ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Clint Dempsey and Seattle Sounders close out dramatic Sunday of MLS Conference Semifinal playoff action

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Kick Off: Clint Dempsey and Seattle Sounders close out dramatic Sunday of MLS Conference Semifinal playoff action

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

1. DEMPSEY DELIVERS BLOW TO FC DALLAS

Clint Dempsey delivered the goods at the right time late Sunday to help the Seattle Sounders come from behind and grab a 2-1 home victory over FC Dallas (HIGHLIGHTS) in the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal series at CenturyLink Field. Yet FC Dallas coach Oscar Pareja was peeved that the Sounders were awarded the free kick that set up the winning goal, stating categorically: "It's incorrect."

2. BERNIER'S IMPACT KEEPS EXPANDING

Over in the Eastern Conference, Patrice Bernier's fine playoff form continues, as he scored another goal to help the Montreal Impact secure a 2-1 home win over Columbus Crew SC (HIGHLIGHTS) on Sunday at Stade Saputo. Still, despite the result, and what many felt was a controversial decision involving Didier Drogba, Crew SC still think they hold good position heading into the second leg.

3. ALL SQUARE IN CASCADIA CLASH

Two Cascadia rivals fought to a stalemate on Sunday, as the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps ended in a 0-0 draw (HIGHLIGHTS). The Timbers defense stood tall once again, even without PK hero Adam Kwarasey, while ‘Caps head coach Carl Robinson had a simple assessment of what his side needs to do following the draw.

4. CAPTAIN DAX LEADS THE WAY

Dax McCarty proved to be a leader in more ways than one, as he gave the New York Red Bulls a 1-0 lead over D.C. United in the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series on Sunday at RFK Stadium (HIGHLIGHTS). The only negative for the Red Bulls is that they're now waiting on the status of defender Damien Perrinelle following an injury scare. While United nearly earned the result they wanted, they were not happy that Red Bulls defender Ronald Zubar managed to remain on the field.

5. PLAN ACCORDINGLY

With the first legs of the Conference Semifinals done and dusted, the times are set for Sunday's decisive second legs. Set your schedule accordingly.

6. JOHNSON'S RETIREMENT OFFICIAL

Eddie Johnson's retirement from soccer was made official on Sunday, with the former US national team striker honored at halftime of D.C. United's playoff loss to New York. The forward thanked the fans and D.C. United as he looks ahead towards the next chapter of his life, having already provided some great moments during the previous one.

7. PLANNING FOR 2016

As the playoffs roll on, all Orlando City can do is watch from afar. Yet having taken their playoff quest to the final day of the season, the club is already in planning mode to build on an impressive debut season.

8. WHAT WILL DROGBA DO?

Though Didier Drogba continues to help the Montreal Impact in their quest to advance through the MLS Cup Playoffs, could the Ivorian legend be entertaining an offseason loan?

9. FROM SUBSTITUTE TO STAR

After brief spells with Chivas USA and the Chicago Fire in 2013-14, forward Matt Fondy seems to have once again found his game, earning the USL's 2015 MVP Award following a 24-goal year for Louisville City.

10. MINNESOTA'S NEW HOME

Still catching up on Minnesota's MLS expansion plans? Following the announcement made last week about their new stadium project, here's a comprehensive list of everything you need to know.

11. PAREJA FOR THE USMNT?

Oscar Pareja's most pressing concern right now is working out how to overturn FC Dallas' 2-1 Conference Semifinal series deficit against the Seattle Sounders, but could the head coach be interested in one day taking over as boss of the US national team?

12. IS BRADLEY HEADING TO FRANCE?

Having guaranteed Stabaek at least third place in the Norwegian Tippeligaen, Bob Bradley has secured a Europa League spot for his side. Yet rumors suggest the former US national team coach could soon be departing the club, having reportedly agreed to terms with French Ligue 2 side Le Havre.

13. JOHANNSSON LIKELY OUT FOR THE YEAR

After recently undergoing successful hip surgery, US national team forward Aron Johannsson may not just miss the USMNT's November friendlies, but also the rest of 2015, per an official from his Bundesliga club Werder Bremen.

14. HERRERA IS A XOLO

Bad news for anyone who was still holding out hope for Miguel Herrera to become an MLS head coach - the former Mexico national team manager is set to become the new boss at Liga MX side Club Tijuana.

15. CAN MEXICO KEEP ROLLING?

Mexico's U-17 national team take on Ecuador today in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. A win would set up a semifinal against defending champions Nigeria, to whom Mexico lost in the last U-17 World Cup final. LA Galaxy Academy goalkeeper Abraham Romero will be in goal for El Tri, with the former US youth star keen to make his parents proud.

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