Kick Off: New-look MLS back in action with Rocky Mountain rivalry match on NBCSN on Friday night

News  |  Videos  |  Schedule & Stats  |  Clubs  |  Fantasy  |  Shop Forward To A Friend Kick Off: New-look MLS back in action with Rocky Mountain rivalry match on NBCSN on Friday night Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning: 1. A BRAND FOR THE FUTURE The league unveiled MLS NEXT, its new brand identity on Thursday, drawing inspiration from both the Portland Timbers and American Outlaws. Hear from the people behind the redesign on exactly what went into the process. Why now for MLS NEXT? Here's what Commissioner Don Garber had to say. The players present on Thursday were certainly impressed. Want to see the potential? Look no further than the fans. 2. FIFA 15 LAUNCH CELEBRATES MLS There's nothing quite like a FIFA launch party in New York City, especially when MLS NEXT is in the spotlight as well. Go behind the scenes with MLS Digital, then check out Clint Dempsey spitting some bars for the fans, players, coaches, executives and everyone else in attendance. 3. SHOWING OFF SACRAMENTO As MLS officials began their trip to Sacramento on Thursday, fans gathered at the airport to let them know just how much they want an MLS franchise. As MLS continue to do its due diligence, the club's owners have agreed a deal to purchase a railyards site for a potential stadium. Of course, the team also has an important playoff game against LA Galaxy II this weekend. In other expansion news, Las Vegas' stadium proposal suffered a big blow. 4. ON TO THE NEXT ONE Sporting Kansas City rounded off a good week for MLS teams in the Champions League with a 3-1 win over Deportivo Saprissa (HIGHLIGHTS) thanks to two goals from Tony Dovale. With no MLS game this weekend, SKC's attention immediately turns to their next CCL encounter. 5. TURN TO THE TEAM Real Salt Lake host the Colorado Rapids Friday night (10 pm ET, NBCSN in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada), and while RSL will want big performances from team stalwarts Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando, the club turns to Carlos Salcedo with Nat Borchers suspended. It also seems Rio Tinto Stadium will be getting a new addition very soon. 6. UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE The Portland Timbers are trying to keep some perspective ahead of their crucial game against the Vancouver Whitecaps (Saturday, 5 pm ET, NBCSN in the US, TSN & RDS2 in Canada).  As the Timbers continue to integrate their own foreign players, Mauro Rosales has proven an instant hit with the Whitecaps. 7. UNION MOVING FORWARD The Philadelphia Union host the Houston Dynamo on Saturday (7 pm ET, MLS LIVE), and despite their heart-breaking defeat midweek, the Union are now focused on securing a playoff spot. That goal may be just out of reach for the Dynamo at this point, and although they're not giving up, they are starting to look at 2015. 8. WELCOMING THE WINNERS The New York Red Bulls are expecting a sellout when the Seattle Sounders come to town (Saturday, 7:30 pm ET, NBCSN in the US, RDS2 in Canada) fresh off their US Open Cup success. Now that Clint Dempsey has his first club trophy, let's hope he's learned how to keep his temper under control. 9. JONES OUT FOR REVOLUTION? The Columbus Crew  take on the New England Revolution on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE). US prospect Romain Gall will be looking to make a difference for the Crew, but the visiting team is likely to be without US international star Jermaine Jones. 10. ONE IN, ONE OUT FOR THE IMPACT? While the Montreal Impact's star striker Marco Di Vaio again drops hints about his retirement, the club did have good news ahead of their game against the San Jose Earthquakes (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE) as they revealed a signing made just before Monday's roster freeze. 11. UNITED PLAYERS RETURN With Fabian Espindola suspended for D.C. United's trip to the Chicago Fire (8:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE), head coach Ben Olsen expects Eddie Johnson to be fit to travel. There's even more good news for United as well, as Chris Pontius' comeback continues according to schedule. 12. GALAXY RETURN TO ROUTINE AJ DeLaGarza continues his return following his recent tragedy, and the LA Galaxy player is expected to play another 90 minutes against FC Dallas on Saturday (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE). If the Galaxy should earn a penalty in that game, is Robbie Keane still the man to take it? 13. LEIWEKE SETS THINGS STRAIGHT Having dropped out of the playoff places, Toronto FC will look to get their season back on track when they take on Chivas USA this Sunday (3 pm ET, UniMas in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). Following a number of recent media reports, TFC boss Tim Leiweke has stepped forward to set some things straight. 14. RAPIDS FIND INDEPENDENCE The Charlotte Independence are officially the new USL PRO team in North Carolina, having taken over the rights from the Charlotte Eagles, and no sooner was the news official than the Colorado Rapids announced a two-year partnership with the new side, something that has Pablo Mastroeni very excited. 15.  FIFA RANKINGS The latest edition of the FIFA world rankings are out. The US and Mexico each moved up one place, but it was Marco Pappa's Guatemala which climbed highest in CONCACAF, moving up 77 places to 57th in the world after their run in the Copa Centroamericana. MLSsoccer.com Musts ExtraTime Radio: You've got questions about MLS NEXT, we've got answers Inside the FIFA 15 release party Forget the logo, MLS NEXT is a harbinger of greatness for League's stars