The San Jose Earthquakes have a jersey sponsor!

It’s official: The San Jose Earthquakes have a jersey sponsor, as they have announced a multiyear (apparently, 3 years) agreement with Intermedia Communications, which operates communications tools to business and government clients.

The news, first broken by the Silicon Valley Business Journal before the club confirmed the announcement in a press conference on Wednesday, includes the note that the Earthquakes will make use of Intermedia Communications’ cloud technology in their own operations.

“Partnering with an award-winning tech communications company based in the heart of Silicon Valley is a tremendous opportunity for us,” said Earthquakes COO Jared Shawlee in a team statement. “We are excited to implement and use Intermedia’s products and services in our organization, as well as to help Intermedia drive greater awareness for its products, services, and partner programs across the country. We’re also very fortunate to have a partner that is committed to the success of Major League Soccer in the Bay Area. We believe this partnership makes our organization stronger in the short- and long-term.”

What do you think of the sponsor? Do you like the new look on the jerseys?

More news for your Thursday:

• Wondo talks career in new podcast: There’s a new podcast on the block, this one perhaps a bit more intriguing than most — the MLS Players Association have a new show, “Play by Players,” hosted by former MLS pro Bobby Boswell. Chris Wondolowski is the first person interviewed for the show, and it’s interesting to hear him look back on his career...while he’s still playing.
• About the stadium name: Wondering what Avay— sorry, Earthquakes Stadium will be called this year? Will they get a sponsored name deal? Elliott Almond noted during Quakes media day that it’s a “big piece of the business operations. Stay tuned on that front.”

• Cancun friendly opponent revealed: We knew the Earthquakes would be playing Feb. 3 in Cancun in a closed-door friendly, but now we know the opponent, Columbus Crew SC, after they announced that fixture on Wednesday. Don’t forget, the only way to watch that game is to win this trip to the resort hotspot through the team.
• Sophia Smith the future of woso: Stanford product Sophia Smith was the top pick in this year’s NWSL Draft, and over at SB Nation, Kim McCauley explains what makes Smith so special and why the Portland Thorns traded up to pick her. Overall, her ceiling is sky-high.
• Weighing the value of a player: Julian Gressel being traded to D.C. United this week was a low-key blockbuster, and Dirty South Soccer takes a deep look at what Gressel might have truly been worth in MLS. An interesting read for those looking to understand MLS without all the obscured terminology.

Today’s question: What do you think of the new-look jerseys? Is it better on the field jerseys or the goalkeeper kit? Let’s chat in the comments.