ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Landon back, Gio stars | Ivanovic to MLS?

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Kick Off: Landon back, Gio stars | Ivanovic to MLS? | Yanks score in Europe

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

Landon returns, Gio stars

It was certainly thrilling to see Landon Donovan make his MLS comeback off the bench in the LA Galaxy's 4-2 cruise past visiting Orlando City on Sunday. However, Giovani dos Santos notched a pair of goals and two helpers to steal the spotlight, prompting him to declare his current form the best of his career.

Same old story

The New York Red Bulls let points, and the Atlantic Cup crown, slip on Sunday, leaking twice in the waning moments to settle for a 2-2 draw with rude guests D.C. United. The home side have now dropped an astounding 18 points from winning positions this season, a trend which has become embarrassing.

Streak ended

After suffering their first home loss in more than a year, a 1-0 defeat to Colorado, FC Dallas insisted that they weren't caught looking ahead to Tuesday's US Open Cup final (10 pm ET; ESPN2, UDN).

Going up

With Sebastian Giovinco on the mend, Jozy Altidore grabbed the starring role as Toronto FC moved into the Eastern Conference penthouse on the strength of a 2-1 victory at Chicago.

Alive and kicking

Thanks to yet another goal against Real Salt Lake from Fanendo Adi, MLS Cup holders Portland maintained their postseason hopes with a 1-0 home win on Saturday night.

Revolution's gem

Among his other weekend review notes, the Armchair Analyst put New England's midfield diamond under his microscope following their important victory over NYCFC on Saturday.

Cashing a gut check

After fighting back for a sorely needed 3-1 win at Columbus, the Vancouver Whitecaps were beaming over the determination they showed to keep up in the playoff race.

Luck of the draw

On the heels of his late free kick rescuing a 1-1 share at San Jose on Saturday, Seattle playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro says he has just one thing on his mind: helping the Sounders make the playoffs. From the Quakes' perspective, the late collapse overshadowed a milestone goal from Chris Wondolowski.

Comeback kids

After Matteo Mancosu struck late to earn Montreal a 1-1 draw at Philadelphia on Saturday, it seems that late rallies have become part of the Impact's DNA.

Acosta measures

D.C. United are reportedly working to make loan ace Luciano Acosta's move from Boca Juniors permanent.

Burn bridges

With FC Dallas set to battle for the US Open Cup title on Tuesday night, FourFourTwoopens the "Where are they now?" file on members of the 1997 team that won the franchise's last trophy.

Battery temp

Playing For 90 chats up Charleston Battery loan forward/2017 SuperDraft prospect Jeremy Ebobisse about his unusual path to MLS and much more.

Blues clue?

A growing whisper in England claims there are two MLS suitors for Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

Goals, goals, goals

Americans were ringing bells across the pond throughout the weekend, starting with Daniel Williams' last-gasp game-winning penalty for Reading on Friday night. On Saturday, DeAndre Yedlin bagged his first Newcastle goal to cap a victory and Bobby Wood of Hamburg struck for the second straight game, albeit in a losing cause. Finally, Aron Johannsson opened his season account from the spot in a Werder Bremen home loss on Sunday.

Josh-ing around

Goals weren't the only good news for American exports in Europe, as Molde FK winger Jash Gatt completed another inspiring injury comeback with a 23-minute sub shift in Sunday's scoreless draw against FK Haugesund.

Heir to the goals

Infant goalkeepers everywhere are surely shaking in their baby booties at the news that Sporting KC striker Don Dwyer and USWNT forward Sydney Leroux are the proud new parents of a son.