With all the unknowns surrounding Minnesota United FC ahead of its inaugural Major League Soccer season, at least one question mark disappeared Thursday.
The league announced its full regular season schedule for 2017 with seven weeks to spare until opening day when United, coincidentally, will make its debut. As previously announced, United travels to Portland to face the Timbers at 8:30 p.m. March 3, with the match broadcasted on FS1.
Also announced previously, United's home opener is the next weekend when the Loons take on fellow expansion side Atlanta United FC at 4 p.m. March 12 at TCF Bank Stadium, airing on ESPN2.
The rest of the schedule also boasts some exciting matchups, such as when the reigning MLS champion Seattle Sounders travel to TCF Bank Stadium for a primetime 7 p.m. showdown Aug. 5.
United will also play host to 2015 MLS Cup runner-up Columbus Crew SC at 7 p.m. on July 4. And the Loons will potentially foster a now-major league rivalry with former U.S. Open Cup opponent Sporting Kansas City, playing the team at 12:30 p.m. May 7 at home on FS1, 4 p.m. June 3 away on ESPN and 7 p.m. Oct. 7 also at TCF Bank Stadium.
That last match with Sporting will end United's home schedule, with the last match of the regular season on the road at San Jose Earthquakes at 3 p.m. Oct. 22.
United plays three of its first four games all in March on the road and has three of its final four regular season games also away late September through October. The Loons will play seven of eight games at home between June 21 and Aug. 5, featuring a five-game home-stand.
In addition to FS1 and ESPN2, TSN, ESPN, and TVA sports will also air some United games. Every match is also available on subscription service MLSLIVE.
Also of note: The league, for the first time, has not scheduled matches during the CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage July 7-17.
View the entire Loons' schedule here.
Megan Ryan: megan.ryan@startribune.com, 612-673-4037 and Twitter @theothermegryan.
