ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Whitecaps, Crew SC thriller | Montreal learn CCL final foes

Kick Off: Whitecaps, Crew SC thriller | Montreal learn CCL final foes | Cubo called by Mexico

Here are the top 15 stories we're talking about this morning:

1. DYNAMIC DRAW IN VANCOUVER

Wednesday night's clash between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Columbus Crew SC proved to be a back-and-forth thriller, ending 2-2 (HIGHLIGHTS). Twice the Whitecaps came from behind to earn a result. While Crew SC surrendered the lead twice, they were more than happy to earn a point on the road against the current league leaders.

2. AMÉRICA IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Liga MX powerhouse Club América star Dario Benedetto scored four goals in the first 32 minutes of a 6-0 win against Herediano in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal series on Wednesday. The 6-3 aggregate victory puts América into the CCL final against MLS side Montreal Impact. The first leg is in Mexico City on April 22.

3. IMPACT-FUL CROWD

The second leg of the CCL final will be at Montreal's Olympic Stadium on April 29, which is already shaping up to be a cauldron. The club sold more than 20,000 tickets in the first 12 hours on sale. One observer believes the Impact would be fitting CCL winners, while head coach Frank Klopas says the side is ready "to sieze the opportunity."

4. MBOHLI TOLD TO TAKE A BREAK

Rais Mbolhi has been more than just benched by the Philadelphia Union. Coach Jim Curtin revealed on Wednesday that the Algerian goalkeeper has been given some time off from the club, saying, "It's best for him and the team that he's not with the group." Curtin also revealed that 2014 USL Goalkeeper of the Year John McCarthy will start in Saturday afternoon's home match against NYCFC.

5. ANOTHER BRAZILIAN TO ORLANDO?

While it seems Chicharito isn't heading to Orlando City, maybe another celebrated forward is. Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano's family have apparently told friends that the forward will join the Lions when his contract with Sao Paulo expires.

6. RED BULLS REWARDED FOR STRONG START

Despite having played only three games so far this season, the New York Red Bulls still occupy second place in the Eastern Conference. It's all part of the plan, as head coach Jesse Marsch says it was vital that his retooled side hit the ground running.

7. INNOCENT DECLARED GUILTY

When the San Jose Earthquakes take on the Vancouver Whitecaps this weekend, they will not have forward Innocent with them after he was suspended by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for a tackle in Sunday's loss to Real Salt Lake. That leaves his teammate, Chris Wondolowski, wondering when the Quakes will be able to put their best 11 players on the field.

8. LAFC MEET THE FANS

The first LAFC roundtable took place on Wednesday, offering the new club a chance to meet their fans and learn more about what they want from the club. While the name, badge, and colors were among the topics discussed, the club stated that the first priority is finding and securing a stadium.

9. NEW INDUCTEES INTO HALL OF FAME

U.S. Soccer announced on Wednesday that Sigi Schmid, Kasey Keller, and Glenn "Mooch" Myernick have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Two of the entrants, Schmid and Keller, have spent time with the Seattle Sounders over their careers, and both were humbled to be recognized in such a way.

10. CUP DRAW SHOWS POTENTIAL PITFALLS

The opening rounds of the 2015 US Open Cup are out. With USL teams entering the competition in the second round, there are a number of interesting ties involving MLS development sides or affiliates among the potential matchups.

11. CUBO TORRES GETS THE CALL FROM MEXICO

The US national team will take on Mexico on April 15, and El Tri have already named their squad, which includes on-loan Houston Dynamo striker Erick "Cubo" Torres.

12. THE BEST AROUND

Jurgen Klinsmann is expected to announce the USMNT squad over the weekend. While he may only be able to call in players from the US and Mexico, some would argue that leaves him with his strongest squad anyway. One area where that certainly appears to be true is center back.

13. SCOUTING FOR GHANA

Come the next FIFA window, a few more MLS players could be called in. According to reports, Ghana coach Avram Grant is scouting more of the Ghanaian players MLS.

14. INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES

On Wednesday, Toronto FC announced a friendly against Manchester City in what is likely to be just the first of many games between MLS and international clubs this summer.

15. WHO DOESN'T LOVE A STOPPAGE-TIME COMEBACK?

Here are five of the best in MLS history.

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