MLS 2017 Schedule: Top 5 Matches in March

Oct 16, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; The Seattle Sounders celebrate a goal against FC Dallas during the match at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats Seattle Sounders 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; The Seattle Sounders celebrate a goal against FC Dallas during the match at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats Seattle Sounders 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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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:

Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) carries the ball past Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) at BMO Field. Seattle defeated Toronto on penalty kicks. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) carries the ball past Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) at BMO Field. Seattle defeated Toronto on penalty kicks. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

#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.

Sep 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NYCFC forward david Villa (7) plays the ball while being defended by D.C. United defender Sean Frankin (5) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NYCFC forward david Villa (7) plays the ball while being defended by D.C. United defender Sean Frankin (5) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

#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.

Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; The Seattle Sounders hoist the MLS Cup after a win over Toronto FC at BMO Field. Seattle defeated Toronto on penalty kicks. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; The Seattle Sounders hoist the MLS Cup after a win over Toronto FC at BMO Field. Seattle defeated Toronto on penalty kicks. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

#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.

Next: 10 Best Signings of the 2016 MLS Season

Oct 30, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy forward Giovani dos Santos (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against Colorado Rapids during the second half at StubHub Center. The LA Galaxy won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy forward Giovani dos Santos (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against Colorado Rapids during the second half at StubHub Center. The LA Galaxy won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

#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.

Aug 19, 2016; St. Paul, MN, USA; A general view of Minnesota United fans during a press conference about the Minnesota United joining the MLS at CHS Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; St. Paul, MN, USA; A general view of Minnesota United fans during a press conference about the Minnesota United joining the MLS at CHS Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

#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.