MLS is back: A closer look at the first weekend of the season

The MLS season has started! Let’s look at the fixtures of the first weekend of the season.

MLS Friday March 3

9:30 PM ET

Portland 5 vs Minnesota 1 FINAL

This opening game of the 2017 season was a cracking game! Minnesota began their inaugural MLS season against a revamped Portland Timbers team poised to right their wrongs from last season. Portland scored the first two goals of the game, but in the 79th minute Minnesota scored their first ever MLS goal. Right when it seemed like Minnesota might get back in the match, they committed a penalty and went down 3-1. Portland added two from Fernando Adi in the late stages to complete the rout.

Highlights: here.

MLS Saturday March 4

2:00 PM ET

Columbus 1 vs Chicago 1 FINAL

The first game today was two eastern conference teams looking to shed harsh 2016 campaigns, and both will feel okay with the opening result. Columbus came out firing. Dominating the first half, and scoring first. The Second half was all Chicago, and David Accam found the equalizer. After a frantic final five minutes with lot’s of back and forth, the game ended in a draw.

Highlights: here.

4:00 PM ET

LA Galaxy vs FC Dallas

Univision

LA Galaxy opener is against last years supporter shield winners FC Dallas. Dallas is looking to start their MLS season hot, after qualifying for CONCACAF Champions league semi finals earlier this week. The Galaxy will be looking to start their final season as the only team in LA on the right foot with a win at home. This game is on now! Flip over to Univision to see this action.

4:30 PM ET

Real Salt Lake vs Toronto FC

TSN1 · TSN4 · TSN5 · MLS LIVE · KMYU

Real Salt Lake opens with MLS Cup runner ups Toronto FC. RSL will want to start the season off on the right foot after a lack luster end to their last season. They will have their hands full with Toronto. TFC are favorites to represent the east in MLS cup again. Their potent attack looks to start hot on the road as they will have to for their first three games of the season. This game is currently streaming on MLS Live.

6:00 PM ET

Colorado vs New England

7:00 PM ET

DC United vs Sporting Kansas City

Houston vs Seattle

10:00 PM ET

San Jose vs Montreal

San Jose begins their 2017 at home against Montreal Impact. San Jose didn’t do much in 2016, and they also didn’t make many moves to better themselves for 2017. They will need a strong showing against Montreal. Montreal was an extra time goal away from MLS Cup last season. They start their 2017 out west, hungry to show that last year was no fluke. This match will be streaming on MLS Live.

Sunday March 5

5:00 PM ET

Orlando vs NYCFC

ESPN · MLS LIVE

Orlando opens their brand new stadium tomorrow against “rivals” NYCFC. Orlando were close to the playoffs at sometimes in 2016, but were far from them when it mattered most. This season they will look to get back in the playoff conversation, and christen their new home with a win. NYCFC comes into the season stronger than last season. They still lack some youth, but they will have loads of talent on the pitch again in 2017. They will look to play spoiler to Orlando’s home opener at their new stadium. This game will be on ESPN.

7:30 PM ET

Atlanta vs NY Red Bulls

FS1 · MLS LIVE

The newcomers in the east, Atlanta United start their MLS campaign against the New York Red Bulls. Atlanta brought in a world-class coach, and young star players to start their inaugural season. Their new stadium isn’t finished yet so they will play at Georgia Tech’s field, just outside of the city of Atlanta. New York Red Bulls will look to play spoiler, and start strong after a troubling offseason. The Red Bulls lost their captain, and fired their sporting director because of it. Never the less they will look to play strong against a brand new MLS side. This game will be on FS1.

9:30 PM ET

Vancouver vs Philadelphia

TSN1 · TSN4 · TSN5 · MLS LIVE · The Comcast Network

I did a full preview of this match here: https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2017/03/03/whitecaps/ LETS GO UNION!!!

Come back to Philly Sports Network tomorrow for more on the Union’s start to 2017. Until then, peace out Union fans!

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports