MLS 2017 Schedule: Top 5 Vancouver Whitecaps Matches

Vancouver Whitecaps FC released their full 2017 MLS schedule on Thursday. The Whitecaps kick off their MLS season on March 5th at home to Philadelphia Union. That gives coach Carl Robinson seven weeks to find the right pieces to turn his team into playoff contenders.

The Whitecaps will play 34 regular season MLS matches in 2017, 17 at home and 17 away. They will play all 10 Western Conference opponents twice, and all 11 Eastern Conference opponents once. They will also play Cascadian rivals Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers, as well as Colorado Rapids a third time to round out the full schedule.

Of course, Vancouver will have already played two CONCACAF Champions League matches against the New York Red Bulls by the time that season opener rolls around. The Whitecaps will be in uncharted territory, playing in their first ever Champions League quarterfinals.

Preseason for the Whitecaps is about to start. Next week, they will be heading off to Wales for a training camp, after which they will take part in the annual Portland Timbers preseason tournament. Then comes the trip to New York. It may feel like the MLS Cup just ended, but the new season is just around the corner.

Here are five MLS matches that Vancouver Whitecaps fans will not want to miss in 2017.