ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Can the USMNT start 2015 with a win? l Are the New York Red Bulls closing in on Sacha Kljestan?

Kick Off: Can the USMNT start 2015 with a win? l Are the New York Red Bulls closing in on Sacha Kljestan?

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

1. FIRST GAME OF THE YEAR

The US national team takes on Chile today (6 pm ET, Fox Sports 1, UniMas, Univision Deportes) in a game which could offer us our first look at Jurgen Klinsmann's mooted 3-5-2 formation. Can the US start the year with a win against the hosts of the 2015 Copa America?

2. TRADING UP THE ORDER

There was a potentially huge trade on Monday as the New York Red Bulls sent Ambroise Oyongo and Eric Alexander to the Montreal Impact in exchange for Felipe and the No.1 position in the allocation order. Will this clear the way for Jesse Marsch's side tomake a move for Sacha Kljestan (right)?

3. SEVENTH HEAVEN

The Impact also acquired Dominic Oduro from Toronto FC, marking the Ghanaian's seventh MLS team, whilst the New York Red Bulls announced three new signings in defenders Damien Perrinelle, Andrew Jean Baptiste and Ronald Zubar.

4. SOUNDERS ARE CLOSE

Will 2015 be the year the Seattle Sounders finally win an MLS Cup? According to head coach Sigi Schmid. "We're really, really close." The team will of course have their new Sounders 2 USL PRO squad to help them out this year as well, and head coach Ezra Henderson discussed his plans for building the new side.

5. IS BUDDLE COMING BACK TO LA?

Having captained LA Galaxy II last season, recently re-signed midfielder Rafael Garcia is looking to make his mark with the LA Galaxy's first team this year. Meanwhile, former player Edson Buddle is also currently on trial with the Galaxy, and manager Bruce Arena has explained what the striker needs to do in order to make the squad.

6. CALDWELL NOT GIVING UP THE ARMBAND

Will Steven Caldwell remain Toronto FC's captain this season? There are growing calls for Michael Bradley to be given the armband, but the Scotsman has made it clear he hopes to retain his position as the team's on-field leader.

7. TALLY TAKING HIS TIME

Tally Hall (photo, right) is likely to miss a good chunk of the season as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury but, with Donovan Ricketts serving as a more-than-capable replacement, the former Houston Dynamo goalkeeper is just focused on taking his time and coming back better than ever.

8. FAN FAVORITE ON TRIAL IN DALLAS

There's a familiar face currently floating around FC Dallas preseason training camp in former fan favorite Juan Toja. The 29-year-old, who spent almost two seasons with FC Dallas, is currently a free agent and it seems head coach Oscar Pareja is planning to take a good look at the two-time MLS All-Star.

9. RAPIDS LOOKING AT OPTIONS

The Colorado Rapids are on the verge of finalising a loan deal for Argentine midfielder Lucas Pittinari, and have also brought in two trialists with a view towards helping fill the now-depleted fullback depth chart.

10. EASING THE TRANSITION

Although Dairon Asprilla, one of the Portland Timbers' big winter signings, doesn't currently speak any English, help is on hand for the midfielder from teammate and fellow Colombian Diego Chara, who knows all too well what it's like to be in Asprilla's situation.

11. SKC TURN FOCUS TO TRAINING

With Sporting Kansas City officially announcing a new contract for Kevin Ellis, as well as the signing of Servando Carrasco, the club's attention now turns toward preseason training and ensuring all their new faces can work together successfully on the field.

12. YEDLIN'S NEW EXPERIENCE

While DeAndre Yedlin is currently with the US national team rather than new club Tottenham Hotspur, the former Seattle Sounders player seems to be enjoying his experience so far, with his current Spurs colleague and former US international Brad Friedel believing the right back just needs a little time to get fit and settle in.

13. SEEKING AN EXEMPTION

Gedion Zelalem may have received his citizenship and expressed a desire to play for the USMNT, but it seems that according to FIFA's statutes, the Arsenal midfielder is still currently ineligible to play for the Stars and Stripes. However, the US Soccer Federation is confident of gaining an exemption.

14. THE PAST AND THE FUTURE

With today marking the USMNT's first game of 2015, it's a good time to reflect on both the past and the present. So while we look at 10 of the best players under the age of 21 right now, let's also marvel at some of the greatest one-cap wonders.

15. BEST WISHES TO BOB

Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery for former US national team and Kansas City head coach, 73-year-old Bob Gansler (right), who suffered a stroke over the weekend. The 73-year-old led the US to the 1990 World Cup, their first appearance at the tournament since 1950, won the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup with Kansas City in 2000 and is a member of the US Hall of Fame.

MLSsoccer.com Musts

National team veteran Nick Rimando embracing role as possible No.1

Two MLSers, seven academy players named to US U-18s roster

Mexico set sights on Gold Cup title, Copa America semifinals