MLS 2017 Schedule: Top 5 Matches in March
By Daniel Garza
The first month of the 2017 MLS season is fast approaching. Here are five matches to watch in March.
The 2017 MLS season kicks off in just over five weeks and there’s much anticipation ahead for the first month of the season. Here’s the top five matches to watch in March:
#5 Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto FC
These two clubs met in the first round of the MLS playoffs last season, with Toronto taking the win on a 3-1 aggregate. This makes for an intriguing matchup on the second matchday of the season. With a lot of familiar faces returning to the Toronto this season, the Union will look to get revenge at home.
#4 Montreal Impact vs. New York City FC
NYCFC starts off March with three straight matches against Eastern Conference opponents. The Impact will be welcomed on match-day three of the season with the Canadian club looking to build off a strong finish to last season. Both sides saw their seasons end in the Conference semifinals, which makes this a eye-catching encounter.
#3 Seattle Sounders vs. New York Red Bulls
The 2016 MLS Cup winners will host the 2016 Eastern Conference winners on March 19. It will be a marquee match to watch as both clubs look to start the season off on a high note. The Red Bulls were one of the worst teams on the road last season, and will have a chance, early on, to put that behind them. This is also Seattle’s first home match of the season, in which they will get to raise their first ever MLS Cup banner.
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#2 L.A. Galaxy vs. FC Dallas
Two of the top teams in the Western Conference last season will meet on the opening weekend of the season. Dallas led the Western Conference in goal scoring as a team last year, and the Galaxy were right behind them in second. A goal-fest may be in the cards for this one depending on what form both offensives are in. In addition, we may get to see some of the Galaxies newest additions, including Jermaine Jones and João Pedro as well.
#1 Minnesota United FC vs. Atlanta United FC
The two newest expansion clubs will face each other on the second matchday of the season. This should be an intriguing match as both sides will only be one match into their existence and still have questions to answer in their lineups. It will also be the first MLS match played at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Fans across the league will be interested to see these two new sides and what their initial rosters and play style look like.