Skip to content

2017 MLS schedule: Minnesota, Atlanta set for debut campaigns

@MNUFC/Twitter

Major League Soccer announced Thursday the full schedule for the 2017 season, with the Portland Timbers kicking things off March 3 against expansion outfit Minnesota United, followed by a full weekend of fixtures.

With a break in July due to the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the 2017 MLS season runs until Sunday, Oct. 22, a day riddled with conference clashes from coast to coast.

Here are 10 intriguing fixtures to watch in the 2017 MLS regular season:

Minnesota United vs. Atlanta United - March 12

The two MLS expansion teams square off against one another for the first time pretty early in the 2017 campaign, and that's probably a good thing as these two sides will want to cut their teeth a bit to the level of the league against less seasoned opponents.

Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake - April 15

The first iteration of the Rocky Mountain Cup takes place in April with the Colorado Rapids hosting Real Salt Lake in this rivalry match played at altitude. The Rapids are, at the moment, unchanged in many facets while RSL welcomed new faces to replace Javier Morales and Juan Manuel Martinez.

New York City FC vs. Orlando City - April 23

There are two new expansion teams in the league this season, meaning that New York City FC and Orlando City meet for the first time not as inexperienced rookie clubs, but as seasoned sides that are now well-versed in the trials of MLS. As such, this match should be quite fun to watch.

Seattle Sounders vs. Toronto FC - May 6

The two 2016 MLS Cup finalists square off once again in a rematch held, this time, at the opposite venue. The Seattle Sounders host Toronto FC in their one and only meeting of the 2017 regular season. While there's no trophy on the line, fans will hope for a goal or two this time (or, at least, a Seattle shot).

Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers - May 27

This is the first of three rivalry tilts between the Sounders and their bitter foes in Cascadia, the Portland Timbers, and while the Vancouver Whitecaps are also involved in this three-team rivalry, this particular derby tilt draws the most attention - and subsequently, the most hype.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy - May 27

This weekend in May is filled with rivalry tilts, so we can probably safely assume this is one of the league's highly touted "Rivalry Week" rounds of action. In any case, the California Clasico kicks off this weekend, with the San Jose Earthquakes hosting a new-look LA Galaxy in the first of three matches.

FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo - May 28

Another rivalry match on this day is played down in Texas where FC Dallas hosts the Houston Dynamo to duke it out for control of the coveted replica 18th-century cannon affectionately known as El Capitan. We'll also get to see how a revamped Houston side competes with a league force like Dallas.

New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC - June 24

As June winds down, MLS fans will be treated to the first of three New York rivalry tilts, as New York City FC travels across the Hudson River to take on the New York Red Bulls. The pride of an entire city is on the line here as one side will attempt to draw first blood (and brushstroke) in this blue versus red clash.

Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC - Aug. 27

Canadian soccer supporters will need to wait until the end of August for the first of three 401 Derby matches in the regular season, with the Montreal Impact hosting Toronto FC and looking for revenge after an incredible Eastern Conference Championship series finish last season.

New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew - Oct. 22

This is the final match of the 2017 regular season, on a day packed with action. When the final whistle is blown at Yankee Stadium, teams like the Columbus Crew and the other 21 sides in the league will know their final seeding for the MLS postseason, or find their season ended short.

Club-by-club schedule:

Atlanta United

Chicago Fire

Colorado Rapids

Columbus Crew SC

D.C. United

FC Dallas

Houston Dynamo

LA Galaxy

Minnesota United

Montreal Impact

New England Revolution

New York City FC

New York Red Bulls

Orlando City

Philadelphia Union

Portland Timbers

Real Salt Lake

San Jose Earthquakes

Seattle Sounders

Sporting Kansas City

Toronto FC

Vancouver Whitecaps

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox