Union’s Home opener announced; Philly will kick of 2018 at home versus New England Revolution! MLS released all 23 home openers for each team this afternoon. The Union will face off against eastern conference opponent New England Revolution on March 3rd at Talen Energy Stadium.
https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/943194300745216003
The Union have their first home opener on opening weekend since 2015 (remember that sub-zero scoreless draw against Colorado, I do). New England comes to town with new coach, former Fox Sports commentator and USMNT star keeper, Brad Friedel. New England and Philadelphia had dismal 2017 campaigns. Both teams are looking to make drastic changes for the better this off season. The two eastern conference opponents get a chance to right their 2017 wrongs against each other, but will there be any appeal for this game other than that?
A bleak affair? Or a showcase of new stars?
Union vs. New England is, by far, the most boring game of MLS opening weekend. One of these teams needs to make an interesting signing or five to create any sort of appeal.
— Kevin Kinkead (@Kevin_Kinkead) December 19, 2017
As Kevin Kinkead brilliantly points out, this game is a bit of a snoozer from a neutral MLS fan standpoint. Both teams are rebuilding, and miss crucial parts of a complete team. New England just shipped Striker Kei Kamara to Vancouver, so they will need a new target man up top. The Rev’s defense was atrocious last season; they allowed 61 goals, the third most goals given up last season. The Union are lacking a true playmaker still; hopefully they will address that issue. Philly is also in the midst of finding bargain star-players. Hopefully that won’t bite them in the butt the way it did last season. Whatever happens both teams will look to start 2017 on a high note in a conference game!
A look at the other early season fixtures:
Let the countdowns begin.
The 2018 home openers are set! pic.twitter.com/uEsQCIpGMu
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 19, 2017
The MLS season has some juicy match ups early in the 2018 season. Here’s a listing of the games:
2018 MLS Home Openers
Saturday, March 3, 2018:
- 1:00 PM EST: Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew SC
- 3:30 PM EST: Houston Dynamo vs. Atlanta United
- 7:30 PM EST: Orlando City vs. D.C. United
- 8:00 PM EST: FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake
- 9:00 PM EST: Colorado Rapids vs. Chicago Fire
- 10:30 PM EST: San Jose Earthquakes vs. Minnesota United
- TBD: Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution
Sunday, March 4, 2018:
- 5:00 PM EST: Seattle Sounders vs. Los Angeles Football Club
- 6:00 PM EST: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Montreal Impact
- 7:30 PM EST: Sporting KC vs. New York City FC
- 10:00 PM EST: LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers
Saturday, March 10, 2018:
- 1:00 PM EST: Columbus Crew SC vs. Montreal Impact
- 1:30 PM EST: New England Revolution vs. Colorado Rapids
- 3:30 PM EST: Real Salt Lake vs. Los Angeles Football Club
- 7:00 PM EST: New York Red Bulls vs. Portland Timbers
- TBD: Chicago Fire vs. Sporting KC
Sunday, March 11, 2018:
- 3:00 PM EST: Atlanta United vs. D.C. United
- 5:00 PM EST: New York City FC vs. LA Galaxy
Saturday, March 17, 2018:
- 3:00 PM EST: Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC
- TBD: D.C. United vs. Houston Dynamo
- TBD: Minnesota United vs. Chicago Fire
Saturday, April 14, 2018:
- 10:30 PM EST: Portland Timbers vs. Minnesota United
Sunday, April 29, 2018:
- 9:00 PM EST: Los Angeles Football Club vs. Seattle Sounders
Other Union news:
https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/943176100758282240
The Union also announced today that they will be returning to Clearwater Florida for their preseason this coming February. The Boy’s in blue will play three preseason games in the Suncoast Invitational while in Florida! Hopefully Philly will have a few new faces while training in Florida.
Be sure to come back to Philly Sports Network for more Union content:
Philly Sports Network Union news update, there are now three writers on the team. Matt McClain has joined Jeff Green, and Tim Lovenguth to help round out the Union coverage. Matt has written before with Philly Soccer Page and Section 215.
Be on the lookout for upcoming features from Philly Sports Network:
- Tim goes in depth on how Earnie Stewart turn the Union around again.
- The entire team discusses what they would want from the Union as a holiday gift
Until then, peace out Union fans!
Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
