Univision Deportes). Yet it looks as though, despite their long layoff between games, the Fire are facing some injury concerns ahead of the match. Could that clear the way for new arrival Jason Johnson to earn some playing time?

10. DID THE TIMBERS SET AN EXAMPLE?

New York City FC are looking at the positives during the first rough spell of their inaugural season. Could they learn a thing or two from the Portland Timbers, who managed to eke out a win with what some would consider a makeshift squad?

11. MORE US VS MEXICO

If you didn’t get your fill of US vs. Mexico soccer last week, we have good news: The nations' Under-23s will be facing off in a friendly this Wednesday. It’s an encounter with a rivalry all its own – and Jordan Morris will have an opportunity to score a second goal against Mexico in as many weeks, as he was named to the U-23 squad alongside 12 players with ties to MLS teams.

12. KIDS GET THE CALL

The US U-23 squad wasn’t the only one announced on Monday though. Six MLS players have been called up to Javier Perez’s 20-man roster for an upcoming US U-18 national team training camp in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

13. THE MAYOR OF HANNOVER MOVES UP

Former USMNT defender Steve Cherundolo continues his climb up the coaching ladder, having been promoted to assistant coach at Hannover, the German side where he has spent his entire career.

14. MEXICO UPDATES

Mexico manager Miguel Herrera is looking forward to seeing two of his national team stars potentially square off in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. But there was injury news concerning Giovanni Dos Santos, while another of the team’s brightest talents, Carlos Vela, doesn’t know which of El Tri’s two summer squads he’ll be included in.

15. MOTOR CITY MOVING UP?

Looks like Motor City might be moving up in the soccer world. Detroit City FC are said to be in talk with investors as they eye a transition up the US soccer pyramid. However, it seems they could face some competition as well, as Dan Duggan reportedly still has his eye on setting up his own rival club in the city.

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