Vancouver Whitecaps FC release 2017 MLS schedule

The MLS Cup was handed out just over a month ago, but soccer season is just around the corner for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

An already short offseason will be even shorter for the ‘Caps, who will play their first game of consequence on February 22, a CONCACAF Champions League away match versus New York Red Bulls.

The second leg will go at BC Place on March 2, just three days before Vancouver’s MLS season-opener at home against Philadelphia Union.

Just like last season, the Whitecaps will end the regular season against rival Portland Timbers.

Vancouver’s 34-match MLS schedule features Seattle, Portland, and Colorado three times each, with the remaining Western Conference teams just twice. They’ll play Eastern Conference teams just once each.

The Whitecaps have a very difficult start to their schedule, with six of their first 10 games on the road, and home games against MLS Cup finalists Toronto (March 18) and Seattle (April 14). LA Galaxy also pays a visit to BC Place early in the season on April 1.

Other rivalry home games of note include Portland (July 23) and Seattle’s second visit (August 23). Also note July 5 when New York City FC comes to town with their star-studded lineup that features David Villa and Andrea Pirlo.

Here’s the full MLS schedule, with CONCACAF Champions League games in italics.