Photo by Noah K. Murray/USA Today Sports

 

Love it or hate it, the new Major League Soccer logo is here. The famous boot-and-ball logo is out, and a minimalist crest with only the letters “MLS” and three stars is in. MLS Commissioner Don Garber defended the logo on Thursday, saying the crest itself identified it as a soccer logo without the presence of a soccer ball.

Garber also touched on some hot discussion topics around MLS. He confirmed rumors Chivas USA may wind up sitting 2015 out as the team is re-branded and transitioned to a new ownership group. And he revealed Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was fined $20,000 for comments criticizing the league.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Men’s National Team moved up a spot to No. 17 in the newest FIFA rankings, one spot below Mexico and one spot above England.

Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI Thursday:

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
USMNT climbs one place to No. 17 in latest FIFA rankings

U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Ellis finds World Cup roster answers as USWNT routs Mexico again

Preview: USWNT squad gets last chance to impress Ellis before World Cup qualifying

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
MLS unveils new logo

SBI Reader Poll: What do you think of the new MLS logo?

Garber touches on Chivas USA, Bradley comments and more at MLS logo reveal

MLS sets December date for upcoming expansion draft

INTERNATIONAL SOCCER
Europa League Rewind: Howard stars for Everton; Sevilla beat Feyenoord; and more

Americans Abroad: Weekend Preview

Americans Abroad: Midweek Rewind

Mid-day Ticker: Impact’s Saputo part of Bologna purchase; Fulham sacks Magath; and more

Soccer Thursday: Your Running Commentary

Thursday Kickoff: Schweinsteiger remains sidelined; Ronaldinho makes debut; and more

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Di Vaio leads Impact to CCL victory over Red Bulls

CCL Preview: Sporting KC hosts Saprissa with important points on the line