Well Philadelphia Union fans, finally we can start planning the games to go to and the dates to circle on our calendars because the schedule is finally out! That’s right, the full MLS schedule was released today, and with Chivas now gone and New York City FC and Orlando City SC entering the league, the schedule has some different faces on it.
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Teams are still playing 34 games throughout the season, but there are a few changes to the schedules this year, and a lot of it has to do with the new television deal beginning this year. There are a lot more Sunday games this year as well as Friday games. This is likely the direct result of the new television deal.
There are also two bigger changes to the schedule. The final day of the regular season will see all of the Eastern Conference games being played at 5 PM and all of the Western Conference games being played at 7 PM. This is a great decision and will really add to the excitement as we look to see who gets the final spots in the playoffs.
MLS Multiplex
Speaking of the playoffs, there is also a change to them. This year there will be 12 playoff teams, up from 10 last year. 6 will make it in each conference. This obviously increases the chances of making the playoffs for each team so it will be very interesting to watch down the stretch as each team fights for the last spot in the playoffs.
Now, for the Philadelphia Union schedule, we already know the opening game against the Colorado Rapids at PPL Park. There are a lot of exciting games to look forward to. The first thing that stands out is the home and away vs. New York City FC in a week. On April 11th, the Union host NYCFC, and then on April 16th the Union head up to Yankee Stadium to face NYCFC again.
Fans will have to wait until August 8th for Amobi Okugo’s first game facing the Union and all the way until the last game of the season on October 25th for Okugo to make his return to PPL Park. CJ Sapong has to wait much less until he returns to face his old club, Sporting Kansas City with the Union visiting Kansas City on April 5th.
These are just a few of the notable games on the calendar, but if you are a Union fan like me, you are excited for all 34 games and cannot wait until March 7th rolls around! You can view the entire Philadelphia Union schedule HERE.