ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Columbus Crew reveal new look (& name)

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Kick Off: Columbus Crew reveal new look (& name) | Toronto's playoff hopes take a hit

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

1. #NEWCREW

No more hard hards. The Columbus Crew unveiled their new brand identity to widespread approval on Wednesday. The project includes a new logo and a slight name change. Check out everything that went into it.

2. TFC: NO MORE ROOM FOR MISTAKES

Despite playing much of the second half with 10 men, the Houston Dynamo dampened Toronto FC's playoff hopes on Wednesday, while reviving their own, thanks to a 1-0 road win over the Canadian side (HIGHLIGHTS). The Dynamo largely have GK Tyler Deric to thank for a result that TFC acknowledge leaves them with no margin for error.

3. DEFOE DISCUSSIONS (AGAIN)

While Jermain Defoe was unable to convert a penalty and help Toronto earn at least a draw with the Dynamo, the striker has shown that he is indeed committed to the TFC cause. However, as Reds exec Tim Leiweke himself noted, all parties are focused on the playoff chase until the end of the season, when big-picture evaluations can be broached.

4. TIMBERS MAKE THEIR MOVE

The Portland Timbers triumphed over the San Jose Earthquakes, 3-0, to put the pressure back on the Vancouver Whitecaps, their main rivals for the Western Conference's fifth and final playoff slot. Portland credited the lessons learned over a tough season for helping them to the win (HIGHLIGHTS).

5. GETTING READY TO SAY GOODBYE TO LD

Landon Donovan, of course, will bow out from the US national team forever on Friday. While US Soccer put together a teaer-jerker of a tribute, the American Outlaws supporters' group is planning a large-scale tifo and collecting thank-you notes. Meanwhile, coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced on Thursday morning that young USMNT winger Julian Green is returning to Germany .

6. ALTIDORE EYES SUNDERLAND EXIT

Jozy Altidore still isn't having a great time of it with EPL side Sunderland, and while he remains part of the US national team setup, the striker knows this could change if his minutes don't improve. Perhaps that's why Altidore has stated publicly that he might seek a move away in January. If the US forward does move, where might he end up?

7. ESPINOZA WANTS SKC RETURN

Altidore isn't the only former MLS player currently unhappy in Europe. It seems Wigan Athletic midfielder Roger Espinoza is keen for a move back to his former club, Sporting Kansas City. Unfortunately for the Honduran, while Peter Vermes would be happy to have him back, he made it clear the club won't pay to make it happen.

8. THE ITALIAN JOB

Former Fiorentina midfielder Marco Donadel is training with the Montreal Impact while visiting his friend, Marco Di Vaio, but despite reports from Italy, he has not signed a contract. But how's he looking? The Impact might not be the only ones looking to bring in a new Italian, either, as according to reports from Italy, New York City FC are interested in Marco Borriello.

9. SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

Up to 48 MLS players are away on international duty this week, leaving a number of clubs thin on the ground. One ESPNFC.com columnist has a few suggestions of how the league can work around at least some of the dates on the FIFA calendar.

10. ENOUGH OF EUROPE

As UEFA and European clubs eye new ways to increase their following in North America, two well-placed executives in the sports scene here, Tim and Tod Leiweke, have had enough. And at least one MLS club owner has sworn off midseason exhibition matches altogether.

11. LADE STAYING ON LOAN

Despite the New York Red Bulls' growing list of absentees, on-loan midfielder Connor Lade will not return to the squad for their game against Toronto FC at the weekend. Peguy Luyindula might feature though, that is, if he can find time in his other career as a TV media mogul.

12. ALAN GORDON: CURSE BREAKER

The No. 9 jersey tends to come with a certain amount of responsibility, mainly to score goals, and the LA Galaxy have a long, troubled history when it comes to finding players capable of living up to that task. However, has Alan Gordon broken the curse?

13. NINE-TENTHS OF THE LAW

Possession isn't everything when it comes to winning a game of soccer, but it certainly helps. With that in mind, who are the top three possession players in MLS today?

14. MIGHTY MINNESOTA

The push for an MLS expansion club in Minnesota acquired some extra heat on Wednesday, when SI.com reported that NASL side Minnesota United have acquired some more financial firepower.

15. PUTTING ASIDE A CASCADIA RIVALRY FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The animosity between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders is quickly forgotten when it comes to doing a public service announcement about the deadly virus Ebola.

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