ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Donovan the hero | First playoff spots taken

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Kick Off: Donovan the hero | First playoff spots taken | Guardado to ATL?

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

Donovan to the rescue!

Landon "Old Guy" Donovan hopped off the bench late to bag the equalizer as the LA Galaxy clawed back for a 2-2 draw at Sporting KC on Sunday.

TFC, RBNY split six-pack

Toronto FC became the second MLS club to clinch a playoff spot after Jozy Altidore's late brace earned them a 3-3 draw with the visiting Red Bulls on Sunday. It was a case of good news/bad news for New York; while they saw striker Bradley Wright-Phillips hit twice to become the first MLS player with two 20-goal seasons, they were also left to rue yet another blown lead.

Lamp goes out as NYCFC rally

While New York City FC rallied late for a 2-2 share against visiting Supporters' Shield leaders FC Dallas, they were left concerned by the early injury departure of star midfielder Frank Lampard. Flying under the radar on Sunday was the fact that Dallas clinched the first playoff spot via Sporting KC's draw with LA.

Morris lifts Seattle

A diving Jordan Morris header kept playoff hopes alive for Seattle, as his lone goal earned the Sounders an important win over Cascadia Cup rivals Vancouver on Saturday.

Darren to win

Defending MLS Cup champs Portland enhanced their postseason outlook with a 2-1 home win over Philadelphia. The Timbers got a fine outing from stand-in left winger Darren Mattocks, who set up both goals.

Rowe your boat

Thanks to a a big day from attacker Kelyn Rowe, New England sailed into playoff position with a 3-1 victory at Montreal on Saturday.

Left wanting more

The Colorado Rapids stayed unbeaten at home with a scoreless draw against San Jose, but couldn't help feeling like the result was a letdown.

Keeping hope alive

They are still seven points from the red line, but Columbus stayed in the playoff hunt with a commanding 4-1 victory at Orlando City this weekend. While Crew SC head coach Gregg Berhalter knows they have plenty of work left to do, he says it's up to them to do it.

Dynamic spoiler

Though still at the bottom of the Western table, Houston were able to deal Real Salt Lake their first home defeat of the season with a 1-0 decision on Saturday.

Weekend diagnoses

Per usual, the Armchair Analyst offers up his review of weekend MLS action for your perusal.

Hanging Chad

Local blog Sounder At Heart has confirmed that Seattle defender Chad Marshall has signed a contract extension for next season.

Jack to hit the road

Veteran Portland Timbers midfielder Jack Jewsbury has announced that he will retire at season's end.

Overseas prep

To get ready for next year's quarterfinal round of the CONCACAF Champions League, Vancouver boss Carl Robinson will be taking his squad to Europe.

Guardado talk flares up

One summer rumor saw a revival this weekend, with a report claiming that PSV Eindhoven's Mexico ace Andres Guardado will be joining Atlanta United during the winter transfer window.

Pulisic sparks BvB rout

To celebrate his first Bundesliga start of the campaign, young Borussia Dortmund attacker Christian Pulisic accounted for a goal and two assists in their weekend 6-0 schooling of Darmstadt.