ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Montreal's Ciman named top defender

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Kick Off: Montreal's Ciman named top defender | DC, Seattle mull changes

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

1. AN IMPACT DEFENDER

Laurent Ciman has been named MLS Defender of the Year, beating out Matt Hedges (FC Dallas), Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps) and Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls) to secure the award after a season in which he helped the Montreal Impact concede just 44 goals, the second-lowest total in the East.

2. WHO CAN REPLACE SAURO?

Gaston Sauro is suspended for the first leg of Columbus Crew SC's Eastern Conference Championship clash with the New York Red Bulls (Nov. 22, 5 pm ET on ESPN in USA and MLS LIVE in Canada). It's not the first time the club has had to find a replacement for their influential defender, but there are some questions about who will get the call for the vital playoff match.

3. UNITED AND SOUNDERS MULL CHANGES

For the second year running, D.C. United's season ended in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Not a bad place to finish, especially given where they were in 2013 (MLS' last-place team), but if the club wants to go higher, changes might be needed. They aren't the only club mulling some new ideas either, as the Seattle Sounders also look set to switch things up.

4. PIRLO WANTS THE RUMORS TO STOP

New York City FC star Andrea Pirlo has taken to Twitter asking people to stop with the rumors regarding a loan away from NYCFC this winter. Another day, another rumor, with the latest one linking Real Salt Lake to 36-year-old center back Cata Diaz, who currently plays in Argentina.

5. TOUGH TASK FOR THE USMNT

The US national team faces some serious challenges in their upcoming CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers as they look to bring through some younger talent in what are must-win matches. Some good news? Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has seemingly buried the hatchet with Fabian Johnson, while Geoff Cameron has issued a rallying call to his teammates.

6. DOS SANTOS STILL ON THE RADAR

There may not have been a place for Giovani Dos Santos in Juan Carlos Osorio's first Mexico squad but, according to El Tri's manager, the LA Galaxy star still has a future with the Mexican national team.

7. A MUST WIN FOR CANADA?

Though it'll only be the first game of their World Cup Qualifying group, are Canada facing a must-win at home on Friday against Honduras? Taking care of business at home will be critical for Canada, something veteran midfielder Julian De Guzman knows all too well.

8. U-23S BEATEN IN BRAZIL

The US Under-23s first pre-Olympic Playoff warm up did not go as intended, with Andi Herzog's side losing 2-1 to Brazil in a less-than-inspiring performance heading towards March's make-or-break clash with Colombia.

9. SOCCER IN ST. LOUIS

Friday's CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against St. Vincent & The Grenadines will mark a big match not only for the US national team but also for the city of St. Louis, which is hosting its first US World Cup Qualifier since 1989. But what might the future hold for St. Louis and its MLS hopes?

10. ATLANTA FIND A NEW LOCATION

With their previous plans falling through due to spiralling costs, Atlanta United have announced their intentions to build their training facility and club headquarters in Marietta, Georgia, with the club already receiving an early thumbs-up on their preliminary plans from the City Council. While they're still a ways off from building a roster, Atlanta will hold their first open tryout next month.

11. YOUR MLS OFFSEASON CALENDAR

MLS on Thursday unveiled a full list of key offseason dates. Find out when all the various drafts take place and when preseason kicks off. It's a lot closer than you might think.

12. COYLE REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR IN MLS

The Houston Dynamo may have missed the postseason for the second year running, but it wasn't all bad for British manager Owen Coyle, who is taking away some positives from his first season in MLS.

13. 'KEEPER BATTLES IN ORLANDO

Orlando City SC backup goalkeeper Earl Edwards, Jr. is making good progress in his recovery from surgery, and he hopes to challenge Tally Hall for first team minutes next season. Meanwhile, the club's newest Homegrown 'keeper explains why Orlando was the right choice for him.

14. CHEER FOR THE TOROS

The Houston Dynamo's USL affiliate side in Rio Grande Valley officially has a nickname, with an online fan vote helping to decide on "RGVFC Toros".

15. HERC GOES OFF TOPIC

In case you missed it, Toronto FC forward Herculez Gomez was dishing knowledge on the MLSsoccer.com playoff pregame show last weekend and he stuck around New York City long enough to join Rachel Bonnetta for a skate.

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