ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Galaxy, Sounders advance in Champions League

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Kick Off: Galaxy, Sounders advance in Champions League | Impact, Dynamo win to help playoff push

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

1. SOUNDERS THRASH WHITECAPS AGAIN

The Seattle Sounders picked up their second 3-0 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps in five days on Wednesday night, thrashing their Canadian rivals at CenturyLink Field to win their CONCACAF Champions League group and advance to the tournament's quarterfinals. It was a big win for the Sounders, who were only to happy to keep rolling as they continue their playoff push. While the match was a boost for Seattle, it was a setback for Carl Robinson's young 'Caps, who clearly have more lessons to learn as they look to push for the Supporters' Shield.

2. GALAXY ADVANCE TO QFs

It wasn't the ideal result, but the LA Galaxy picked up the point they needed on Wednesday,getting another trademark late goal from substitute Alan Gordon to draw Central FC 1-1 in Trinidad & Tobago. The result was enough for the Galaxy to clinch Group D with one game to spare, booking LA's ticket to the CCL quarters for the fourth time in five years.

3. A PRESENT FOR PATRICE

Didier Drogba and Andres Romero may have had the goals, but it was birthday boy Patrice Bernier who earned the praise following his important contribution off the bench for the Montreal Impact in their 2-1 win against the Chicago Fire (HIGHLIGHTS). Chicago, who were playing their first match since parting ways with Frank Yallop, came away less than impressed that Drogba’s opening goal was allowed to stand.

4. DYNAMO ARE DYNAMITE

The Houston Dynamo may have only beaten Sporting Kansas City 1-0 (HIGHLIGHTS), but head coach Owen Coyle hopes that their “dominant” 10-man performance can become the new standard for his team. The Dynamo certainly controlled much of the game, with SKC manager Peter Vermes unimpressed with a “horrific” outing from his side.

5. RSL TAKE ON TECLA

Real Salt Lake can take control of their CONCACAF Champions League group if they can get a win at home against Santa Tecla on Thursday (10 pm ET, FS2). Confidence will be high following their 3-0 win over the LA Galaxy last weekend, a pretty special night for English midfielder Luke Mulholland and his family.

6. PLAYOFFS ALL THAT MATTER

With the race for the red line in full view, the Portland Timbers are focused on getting the job done. Manager Caleb Porter is expecting results from his side, with veteran defender Liam Ridgewell stating that reaching the playoffs is the club’s only goal right now.

7. TORONTO FC FINDING THEIR GROOVE

It's been a good year for Jonathan Osorio, with the Toronto FC midfielder making his mark on the left side of midfield and enjoying himself in the process. As for TFC forward Jozy Altidore, the US international seems to be embracing his new role with the team.

8. EXTENDED SEASON FOR NYCFC

New York City FC players will have to delay any postseason holidays they may have planned, as the club has announced that it will travel to the Caribbean to play the Puerto Rican national team on December 11.

9. CHICHARITO SCORES HIS FIRST

After it was confirmed that Rafa Marquez will join Andres Guardado on the shelf for next month's CONCACAF Cup game against the USA, the Mexican national team was glad to receive some good news on Wednesday: Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez scored his first Bundesliga goal for lead Bayer Leverkusen.

10. EXPORTS ENJOY STRONG NIGHT

Chicharito wasn't the only CONCACAF player who found the back of the net in Germany on Wednesday, with three Americans -- Fabian Johnson, Bobby Wood and Shawn Barry -- scoring goals in Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga action. It was a less memorable day for the US U-17 national team, who lost 5-1 to Mexico in a pre-World Cup friendly.

11. BREAKING DOWN YEDLIN’S DEBUT

DeAndre Yedlin impressed both Sunderland fans and manager Dick Advocaat in his debut for the club on Tuesday. Yedlin’s performance was one of the few high points for Sunderland in their 4-1 League Cup loss to Manchester City, but what was it specifically that made him stand out?

12. REMEMBERING THE ORIGINALS

The MLS All-Stars have put in some impressive showings in recent years, beating Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur in their last two times out. But back in 2005, a selection of MLS stars were the ones who traveled abroad for a star-studded friendly at Real Madrid.

13. A RETURN TO USL

Rob Valentino may have missed out on making the move from to MLS with Orlando City, but the former Lions defender is now back with the club, having been recently appointed assistant coach for the club's new USL side, which will begin play next year.

14. SCORPIONS CLOSE TO SALE?

The San Antonio Scorpions look to be nearing a sale, with the latest reports suggesting buyers have been found for the club and stadium. Could the potential ownership change help with the Scorpions’ ambition of one day playing in MLS?

15. #SUMMITTHESHIELD

Here's a story that will make your day: Read about how an indie rock bassist and the Supporters' Shield -- the trophy currently held by the Seattle Sounders for registering the best regular season record last year -- found a way to raise thousands of dollars for cancer research.

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