New MLS logo unveiled: San Jose Earthquakes logo pairs nicely with MLS crest

Less than a year ago, the San Jose Earthquakes launched a rebranding campaign that included a complete revamping of the club's logo. The new design, a significant improvement over the old one, was met initially with tepid excitement, but as the 2014 season has progressed, it has become more and more popular among the team's fans.

And now, the league itself is getting into the rebranding act, as it has unveiled a new "crest" for the upcoming 20th season of Major League Soccer. Gone is the cleat and soccer ball as MLS has taken a minimalistic approach to its logo with its new look.

Brian Straus at SI's Planet Futbol gives a good account of the thinking behind the new MLS logo. MLSsoccer.com says that "The new MLS crest embodies and represents the next phase of Major League Soccer's vision to be among the best leagues in the world by 2022."

In large part, the minimalist design was chosen so that the basic logo could be customizable by each of the league's teams. For the Quakes, the team's primary blue and black colors are implemented into the MLS logo to give a team-specific league logo that pairs closely to San Jose's club logo. The new look will be featured on the Earthquakes' uniform to start the 2015 season.

What are your impressions of the league's new logo? Are you pleased with the Quakes team-specific version? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.